£600,000 Fund To Boost Apprenticeship Access

Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has announced funding of up to £600,000 for six projects designed to increase access to apprenticeships for women, people with disabilities, and individuals from disadvantaged areas.

The Apprenticeship Inclusion Challenge Fund will support these projects as they trial innovative methods to overcome existing barriers.

Minister Archibald stated: "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 fund, which opened for applications in October 2024, will provide up to £100,000 in funding over 18 months to each of the six successful applicant organisations, representing the business, community, and education sectors.

The funded projects under each theme are:

Gender:

• #NotJustForBoys Pathways+ – Women’s Tec

• Software for All – Workplus

Disability: • Positive Transitions – St Paul’s High School, Bessbrook

• Disability Apprenticeships Coleraine – Northern Regional College

Place:

• Bridging Futures Programme – North West Regional College

• Overcome, Thrive and Develop Programme – MCare NI

Minister Archibald highlighted the pilot nature of these schemes: "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 Minister emphasised the broader benefits of the initiative: "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."

Further details on the Apprenticeship Inclusion Challenge Fund are available on the Department for the Economy (DfE) website.