Survey | Benefits and barriers to hiring apprentices

Businesses are encouraged to share their views on the benefits and challenges of digital apprenticeships.

Following on from the Digital Skills Action Plan that was launched in September 2024, the Department for the Economy (DfE) is carrying out a digital skills apprenticeships cost and benefit analysis.

Who should complete this survey?

It is important to hear from both companies that do and do not employ digital apprentices. DfE wants to know the benefits of employing apprentices, but also what could be different or better. 

Companies that do not employ apprentices, why not? What could be done to encourage and support you?

Complete the survey

This survey is your opportunity to highlight the benefits or barriers your business has encountered with apprenticeships, and help encourage greater participation in the future. The survey should take no longer than 10 minutes to complete. 

The deadline for survey responses is Friday 10 October 2025.

Complete the Digital Skills Apprenticeship Cost and Benefit survey.

Apprentice case study

Do you have any apprentices within your company willing to be interviewed, with the potential to be published as a case study on the benefits of being an apprentice? If so, please contact DfE at the following email address:

SkillsStrategy@economy-ni.gov.uk

You can also use this email address if you have any questions or queries.

First published 19 September 2025