asked the Minister for Labour in view of the concern expressed recently by the National Industrial Training Authority that there may be a grave danger of skill shortages once the recession has lifted, and the fact that the total number of registered apprentices fell by 5.5 per cent in 1983 with a reduction of almost 14 per cent in the number of new apprentices compared to the 1982 figure, if he considers it appropriate given the vital need to maintain a skilled workforce to encourage industry to take on more apprentices; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Skill Shortages.
662.
I am very concerned at the low level of apprentice intake by employers. I am keeping under continuing review the supply-demand position for skilled workers. This review takes account of future trends and the present relatively high unemployment situation among apprentices and skilled workers. As a result of the failure on the part of employers to recruit apprentices, AnCO has had to maintain a high level of sponsorship of apprentices to ensure that skill shortages will not arise when the recession lifts.
AnCO's industrial training committees which comprise representatives of employer and trade union interests are currently reviewing the grants and incentives available to firms under the levy-grant schemes for the recruitment of apprentices with a view to encouraging appropriate levels of apprentice recruitment.