Priorities for apprenticeships in Northern Ireland: standards, promotion and the impact of policy

Delegates will examine the implementation of the apprenticeship levy - including the response to the levy from the Department for the Economy - its impact on employers, and the potential effect on apprenticeship provision in Northern Ireland, including on the delivery of the Securing our Success and Generating our Success strategies.

Those attending will assess the latest thinking in relation to the future of apprenticeship provision in Northern Ireland, the role of apprenticeships in meeting the aims of the industrial strategy - including in the promotion of higher level apprenticeships, and in developing the workforce in those industries targeted for growth by the Strategic Advisory Forum and skills barometer - and how to best promote apprenticeships as an attractive entry into employment for young people.

Further sessions will look at the priorities for raising standards in apprenticeships, including the role of inspectors, providers and learning institutions in promoting excellence in qualifications - including through enhanced collaboration - and the latest thinking on ensuring that qualifications are of high quality, are flexible and of relevance to the needs of young people and the wider economy.