AQW 53417/22-27

Ms Connie Egan
Alliance Party
North Down

Tabled Date: 30/09/2026
Answered On Date: 08/10/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for the Economy whether her Department has considered introducing a bulk buying scheme through colleges for tools needed to complete further education courses, to lower individual tool costs for apprentices.

Answer:

My Department has not formally assessed the introduction of a bulk buying scheme through colleges for tools needed to complete Further Education (FE) courses. Students undertaking apprenticeships in FE colleges and struggling to afford tools should engage with their individual college student support officers who can advise of relevant student support assistance available.