National Apprenticeship Programme

The National Apprenticeship Programme

As part of the mandate to prepare and protect Caymanians so they can partake in the economic opportunities that exist in, and are to be attracted to, the Cayman Islands, the Workforce Opportunities & Residency Cayman (WORC) seeks to develop local capacity to meet the anticipated future workforce requirements of these Islands.

The National Apprenticeship Programme provides apprenticeship opportunities to connect Caymanians to long-term, structured, on-the-job practical experience. These opportunities focus on developing their skills and competencies in various occupations/industries.

This can be a public, private or academic partnership committed to strengthening and fostering relationships between Caymanian talent and local businesses through apprenticeships that will assist in future job opportunities and industry certifications.

The National Apprenticeship Programme partners with the private/public sectors. The apprenticeships allow the Cayman Islands Government to address the issues of unemployment and underemployment head-on by facilitating a meaningful engagement between employers and unemployed and underemployed Caymanians.

Caymanians interested in the National Apprenticeship Programme should contact us by calling 945-9672 or email worc.training@gov.ky.

How Does An Apprenticeship Programme Operate?

Industry Partners are supported through the apprenticeship collaboration by the WORC TVET Programme Coordinator to ensure the match has the best chance of success.

The period of apprenticeship may vary from one (1) to three (3) years, depending upon the trade/industry. Apprentices usually start at a percentage of the skilled worker's wage and receive increases at pre-determined intervals.

WORC will provide individual support for the apprentice whom the Industry Partner employs. This support will include interim evaluations to identify skill gaps and provide additional training in areas identified for improvement. Employee evaluations will be at the one-month, three-month, and six-month mark.

Apprentices attending classes of related technical instruction may do so on the job or through a registered training provider. This instruction is geared at supplementing the training on the job and seeks to give apprentices a comprehensive understanding of the theoretical aspects of their work. Related instruction is one of the fundamental apprenticeship features and has been developed and accepted as standard practice in every trade/industry. Upon successful completion of trade or industry-required training, the apprentices are issued their respective certificates by the approved accredited organisation through which the training was delivered.

Apprentices learn the theories of their trade through various delivery modes (online, in-person, or mixed method). Each day on the job, they learn its practice under the supervision of skilled professionals. Instruction in using the tools of the trade is also given to apprentices early in their training.

Each apprentice must sign a joint agreement with WORC and the Industry Partner.

Is An Apprenticeship Right For Me?

If any of the following apply to you, then an apprenticeship opportunity could be just what you are looking for:
  • Caymanian 
  • Unemployed/Underemployed/Student
  • Be a minimum of 17 years of age
  • Looking for career direction and guidance
  • Actively interested in gaining hands-on experience
  • Looking to earn a wage/salary while you learn on the job
  • Willing to show commitment and dedication

Benefits For An Apprentice Include:

  • Apprentices participating in an apprenticeship programme are typically more engaged in learning and develop a better work ethic and skills and abilities
  • Improved skills and competencies that meet the specific needs of the Industry Partner
  • Incremental wage increases as the apprentice's skills improve
  • On-the-job training and occupation-focused education
  • Career advancement
  • Industry-issued, globally recognised certification

How Do I Apply?

To apply for an apprenticeship opportunity, please download the application form here. 

You can submit it in one of two ways:
  1. Fill the form in and email it to worc.training@gov.ky
  2. Print the form and drop it off at WORC, 87 Mary Street, George Town, Apollo House West

For assistance with filling in the form or more information, please contact:
Email: worc.training@gov.ky
Phone: 345 945 9672

Please return printed forms in person to:
Workforce Opportunities & Residency Cayman
87 Mary Street, George Town
1st Floor, Apollo House West

Benefits For An Employer Include:

  • Apprentices may bring current technology and ideas from the classroom to the workplace, thereby increasing an organisation’s intellectual capital
  • Customised training that results in highly skilled employees trained to industry/employer specifications
  • Increased productivity and knowledge transfer due to on-the-job learning from an assigned mentor combined with related technical instruction
  • Emphasis on safety training that may reduce workers' compensation costs
  • A stable and predictable pipeline for the development of qualified workers
  • Recognition of the training programme
  • A systematic approach to training that ensures that employees are trained and certified to produce at the highest skill levels required for that occupation/trade/industry
  • The ability to conduct a job-ready assessment of where the employer and employee are in terms of the continuous improvement process
  • A proven training model that allows employers to set the benchmark and the structure that can determine the return on investment in training dollars
 

Industry Partner Salary Subsidy

A subsidy is available to assist employers who require financial assistance to participate in the National Apprenticeship Programme for a maximum of six (6) months. If accessed, this subsidy can offset the costs related to wages, health insurance premiums and pension contributions.

Employers are responsible for determining the wage/salary and benefits offered to the apprentice they hire. Employers may identify industry-specific, globally recognised training opportunities for apprentices to be better equipped in their respective fields.
 

To Get Involved With The National Apprenticeship Programme

Employers interested in offering apprenticeship opportunities should contact us by calling 945-9672 or email worc.training@gov.ky.

Grand Cayman

Apollo House West,
87 Mary Street,
George Town, Grand Cayman

Telephone

+1 (345) 945-9672
+1 (800) 534-9672 (TOLL FREE)

Email

WORC@gov.ky

Cayman Brac

District Administration Building,
19 Kirkconnell Street,
Stake Bay, Cayman Brac

Telephone

+1 (345) 948-2222