To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail the average cost of tools to study (i) bricklaying; (ii) carpentry and joinery; (iii) electrical installation; and (iv) hairdressing Level 3, work-based apprenticeships.

My Department's Apprenticeships programmes fund training providers to deliver the off-the-job training element of an apprenticeship.

Every apprenticeship is a job in which the apprentice is in permanent, paid employment for at least 21 hours per week. As such, my Department does not provide additional support. Funding is expected to cover all associated costs, including teaching, tools and equipment used.

Employers participating in construction-related apprenticeships may be eligible for apprenticeship grants from the Construction Industry Training Board NI (CITB NI).