It is acknowledged that the present economic situation has made it increasingly difficult for would-be apprentices to find paid-for employment whilst completing their training. The Programme-Led Apprenticeships (PLA) initiative is an intervention measure during these times. It began on 7 September 2009.
PLA will give 16 and 17 year old school leavers (and up to aged 24 years for those requiring additional support) the opportunity to gain a full apprenticeship qualification in a chosen skill area. They will access this through a combination of simulated off - the - job training and time spent with an employer on a work placement, of one day per week.
The PLA provision will run parallel to the ‘employer-led’ ApprenticeshipsNI programme.
Training will be delivered against the existing apprenticeship frameworks. This will ensure consistency and transferability between apprenticeship provisions. Apprentices participating on the PLA provision will be unemployed and will therefore qualify for a ‘Non-Means Tested Educational Maintenance Allowance’ (EMA). They would also qualify for payment of travel, childcare and/or lodging allowance where applicable. EMA Non-Means tested is payable up to age 20 years.
Education, learning and skills
