AQW 48488/22-27

Ms Connie Egan
Alliance Party
North Down

Tabled Date: 11/06/2026
Answered On Date: 30/06/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health for an update on (i) the pilot apprenticeship in diagnostic radiography; and (ii) the progression of any other apprenticeships across other allied health professions.

Answer:

The development of apprenticeship programmes in the HSC has been limited by the absence of funding by the Department of Economy for public sector apprenticeships.

To better understand the potential viability of apprenticeship programmes in the HSC, my Department commissioned and funded a pilot public sector apprenticeship in diagnostic radiography. This pilot, which is being delivered between HSC Trusts and the University of Derby, commenced in January 2026 and is due to run for eighteen months.

Five Assistant Radiographers, currently employed by HSC Trusts, are undertaking this programme with a view to acquiring the qualifications required to become registered diagnostic radiographers.

Any expansion of HSC apprenticeship programmes to other healthcare professions will be dependant upon the outcome of an evaluation of this pilot, which will be undertaken in late 2027. Further progression of HSC apprenticeships will also require development of a sustainable local funding model for public sector apprenticeships.