The Apprenticeship Challenge Fund has opened for applications.

Successful applicants could receive one-off awards of up to £50,000, with proposals with multiple partners or features potentially receiving up to £100,000.

Economy Minister Diane Dodds said: "I am determined to do all I can develop an effective skills pipeline to support the needs of both employers and our economy while, at the same time, providing valuable employment for our young people. That is why I am pleased to announce the opening of the Apprenticeship Challenge Fund today. It will support innovative approaches and new collaborations to increase apprenticeship opportunities in Northern Ireland."

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The challenge fund is designed to support increased participation in the Northern Ireland apprenticeship system. Each proposal will be assessed and awards will be made for potential new apprenticeship models and pathways.

The Department will use the evaluation of successful proposals to inform longer term approaches to support apprenticeships. It will also assist with the mitigation of the impact of Covid-19 on the skills pipeline.

The scheme opens for applications today and will close at 4pm on 23 October 2020.