Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 26 May 1998

Vol. 491 No. 3

Written Answers. - Trade Apprenticeships.

Ivor Callely

Question:

145 Mr. Callely asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of people undertaking an apprenticeship or training for a trade; the likely increase over the next five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12225/98]

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Mr. T. Kitt)

The total number of apprentices in training for craft trades at present is 15,406. This population has been growing from a low of just under 11,000 in 1995, with the highest growth rate being in the course of the last two years.

The bulk of the growth has occurred in the construction trades which, taken together account for some 65 per cent of the current apprentice population. Employment in the construction industry generally is expected to continue to rise in the next five years by approximately 10 per cent and then to stabilise. This, together with the general buoyancy of the economy, would suggest that the apprentice numbers will continue to grow over the next five years to between 17,000 and 18,000 for all trades.

This estimated growth will, however, depend very much on the recruitment policy of employers who will need to recruit apprentices in sufficient numbers to meet future demands. In view of the four year lead time for apprentice training, from commencement to final qualification, I would encourage employers to plan well in advance when considering apprentice recruitment to ensure that adequate numbers of apprentices will be available to meet the predicted skill needs of the future.