Following the announcement of significant investment in apprenticeships by the Department of the Economy, FSB NI Head of External Affairs, Roger Pollen, has welcomed the measures put in place, though outlined the need for further, continued investment by the Executive on skills.
Commenting, Roger Pollen said:
“These schemes, while overdue, are very welcome and will play a significant role to incentivise businesses to bring on new apprentices, whilst also retaining apprentices who have been furloughed due to the unique situation regarding Covid-19.
“While the Minister should be commended for taking these steps, we are aware that this funding will only take us to the end of the current financial year, so we need to see a clear, funded economic strategy put in place which provides direction for the medium and longer term.
“The Kickstart programme brought forward by the UK Government to provide work placements for those deemed at risk of long-term unemployment only applies to Great Britain. We need to see a similar scheme introduced here which is accessible for small businesses. A future scheme for Northern Ireland should enable people who find themselves out of work to develop new skills, without the current prohibitive age limit which is placed on those who can participate.
“Properly investing in skills and apprenticeships now will ensure that Northern Ireland is well placed to maximise the opportunities provided by the economic recovery in the future.”