Stormont Employment Minister Sir Reg Empey has stepped in to help trade apprentices who could face redundancy as a consequence of the economic slowdown.

The Minister unveiled new contingency arrangements to MLAs yesterday, which will allow construction, engineering and the motor vehicle workers to complete professional and technical training, even if they have been made redundant.

Current economic challenges are beginning to have a detrimental effect on the ability of some employers in certain occupational sectors to keep on their apprentices.

Sir Reg said: "We need to ensure continuous professional and technical training, so that employers are in a better position to strike when the iron becomes hot again."

But the Minister had a warning for employers who do not continue to invest in staff training. He said: "When the upturn comes, those that have not kept up the training investment will be stuck at the starting gate while their competitors are well ahead, grabbing the opportunities that will be there for the taking."

The Minister said his department of Employment was engaging with the Alliance of Sector Skills Councils, to encourage alternative employers to take on any apprentices who have been made redundant.

Sir Reg said: "This is an opportunity for employers to stand up and be counted in this time of need. It is an opportunity for leading employers to demonstrate why they are leaders.

"It is also an opportunity for smaller employers to put their heads above the parapet and show both competitors and customers alike what sets them apart."

Sir Reg also indicated that his department will be prepared to contribute some conditional funding towards any additional wage costs.

For those apprentices who are 18 and over, but are unable to find an alternative employer with whom to finish training, the department is enabling apprentices, in the three main priority skills areas, to continue training under the department’s Steps to Work programme.

The Department of Employment is also making arrangements with Further Education Colleges, to allow the other elements of an Apprenticeship Framework to be completed.

For those apprentices under 18 years of age, training can be continued under the Pre-Apprenticeship component of Training for Success.

It is hoped that these arrangements will be in place by the beginning of December.

(PR/JM)