Question:
72 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science the steps he will take to ensure that apprentices complete their education and training; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17101/01]
Written Answers. - Education and Training.
Apprentice numbers have expanded significantly in recent years. The apprentice population has been increased from 6,555 in 1996 to more than 25,000 in 2001.
My Department has responded to this dramatic growth by increasing the provision of apprenticeship training places in the education sector from 4,000 places in the 1997-98 academic year to 8,896 training places in the current academic year. It is expected that more than 1,100 additional training places will be provided in the academic year 2001-02. Some 700 extra places were provided on a summer course in 2000. Plans are also being finalised with regard to conducting a summer course this year which will provide training for a further 1,000 apprentices.
The substantial increase in apprentice numbers over a short period has led to some problems in developing capacity fast enough to cater for apprentices when they are due to attend their phase-4 and phase-6 training. However, I am satisfied the measures taken to date are addressing these problems and that sufficient training places will be provided to meet the current and projected demand.
My Department, in conjunction with FÁS, is continuing to monitor the requirement for training places for apprentices. This will inform the planning of additional provisions for the future.