Economy Minister Dr has announced funding of
up to £600,000 for projects to increase access to
apprenticeships.
The Apprenticeship Inclusion Challenge Fund will provide funding
for six projects that will trial ways to remove barriers to
apprenticeships for women, people with disabilities and people
from disadvantaged areas.
The Minister said: “I am very pleased to announce funding for six
projects through the Apprenticeship Inclusion Challenge Fund.
“While we have more than 13,000 apprentices across the north,
women, people with disabilities and people from disadvantaged
backgrounds are underrepresented.
“I am committed to removing obstacles and making it much easier
for these groups of people to take up an apprenticeship.”
The Apprenticeship Inclusion Challenge Fund was opened for
applications in October 2024. Funding of up to £100,000 over 18
months will go to six successful applicant organisations from
across the business, community and education sectors.
Under the gender theme:
- #NotJustForBoys Pathways+ – Women's Tec
- Software for All – Workplus
Under the disability theme:
- Positive Transitions – St Paul's High School, Bessbrook
- Disability Apprenticeships Coleraine – Northern Regional
College
Under the place theme:
- Bridging Futures Programme – North West Regional College
- Overcome, Thrive and Develop Programme – MCare NI
The Minister added: “Each organisation receiving funding will
deliver pilot schemes that will test new and innovative ways to
boost access to apprenticeships.
“This collaborative, co-design approach across the education,
community and business sectors is crucial and I look forward to
following the progress of these projects over the next 18
months.”
Concluding, the Minster said: “Not only will these projects help
people to thrive and reach their full potential, but by
developing new pathways to apprenticeships they will also help
make our workforce more diverse and inclusive whilst increasing
the supply of skills to employers right across the north, in line
with my economic vision.”
More information on the Apprenticeship Inclusion Challenge Fund
is available at: www.economy-ni.gov.uk/articles/apprenticeship-inclusion-challenge-fund
Notes to editors:
The Apprenticeship Inclusion Challenge Fund was open for
applications from 30 October 2024 to 6 December 2024, with 25
applications received.
