Ulster Unionist MLA Sandra Overend has called for the creation of more apprenticeships for young people in Northern Ireland, given that the percentage of young people currently unemployed in Northern Ireland stands at 17.9% - the highest in the UK.

Speaking about the Ulster Unionist Party’s plans to tackle youth unemployment, the Mid-Ulster MLA, who is also the Party's Economy spokesperson, said:

“It is important that the growing problem of youth unemployment is addressed as soon as possible here in Northern Ireland. Figures show that youth unemployment has risen 155% since 2008, and this trend needs to be reversed. It is vital we address the issue of NEETS (Young people who are Not in Education, Employment or Training) and strive to reengage with those who are currently classified as NEETS.

It is imperative that there is a proper debate and discussion on this growing problem and that we take decisive action to get young people back in work. Apprenticeships, along with Training, Internships, Public Work Schemes and Volunteering are part of the Ulster Unionists Party’s plans to give young people the skills that will help them secure jobs.

The Northern Ireland Survey of the Federation of Small Businesses in 2011 found that only 4% of these small businesses currently employ an apprentice through Apprenticeships NI, but would take on more apprentices if they were offered a wage subsidy; an upfront incentive payment; help with administration and human resources management; and the facility to share the apprentice with another business.

It is the Ulster Unionist Party who have called for the additional £26.5 million that Northern Ireland receives from the Coalition Government’s ‘Youth Contract’ initiative, over the period of 2012-2013, to be used to create opportunities for young people. In the same vein, I would also back the Belfast Telegraph’s calls to create more apprenticeships in Northern Ireland in an attempt to drive down youth unemployment through their initiative which aims to create 100 new apprenticeships in 100 days,

The current economic turmoil is hurting everyone, but young people in particular are being denied basic employment opportunities. We need to get businesses in Northern Ireland to get behind schemes which get young people into work and training. Studies have shown that the longer people are out of employment, the less likely they are to find a job and that can often lead to perpetual unemployment. There is a need to act quickly so that the young people of today do not fall into a cycle of unemployment.”