Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 9 December 2015
36. Deputy Anthony Lawlor asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the apprenticeships approved by the new Apprenticeship Council; if these courses will include day-release rather than block-release, which will accommodate small businesses; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37947/15]
View answerThe Apprenticeship Council devised and issued a call for proposals from enterprises and education and training providers for the development of new apprenticeships early in 2014. Following the receipt of proposals and an evaluation process, the Council reported to the Minister recommending 25 proposals for priority development. The Minister approved this recommendation and announced the 25 Category 1 proposals in July.
The Apprenticeship Council is now working with the 25 category one proposers on developing the new apprenticeships. Project plans have recently been submitted by consortia and the Council is engaging with them prior to approving the plans. The approved development plans will include timelines for delivery. The Council will work with consortia to commence enrolments on as many of the new apprenticeships as possible in 2016.
The consortia themselves will be developing the curriculum and delivery model for the new apprenticeships and will be taking account of the needs of employers in their sector. It is envisaged that some of the new apprenticeships will use a day release model.
