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High Competition Hinders Belfast Youth's Apprenticeship Dreams

9/23/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Ryan Beggs, 19, from Belfast, struggles to secure a bricklaying apprenticeship after two years of courses.
His mother, Helen Marks, urges the government to incentivize small employers to hire apprentices.
The Department for Economy reports a 40% rise in apprenticeship starts over five years, but competition remains high.
Workplus notes fewer than 10% of Northern Ireland employers hire apprentices.

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Story summary

Ryan Beggs, 19, from Belfast, struggles to secure a bricklaying apprenticeship after two years of courses.
His mother, Helen Marks, urges the government to incentivize small employers to hire apprentices.
The Department for Economy reports a 40% rise in apprenticeship starts over five years, but competition remains high.
Workplus notes fewer than 10% of Northern Ireland employers hire apprentices.