AQW 34008/22-27

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 21/10/2025
Answered On Date: 30/10/2025
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail the action her Department is taking to ensure that young people with special educational needs are not excluded from apprenticeship opportunities, due to difficulties in securing employer placements.

Answer:

In my Statement to the Assembly in June, I outlined my proposed reforms which, subject to the necessary investment, will improve and expand my Department’s pathways and supports for school leavers with special educational needs (SEN). I am committed to making progress on this important issue, which is also reflected as a priority in the Programme for Government.

Securing funding for new and enhanced provision is crucial. My officials have led on the development of a collaborative bid to the Transformation Fund, in partnership with the Departments of Health, Communities, Education and Infrastructure. That Bid includes provision for the development of enhanced Transitions support and a SEN Apprenticeships Model. I have also ensured it is reflected in my Department’s Spending Review bids.

Apprenticeships are built on the principle of employment first, meaning individuals are hired into substantive roles from the outset and gain skills through a combination of work-based learning and formal training.

However, we know employment rates for SEN leavers are too low. To address this, our Apprenticeship Action Plan, published in August 2025, includes the Supported Apprenticeship pilot, which will be designed to maximise apprentices’ potential within employment, considering the range of factors that impact participation, employment and achievement.

Additionally, the Apprenticeship Inclusion Challenge Fund, supports collaborative projects to design innovative practices for under-represented groups, including those with disabilities, to improve participation and address placement barriers. The fund has very intentionally brought together employers, educational institutions, voluntary and community organisations, and government to bring collective expertise to the table to create pathways to success and supportive environments that enable individuals to thrive and reach their full potential.

My Department has also worked closely with the Department for Communities on the development of the draft Disability and Work Strategy which is currently out for consultation. The Strategy includes several actions and commitments for which my Department has ownership under the theme of “Inclusive Skills, Careers, and Educational transitions”, aligning with efforts to enhance opportunities for all, including those with special educational needs.