The industry's employers across the province joined with Energy & Utility Skills to design the scheme.
Apprentices on the course will be able to study extra modules in plumbing, electricity and residential renewable energy.
Speaking at the launch of the apprenticeship scheme Empey said: "I would encourage employers, both large and small, to employ apprentices from the outset. I am confident that employers here today are going to reap the benefits of this new apprenticeship.
"With further employer engagement and quality training apprentices will be an investment who can be developed to become potential leaders and managers of the future within the gas industry."
Peter Dixon, group chief executive of Phoenix Natural Gas, was "instrumental" in the design of the apprenticeship. He added: "An apprenticeship is the start of a path that can lead you anywhere you want to go. [It] teaches you a multitude of skills you can never lose. Not everyone can be a chief executive, but a chief executive can come from anywhere."
Northern Ireland gas industry to benefit from apprenticeship scheme
Minister for employment and learning Sir Reg Empey has launched a technical engineering apprenticeship for Northern Irelands gas industry.
