Written Answers Nos. 1-35
31. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Education and Skills the measures his Department is taking in conjunction with other Departments, to address the skills deficit in the construction sector and the measures being taken to encourage more young persons into apprenticeships or on incentivising businesses to get involved in apprenticeship training. [28636/16]
View answerFollowing a number of years of decline, registrations in the 27 craft trades are rising as the employment and economic situation improves. At the end of 2014, registrations were up 40% on 2013. In 2015 there were 3,153 registrations in the existing trades which represents a further 17% increase in registrations on 2014. SOLAS has recently completed its forecasts for registrations up to 2020 and numbers are predicted to grow to 5,587 over the period. It is important to note that the craft apprenticeships are essentially demand-led with the State providing off-the-job training for all apprentices taken on by approved employers. SOLAS and the Higher Education Authority will continue to plan and fund provision in the light of forecast registrations. The strong growth in apprenticeship numbers will assist the construction sector in meeting its skill needs.
SOLAS is also in discussion with the Construction Industry Federation to evaluate construction skill needs across a range of non-apprenticeship areas. As a result SOLAS is targeting specific construction related skills shortages in its service planning with the Education and Training Boards.
A campaign to promote apprenticeship is currently being developed by SOLAS in consultation with key partners including the Apprenticeship Council. The campaign will raise awareness and promote the value of apprenticeship for apprentices, their families and for employers and it will cover both existing apprenticeships and the new apprenticeships now coming on stream.
