Ken Webb, Chair of the Further Education Colleges Principals’ Group
The Principals of the Further Education Colleges in Northern Ireland have warmly welcomed the announcement by Economy Minister Diane Dodds MLA of an apprenticeship recovery package.
Employers will be offered £3,700 for every apprentice that they bring back from furlough and retain until they have completed their apprenticeship.
Ken Webb, Chairperson of the Further Education Colleges Principals’ Group, said:
“We welcome the initiatives announced by Minister Dodds and believe that these will be vital in maintaining and growing apprenticeships across Northern Ireland.
“What we have been hearing from employers is that they are still committed to apprenticeships but need more financial support to take this forward. These new initiatives will enable employers to put in place plans for the future, including committing to the recruitment of new apprentices and ensuring Northern Ireland’s skills needs are met. All of the further education colleges are committed to working alongside employers to create fulfilling opportunities for apprentices.
“We know that having a skilled workforce will be necessary in driving forward Northern Ireland’s economic recovery and it is really encouraging to see the Economy Minister and Executive invest heavily in apprenticeships.”
Professor Terri Scott, Training lead within the Further Education Colleges Principals’ Group added:
“Over the past number of weeks, we have been engaging with anxious employers who despite being committed to apprenticeships, were concerned about having the funds to support the much needed investment in skills. This announcement along with the endorsement of the vital role apprenticeships play, will give employers confidence to plan for the future by retaining current apprentices and recruiting new starts.
“We would encourage all employers to get in contact with their local FE College today to find out more about the wide range of rewarding opportunities on offer through Higher Level Apprenticeships and the ApprenticeshipsNI programme. All colleges are working closely with employers to assist them in recruiting new apprentices while also ensuring that those who have been furloughed have the opportunity to complete their training and qualifications.”