Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 6 October 2016
103. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will acknowledge the lack of apprenticeships suitable for a number of employment vacancies such as chefs and in the hospitality sector generally to upskill young unemployed workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29016/16]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the Apprenticeship Council was established in early 2014 to oversee the expansion of the apprenticeship system into a range of new areas. Its first task was to formally invite proposals for new apprenticeship programmes from consortia of enterprise, professional bodies and education and training providers. Over 80 separate proposals were received all of which were evaluated by the Council. Following the evaluation process, the Council prioritised 25 proposals for development. Included in these proposals are a number of proposals in the hospitality sector, particularly in the culinary area.
A proposal to develop a new Commis Chef Apprenticeship is at an advanced stage and is due to commence in the coming months. A separate proposal to develop a Chef de Partie Apprenticeship has been approved for development funding by the Apprenticeship Council at its last meeting in September.
