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<p>We want Northern Ireland not only to recover, but to prosper, and - to do that
- Northern Ireland needs a skilled and productive workforce. This Government recognises,
and I know my hon Friend is a champion of the huge benefit of, apprenticeships in
helping young people into employment and employers to invest in skills. I have been
struck on my visits to Northern Ireland businesses how many already value apprenticeships
as a means to recruit and foster new talent.</p><p> </p><p>Apprenticeships are devolved
in Northern Ireland and I welcome the steps that the Executive have taken through
the Apprenticeship Recovery Package to help the apprenticeship system respond to the
impact of the pandemic. I look forward to seeing how they will build on this as they
work to maximise the potential of apprenticeships in Northern Ireland.</p><p> </p>
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