To ask the Minister for the Economy whether her Department provides dedicated support or incentives for employers who take on apprentices with special educational needs.

In my Statement to the Assembly in June, I outlined proposed reforms which, subject to the necessary investment, will improve and expand my Department’s pathways and supports for school leavers with special educational needs (SEN). I am committed to making progress on this important issue, which is also reflected as a priority in the Programme for Government.

Securing funding for new and enhanced provision is crucial. My officials have led on the development of a collaborative bid to the Transformation Fund, in partnership with the Departments of Health, Communities, Education and Infrastructure. That Bid includes provision for the development of enhanced Transitions support and a SEN Apprenticeships Model. I have also ensured it is reflected in my Department’s Spending Review bids.

On the current apprenticeship model, an incentive payment is available for employers upon the successful achievement of a Level 2 or Level 3 apprenticeship framework. This payment ranges from £670 to £2,008 depending on the occupational area.

Whilst there are currently no additional dedicated payments specifically for employers taking on SEN apprentices, apprentices with a disability are supported.

Disability Support Suppliers are contracted by the Department to work in conjunction with training suppliers delivering the ApprenticeshipsNI Programme and, a disability supplement may be payable to the Training Contractor to provide additional resources in terms of training time, equipment, or support for the apprentice to benefit fully from training.

Similarly, disability support is made available to eligible participants to help them overcome the barriers that they may face when accessing the off the job training element of the Higher-Level Apprenticeship programme. Training Providers may submit a request on behalf of participants for support such as non-medical help, specialist equipment, other general support, or a combination of the above.

Additionally, apprentices with disabilities, including SEN, as employees are eligible for work-based support from the Department for Communities (DfC) where required, such as Access to Work funding for workplace adjustments. DfE also provides training support to address disability-related needs, ensuring employers receive the necessary resources to support these apprentices effectively.

Looking forward, my Apprenticeship Action Plan, published in August 2025, includes the Supported Apprenticeship pilot, which will be designed to maximise apprentices’ potential within employment, considering the range of factors that impact participation, employment and achievement.