The pilot of free education diplomas may lead to more free courses in future.
There has been an increase in the number of women studying for engineering degrees in NI.
The new recruits are among more than 1,000 people who applied for roles at the nationalised company.
Recent analysis showed the construction sector needs an extra 2,200 workers a year to meet demand.
Ministers want to tackle the high number of young people not in education, employment or training.
The programme was set up in partnership with the Isle of Wight's HTP Apprenticeship College.
The head of an agency that employs apprentices says it is becoming harder to find work for young people.
Suella Braverman also advised student's "not to get ripped off by the great university scam".
Apprentices split their time between training and working - and are paid by their employer.
