AQW 27506/22-27

Ms Kate Nicholl
Alliance Party
South Belfast

Tabled Date: 21/05/2025
Answered On Date: 03/06/2025
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail the total number of 16 to 25 year-olds who have been supported into employment as a result of programmes offered by her Department, within the last 12 months.

Answer:

My Department does not have the policy remit for employment support – this is the responsibility of the Department for Communities. My Department is responsible for Vocational, Further and Higher Education and Skills policy, with the aim of equipping people to continue with their learning at higher levels or to move into employment.

While not an employment support programme, Assured Skills Academies provide pre-employment training courses for individuals aged 18 and over. The training is industry-recognised and on completion of the academy a job interview is guaranteed for existing vacancies with the participating companies. No Section 75 data is gathered by the Department at employment stage.

To enhance disability access to full time skills and education programmes, as part of the development of the new Skills for Life and Work 2025 programme a Public Consultation launched in July 2024 on the proposal to integrate additional disability support within the new programme from September 2025. The consultation was open for 13 weeks, closing on 18 October 2024. During the consultation period, discussions took place with stakeholders and engagement sessions with young disabled people who are currently on training programmes were facilitated by Stranmillis University College. The Procurement for an integrated disability support model was launched in May 2025.

In addition, My Department’s Careers Service offers impartial and personalised advice and guidance on an all-age basis, provided by professionally qualified Careers Advisers. This service is available to all, including those with a disability.