The UUP has moved to defend its Executive Minister's apprenticeship policy, following criticism from the incoming Junior Minister Robin Newton.

Describing the attack on Employment Minister Sir Reg Empey as "spiteful", Ulster Unionist MLA David McClarty said Mr Newton should "be taking a more responsible attitude to the complexities of policy making".

"So, here we have him criticising Sir Reg for introducing programme-led apprenticeships, whereby, over the course of the next two to three years a large number of apprentices would spend a substantial part of each week in an FE college and some time placed with a public sector or voluntary sector employer.

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"One would have thought that Mr Newton would be glad that the Employment Minister was once again being quick to respond to the challenges posed by the current recession."

Mr McClarty acknowledged NIE, Bombardier and the Electrical Training Trust's concerns over the proposals, but insisted it is these firms which have made the majority of apprenticeship cutbacks.

"Does Mr Newton seriously suggest the DEL Minister should stand idly by whilst the recession eats away at our stock of training and skills?" asked Mr McClarty.

(PR/JM)