Economy Minister Gordon Lyons has announced that plans are underway for the introduction of All Age Apprenticeships in 2023

ETT is pleased to share the news that plans are underway with the Department for the Economy NI (DfE) to introduce all age apprenticeships. Economy Minister Gordon Lyons last week announced that work to extend funding support to apprenticeships for those of all ages across all sectors is well progressed with plans for introduction in early 2023.

What does this mean for NI Electrical Contractors?

This means that the DfE will fully fund the off the job training element of an apprenticeship under the Level 3 Apprenticeship programme regardless of age or sector, thus removing current age eligibility requirements.

Currently, funding is only available for those 16 – 24 year olds who want to complete a Level 3 Electrical Installation apprenticeship. The issue of widening access to apprenticeships and, in particular, the introduction of All Age Apprenticeships has been a subject of real importance to many sectors across Northern Ireland.

Currently, one of the biggest challenges facing employers in our industry is finding and keeping the right calibre of people. Investing in apprenticeship recruitment is key to future prosperity and business growth for many employers.

Removing age barriers and widening access to apprenticeships is welcome news not only for our sector but the wider NI economy and business community.  We will share further details regarding all age apprenticeship funding when more information becomes available from DfE.

Read more on the announcement here https://www.economy-ni.gov.uk/news/lyons-announces-plans-progress-all-age-apprenticeships