Is Funding different in Northern Ireland?

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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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Read more:

Apprenticeships: regional implications

Are apprenticeships different in Northern Ireland?

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