The NI Traineeship provides a high-quality vocational education and training programme those who aspire to work within a specific sector.

Full details of the programme is available below:

Traineeship 

This programme will prepare you for the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Applied Science or employment in Science-related areas such as hospital laboratories, forensics or horticulture. You will study the following units to develop your interest and understanding of Science:

• Chemistry and our earth
• Energy and our universe
• Biology and our environment
• Applications of chemical substances
• Applications of physical sciences
• Using mathematical tools in science
• Investigating a crime scene
• Chemical analysis and detection
• Exploring our universe
• Health applications of life science

Two further units (Principles of Science and Applications of Science) are assessed through short external examinations.

If you are accepted onto this course without a Grade C or above in each of Maths and/or English and ICT you will be required to complete the relevant Essential Skills qualification. This will be a compulsory part of your timetable.

On completion of the Traineeship, you can progress to a Level 3 further education course or a Level 2 or 3 Apprenticeship (possibly with your work placement employer).  This can lead you to Higher Education options.

You must:

• Be at least 16 years of age on or before 1 July in the year of proposed entry to the course.
• Have a minimum of a Level 1 qualification defined as 4 GCSEs at grades D-G including Maths and English grades D-F or equivalent. However, most areas will require higher grades in Maths and English.  See our Traineeship page for specific grades for each vocational area.
• Attend an information session.