The Department for Employment and Learning's 'Skillsafe' scheme has been created to assist Apprentices who have been placed on short-tme working as a result of the current economic downturn. The scheme was initially rolled out in the manufacturing engineering sector and has now been extended to include tradable services.
The purpose of the scheme is to fill the Apprentice's downtime with accredited training that will contribute towards their Apprenticeship. In addition to this, they wll receive a training allowance to help offset the reduction in their pay, brought about as a result of them being placed on short-time working.
The 'Skillsafe' scheme commenced on the 8 June 2009.
If you are an Apprentice within the manufacturing engineering sector or the tradable services sector and have been placed on a short-time working pattern, then the Department for Employment and Learning's (DEL) new arrangements can help you!
Having found yourself on a short-time working pattern, you will experience some downtime and DEL is now giving you the opportunity to use this time to your advantage. Provision has been made for you to undertake further training that will contribute towards your Apprenticeship.
In addition to the training, you will also be eligible to receive a training allowance to help offset the reduction in pay as a result of being placed on short-time working.
You need to speak with your employer who should then contact DEL and they can advise on the next steps.
Department for Employment and Learning
Education, learning and skills
