asked the Minister for Education whether he is aware of the shortage of building construction instructors in the vocational education service; and, if so, if he will indicate the steps he proposes to take to supply this deficiency.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Building Construction Instructors.
56.
The post of building construction instructor which is not to be confused with that of woodwork instructor calls for a very special type of recruit. The recruit must possess not only full qualifications as a tradesman but must have adequate supervisory experience in the building industry. In addition he must have those attributes which are required of a teacher.
The field of recruitment has, therefore, always been a very narrow one and has in recent times been narrowed further by the great demand in the building industry for men of the qualifications and experience mentioned.
Because of these facts and because also of the fact that many vocational education committees are increasing the number of building construction instructors employed by them, there is at present a shortage of such instructors.
I am hopeful, however, that recent improvements in the remuneration and conditions of service of vocational teachers will result in a larger number of suitable applicants applying for future training courses, the next of which will commence in September, 1965.
Could the Minister say if there is a course on at present for building construction instructors and could he tell us the number of recruits? Would he agree that as a temporary measure the ordinary woodworking instructors should be allowed to do a certain portion of this work to help out?
I have not got information whether there is a course on at present. It was not possible to fill the last course for which recruits were sought. The special type of qualified personnel are not available even from the source the Deputy suggests. It is a different type of work altogether and I do not think it would provide a solution.