Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 October 2018
229. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on whether SOLAS should operate workshops in secondary schools for pre-junior certificate students in order to better identify children who may wish to participate in an apprenticeship; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39719/18]
View answerIt is important that all students develop their consideration of career options through their post primary schooling. The wide range of opportunities offered through the apprenticeship programme should be a key part of this process.
As the deputy will know, the Government are currently expanding the range of programmes on offer beyond the craft apprenticeships into areas such as financial services, ICT, hospitality, biopharma and logistics.
My Department has commissioned Indecon International Consultants to carry out an independent review on career guidance which will be completed shortly. The review will examine the quality and range of information and resources available to students in schools and other settings. This will include an examination of how apprenticeship opportunities are presented to students in our schools.
As set out in the Action Plan to Expand Apprenticeship and Traineeship in Ireland, SOLAS is currently reviewing pathways to participation in apprenticeship. The review will identify any barriers that may exist to participation in an apprenticeship programme. The importance of the role of schools at second level in promoting apprenticeship opportunities, and in particular the role of guidance counsellors are being looked at in the context of the review, which will be published shortly.
Furthermore, a national promotional campaign, Generation Apprenticeship, has been underway since May 2017, led by the Apprenticeship Council and with co-ordination support from SOLAS. The campaign promotes apprenticeship on TV and radio along with social media platforms that include Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram. It has been designed to inform parents, teachers and potential apprentices on the career paths and further educational opportunities arising from apprenticeship programmes. In addition, the staff of Education & Training Boards play a critical role in promoting apprenticeship by visiting employers, schools and attending career fairs.
