JobStart: Apprenticeship Pathway

About the apprenticeship pathway

The JobStart Apprenticeship Pathway programme allows participants to develop the skills and gain the qualifications needed to have a successful, well-paid career.

No qualification or prior experience are needed. If you are receiving a working-age benefit and need support to enter or re-enter the labour market, the JobStart Apprenticeship Pathway provides tailored, flexible, paid job opportunities leading to a paid apprenticeship where you can get the qualifications you need to kick-start a career, at no cost to you.

What is involved in the JobStart Apprenticeship Pathway programme?

You will:

• attend information sessions and undertake any checks and screening needed to ensure it is a good match for you.
• meet with your JBO (Job centre) Work Coach to check suitability and eligibility.
• be offered a place on an Employment Academy where you will meet prospective employers and learn employability skills you need such as interview techniques, as well as any initial job-specific training, if selected.
• get training support throughout, if needed.

Upon successful completion of the Employment Academy, you will be offered an interview with an employer(s) and if you pass the interview you can begin a paid ‘trainee role’ with an employer for six to nine months through the JobStart programme.

Upon successful completion of six to nine months you may be offered a paid apprenticeship with your employer with a bespoke training plan.

Who can take part?

To be eligible to apply for the JobStart Apprenticeship Programme you must:

• be between 16 and 65 years old, claiming a working age benefit.
• be eligible to work in Northern Ireland and a resident of Belfast.
• attend information sessions, interviews or an aptitude test where required.
• be committed to completing the paid six to nine months JobStart programme.
• be committed to continuing with your employment after this as a paid Apprentice.

Your eligibility and suitability will be checked by a Work Coach at your local Jobs and Benefits office.

When does the JobStart Apprenticeship begin?

The Belfast Employment Academy will begin in February 2026 and should last for no more than a week or two. You can be provided with the support you need to attend the academy, including travel, subsistence and childcare.

The paid work placement through JobStart will begin before the end of February 2026 where you can gain the skills and qualifications needed to become an Apprentice. 

The Apprenticeship will begin as soon as the JobStart paid placement ends, meaning that you can continue with your employment if you have successfully completed this. The training will then be based around the qualification you need to become a skilled and qualified employee in your chosen career.

How much you will get paid?

During the JobStart scheme you will receive at least the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage, for a maximum of 25 hours per week. Your employer may choose to offer you additional hours at their own expense.

Register your interest

To register your interest for the JobStart Apprenticeship Pathway, email [email protected].

For more information, you can also email [email protected] or come along to our information day where you can speak to an advisor, on Wednesday 28 January 2026 in 2 Royal Avenue, Belfast.

Information for employers

Build your future workforce with a fully funded Apprenticeship Pathway.

Employers will receive 100 per cent government funding for National Minimum Wage (up to 25 hours per week), National Insurance and pension contributions, along with help developing your employee's skills so that they are ‘apprenticeship ready’.

Take this opportunity to 

• access funded staff,
• gain motivated employees,
• access a grant of up to £1,000 and
• develop talent within your business.

The programme is open to employers in Construction, Technology, Business Administration or Manufacturing, the JobStart Apprenticeship Pathway programme offers the opportunity to strengthen your workforce from ground level. 

To register as an employer your interest for the JobStart Apprenticeship Pathway, email [email protected].