Extension to Apprenticeship Recovery Package

The Apprenticeship Recovery Package - which had been due to end on 31 March 2021 - channels financial support to local businesses to encourage the employment and retention of apprentices as a vital element in the rebuilding of the economy after the Covid-19 pandemic. However, continuing restrictions meant many employers were unable to take advantage of the support to date and so the scheme has been extended.

SERC’s Chief Training and Contracts Officer, William Greer, welcomed the news:“The extension of the Apprenticeship Recovery Package means that there will be more opportunities for young people to access the apprenticeship route to gain important skills and to join the next generation of professionals. In supporting employers to recruit, bring apprentices back from furlough and to retain them, the scheme offers reassurance to these young people after a year of uncertainty and disruption. South Eastern Regional College trains and supports around 1100 apprentices who choose SERC to gain their Apprenticeship qualifications and we partner with 750 employers to offer on-the-job and on campus training in subjects ranging from Accountancy to Childcare, from Catering to Plumbing, from Fire and Security Systems to Pharmacy Services. It is vital for the NI economic recovery that we develop a skilled workforce ready to meet the needs of employers.”

The Apprenticeship Recovery Package offers financial support for employers who take on and retain new apprentices from 01 April 2020, or who bring apprentices back to work after furlough. Full details of the scheme can be found at http://bit.ly/AppRecPackage