Northern Ireland Executive

08/11/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/11/2025 01:32

Apprenticeship plan will help boost our economy - Archibald

Apprenticeship plan will help boost our economy - Archibald

Topics:
  • Employment programmes

Date published: 11 August 2025

Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has launched an ambitious Apprenticeship Action Plan, setting out a focused vision to enhance skills development and employment opportunities across Northern Ireland.

Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald pictured with Wallace McFall, Franchise Aftersales Manager, Charles Hurst, childcare apprentice Caitlin Keenan, hairdressing apprentice Cora Petticrew, and light vehicle repair apprentice John Martin.

The plan, developed by the Department for the Economy, outlines a series of practical measures to improve, grow, and make the apprenticeship system more inclusive, ensuring it meets the needs of both employers and individuals of all ages.

Minister Archibald said: "Apprenticeships enable people to gain real skills, earn while they learn, and step into great careers. They also empower our businesses by building a talented skills pipeline to drive economic growth.

"Apprenticeship numbers continue to rise at all levels - and this Action Plan is about going even further.

"Through the actions in this plan we are deepening our partnerships with businesses, colleges and training providers, and communities to support growth, drive innovation, and boost our economy."

The Action Plan builds on the Department for the Economy's investment of over £48 million annually in apprenticeship training. It introduces measures to engage more businesses, particularly SMEs and the public sector, while exploring innovative approaches to drive higher participation from under-represented groups, including women, people with disabilities, and those from disadvantaged areas.

The Plan also includes North-South collaboration to support the all-island economy by March 2027, alongside research to evaluate apprenticeship effectiveness and quantify their economic impact.

A copy of the plan is available on the DfE website.

Notes to editors:

1. PHOTO CAPTION: Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald is pictured launching the Apprenticeship Action Plan at Workforce Training Services, Belfast. Also pictured are Wallace McFall - Franchise Aftersales Manager, Charles Hurst, childcare apprentice Caitlin Keenan, hairdressing apprentice Cora Petticrew, and light vehicle repair apprentice John Martin.

2. The Apprenticeship Action Plan focuses on three core ambitions - Improve, Grow, and Include - with key deliverables to:

  • Enhance the quality and flexibility of apprenticeship programs through a strategic review of Apprenticeship25 and HLA25.
  • Expand participation by piloting Apprenticeship Navigators and shared apprenticeship models to support SMEs and project-based industries.
  • Promote inclusivity through the Apprenticeship Inclusion Challenge Fund, and a Supported Apprenticeship pilot for learners with special educational needs.
  • Strengthen sectoral partnerships to design modern, economically relevant apprenticeship frameworks, embedding skills such as Green Skills.
  • Improve communication through a new advertising campaign and enhanced guidance for school leavers and employers.

3. For media enquiries contact the Department for the Economy Press Office at [email protected]

4. To keep up to date with news from the Department for the Economy you can follow us on the following social media channels:

  • X - @Economy_NI
  • Facebook - @DeptEconomyNI
  • Instagram - economy_ni
  • LinkedIn - Department for the Economy NI

5. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.

Northern Ireland Executive published this content on August 11, 2025, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on August 11, 2025 at 07:32 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]