Is Funding different in Northern Ireland?
- Regional Implications
- Last updated 10 Jan 2020
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In Northern Ireland, an incentive payment is available for employers whose employees successfully complete the Apprenticeships programme.
For those apprentices aged under 25 years, the full costs of the 'off-the-job' training for the duration of the apprenticeship will be paid.
In Northern Ireland, 50% of funding will be paid in respect of those aged 25 years and over for the duration of their apprenticeship in certain areas.
Sectors eligible for funding
- Creative industries
- Life and health sciences
- Advanced engineering
- Advanced manufacturing
- Food and drink manufacturing
- Financial services
- Business services (specifically ICT)
Government plans
The 2014/15 budget allocation for the existing apprenticeship programme, ApprenticeshipsNI, is £18.8 million. The NI Government will seek to maintain this level of funding moving forward.
It will also continue to fund apprenticeships from its programme funds and is proposing to allocate 40% of its expected European Social Fund allocation for 2014-2020 for “Investing in Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning” (approximately €82 million), for apprenticeships and youth training.
Total funding of apprenticeship and youth training is projected to be in the region of €205 million for the period, with the NI Government providing the remaining 60% funding.
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