SERC welcomes the news of funding to support apprenticeships

South Eastern Regional College (SERC) has welcomed the announcement, by the Economy Minister Diane Dodds, that a substantial part of Covid recovery funding in Northern Ireland will be used to encourage apprenticeships.

The Minister said: “My department is developing an apprenticeship recovery package which will be bespoke to the needs of our local economy and will help to ensure that our apprenticeship system bounces back from the devastating impact of the COVID-19 crisis. I am delighted that my Executive colleagues have backed this through the allocation of funding”

It has been revealed that £17.2m will be used by the Department for the Economy to encourage employers to retain and recruit apprentices 

Ken Webb, Principal and CEO of SERC, says the Minister’s announcement is good news for students and employers: “We are delighted to see the important role  apprenticeships and training can play in rebuilding the economy recognised and promoted through this funding.  As a College, we support more than 1700 apprentices each year to develop the skills employers need, improving the prospects of young people and contributing to NI growth.  It is very pleasing that the apprenticeship route to work will be expanded to allow a greater range of learners to benefit from the combination of experience and training which is offered by apprenticeships, and which lays a fantastic foundation for the future.”

SERC is currently enrolling for more than 100 apprenticeship courses at Level 2, Level 3 and Higher Level in areas including engineering, construction, health and social care, beauty, financial services, hospitality and computing.

Queries can be directed to our Apprenticeship Development Managers at Apprenticeships@serc.ac.uk

You can read more about the Minister’s statement here: https://www.economy-ni.gov.uk/news/dodds-welcomes-funding-apprenticeships-and-further-education