The Minister was speaking as he visited the Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) Training Centre at Nutts Corner, to launch the new all age apprenticeship provision, ApprenticeshipsNI. Devised by the Department for Employment and Learning, this new provision will mean that from 1 September, anyone over the age of 16 will be able to embark on an apprenticeship programme. Previously, only people aged between 16 and 24 could avail of this opportunity.
Sir Reg said: “It is evident that by investing in our employees through the delivery of well structured and tailored training, we can realise a truly skilled workforce that will improve productivity, raise skills standards and improve the quality of customer service. Everyone reaps the benefits; employees, companies, and ultimately the wider economy. ApprenticeshipsNI will further enable employers to develop and enhance the skills of its workforce.”
This year NIE won a major award for its commitment to apprenticeship training, and after a tour of the training centre, the Minister encouraged all employers to consider apprenticeships. He said: “Employers undoubtedly have a vital role to play in encouraging and facilitating apprenticeships. I urge all employers, both large and small, to really make it their business this year to find out more about apprenticeships and how they can help their business grow, as well as raise the skills level of the Northern Ireland workforce.”
More information on apprenticeships can be found on the apprenticeships web pages or by calling the ApprenticeshipsNI Freephone helpline on Tel: 08000 854573.
Notes to Editors
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