Invest Northern Ireland has welcomed the launch of the Assembly government’s new Securing our Success strategy for apprenticeships.

Alastair Hamilton (pictured), chief executive of Invest NI, said: “The availability of appropriately skilled staff is an increasingly important factor in driving the growth of our local business base — and a key attractor for overseas investors.

“I am delighted that the announcement includes a range of exciting initiatives through which we can build on our success to date and raise the overall skills level in Northern Ireland. In particular, the new strategic advisory forum and sectoral partnerships will put employers at the core of ensuring that the provision and content of apprenticeships meets their needs.

“Making apprenticeships more accessible and attractive to smaller companies and encouraging more of our young people to undertake apprenticeships — notably in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics areas — will ensure that we continue to produce a skilled
and flexible workforce, aligned to the needs of employers.”