Adult Apprenticeship Funding Memo
by Derek Thompson on 06 August 2012
You will be aware that in September 2011 the Minister, Dr Stephen Farry MLA, asked for a review of the future provision and funding arrangements for adult training and adult apprenticeships to ensure that resources are targeted more effectively on the priority skill needs of the local economy and the specific training needs of adults are addressed. In particular, he wanted to establish a fair and proportionate balance in contributions to adult training by Government, employers and the individual.
The purpose of this memo is to inform you of the Minister’s review outcome on the new funding arrangements for adult (25+) apprentices.
The existing support for adult apprenticeships will continue in the economically important sectors needed to rebalance the economy. These are: business services (specifically ICT); financial services; food and drink manufacturing; advanced manufacturing; advanced engineering; and the emerging sectors of life and health sciences and the creative industries.
This will ensure support is targeted at meeting the skills needs of high value/high paid jobs in sectors with the potential to expand, to innovate and to export.
Support for adult apprenticeships in other sectors will cease from the date below. Those already on adult apprenticeships in these areas will of course be funded until completion of their current level of ApprenticeshipsNI Framework.
Apprenticeship funding for the youth cohort (aged 16-24) remains unchanged.
These changes will come into effect on the 27 August 2012.
It is anticipated that TMS functionality will be available to support the proposed changes, however, in the event that it is not ready from the implementation date of 27 August 2012, contingency arrangements will be put in place. A further memo will issue when full details are available.
31 July 2012
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