To ask the Minister for the Economy whether she is considering a lifetime skills guarantee, similar to that announced in England.

I am aware of the announcement made by the Prime Minister to establish a ‘Lifetime Skills Guarantee’ in England. This provides those without a Level 3 qualification with the opportunity to secure the skills they need, no matter where they are in their career. This commitment has been matched with an investment of £2.5 Billion by the Chancellor, however we must await the outcome of the Budget process in Northern Ireland before committing to any new skills initiatives.

My Department has been following the plans in England closely as we develop our new Skills Strategy. Indeed, many of the interventions planned to deliver the skills guarantee in England are already in place or being developed here.

My Department has been designing an initial range of skills proposals, which are currently under consideration, however these cannot be advanced without a significant increase in funding for skills. I have submitted a bid for £50m as part of the current Budget process.