To ask the Minister for the Economy whether she will expand the support available for hospitality and catering apprenticeships for those over the age of 25.

As part of my Department’s response to COVID-19 I have been giving ongoing consideration to removing age-related funding criteria on the ApprenticeshipsNI programme.

I recognise that removal of this criteria would improve access to apprenticeships, thus providing reskilling opportunities and pathways to employment and life-long learning for all. However, it is important that any Departmental proposals do not disadvantage young people, as analysis of previous recessions demonstrates that young people, and in particular school leavers, are disproportionately impacted during times of recession.

It is also imperative that any changes relating to the introduction of all-age apprenticeships are carefully considered and monitored to help ensure that proposals will lead to additional apprenticeship opportunities rather than displacing young people.

I do, however believe that consideration of age related eligibility requirements is critical and will have a key role to play in improving skills, supporting employment, and economic recovery. I have therefore instructed my officials to continue to develop this proposal, including assessing how implementation should be monitored to prevent a negative impact on youth unemployment, with a view to introducing all-age apprenticeships at the earliest opportunity, subject of course to funding considerations. Higher Level Apprenticeships, including funding, are already available for applicants of all ages who meet the qualifying criteria.