Apprenticeships: ‘How to’ Workshop for HR Professionals

Currently only 17% of employers offer apprenticeships, and yet the demand is growing.

As part of Northern Ireland Apprenticeship Week 2026, Workplus has partnered with HR specialist Joanne Lennox to offer a free workshop designed to inform and better equip HR professionals on apprenticeships.

Apprentices are a great way to grow a team and a valuable talent stream, but many employers don’t know where to start.

This workshop is ideal for employers who haven’t yet engaged in the apprenticeship system or for those already taking on apprentices but would like to hear more about best practice.

It has been designed to be full of practical tips, ideas and advice including:

• Why engage in apprenticeships?
• Growing an apprenticeship culture in your organisation
• Recruiting hints and tips
• Onboarding, mentoring and helping your apprentice thrive
• Measuring Return on Investment
• Opportunity for Q&As

About Joanne Lennox

Joanne Lennox the founder of JLC Solutions, a consultancy dedicated to unlocking organisational potential through people. With 27+years in HR, L&D, and OD, Joanne partners with SMEs to deliver practical, results-driven solutions that build capability, culture, and confidence.
Joanne has extensive experience in growing early talent and implementing best practice around early talent recruitment and retention.

About Workplus

Workplus helps employers to raise their profile with schools and parents, build better talent pathways and grow early talent.

Workplus has developed bespoke software that simplifies apprentice recruitment, offering a coordinated, straightforward ‘one-stop-shop’ approach for both employer and applicant. Since 2019, Workplus has enabled over 100 employers to recruit apprentices across the sectors including engineering, tech, construction, and business services. With a 95% retention rate, it offers a compelling route to building loyal, skilled teams from the ground up.

Workplus is currently delivering Software for All, in partnership with Software NI and funded by the Department for the Economy, designed to grow the number of female software, cyber and fintech apprentices.

Throughout the year, Workplus works with 50+ schools and community groups, promoting employers and their people, to inform pupils about careers and pathways. It has recently embarked on a Career Hub project, designed to better inform pupils online by profiling employers, jobs, sectors and pathways.

Workplus has also worked with Councils on coordinated work experience and internship projects. Its work experience project, run in partnership with Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council, was shortlisted in the UK-wide APSE awards for best public/private partnership.