To ask the Minister for the Economy what action she is taking to ensure that apprenticeships continue to promote a high level of engagement in learning, despite a lower level of on-site training due to COVID-19 restrictions.

My Department has responded quickly and decisively in response to the Covid-19 crisis: putting in place supplier relief measures to ensure the continued viability of our skills infrastructure; developing alternative assessment measures for vocational qualifications; providing guidance on learner support; and, supporting apprentices, under the age of 18, who lost their jobs to continue their training on the Training for Success programme.

Working collaboratively with partners and stakeholders, an Apprenticeship and Youth Training Recovery Package has been developed. This support package is underpinned by four key strategic priorities: minimising apprenticeship job losses; maintaining and growing the supply of apprenticeship opportunities; supporting apprentices who have been displaced; and, growing capacity in the youth training system. In order to help support employers’ engagement with the

apprenticeship system and the vital on the job training this provides, financial incentives have been made available to recruit new apprentices, including those previously made redundant, and also to return and retain furloughed apprentices through to successful completion of their apprenticeship.

My Department has provided advice and guidance to all ApprenticeshipsNI contractors - outlining COVID-19 contingency arrangements. With effect from the 1st November apprenticeship training is continuing for all apprentices (unless an apprentice is furloughed and has no agreement with their employer to continue training at this time).

A Digital Hardship fund was also established to support access to on-line learning for disadvantaged learners - with equipment and internet connectivity being prioritised for those in most need and including internet connectivity where required.

The Departments Quality Improvement Team commenced a Peer Support Initiative in 2019, where high performing training contractors are invited to provide peer support to training contractors that face challenges in aspects of the quality of delivery. This initiative is well placed to support providers as they continue to engage with learners in the current environment.

The review of private training contractors’ and colleges’ Quality Improvement Plans has maintained a strong focus on the quality of delivery - closely linked to supporting the health and well-being of all learners. Support with this process has been provided by the Education and Training Inspectorate. The resulting Quality Improvement Plans will provide further information as to themes that will require additional support in the future.