Minister moves to aid apprentices

Empey moves to help apprentices

The minister said training had to continue despite the economic climate

The employment minister has announced new measures to support apprentices on training schemes who have been made redundant during the economic downturn.

Sir Reg Empey said he wanted to ensure training was not cut during the downturn.

"We need to ensure continuous professional and technical training," he said.

"So that employers are in a better position to strike when the iron becomes hot again."

Speaking in the assembly, the minister said apprentices working in the construction, engineering and the motor vehicle industries would be able to complete professional and technical training, even if they had been made redundant.

The Alliance of Sector Skills Councils and other relevant employer bodies have been asked to encourage employers to take on any apprentices who have been made redundant.

Sir Reg also indicated that his department would be prepared to contribute some conditional funding towards any additional wage costs.

For those apprentices who are 18 and over, but are unable to find an alternative employer with whom to finish training, the department is enabling apprentices to continue training under the Steps to Work programme.

For those apprentices under 18 years of age, training can be continued under the pre-apprenticeship component of Training for Success.

The minister hopes the arrangements will be in place by the beginning of December.