Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 June 2020
277. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Skills when apprentice mechanics who had their studies interrupted due to Covid-19 will be able to return to study; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the interruption has prevented many apprentices moving on to the next pay scale (details supplied); if he has considered a way to accommodate apprentices in the meantime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9286/20]
View answerSOLAS is actively engaged with the education and training providers to put in place alternative learning and assessment solutions for apprentices which safeguard learner safety in the current climate as well as maintaining the quality and integrity of the apprenticeship programme.
As part of this work, it is intended that the majority of craft apprentices who were close to completing an off-the-job phase of training will be offered an opportunity to complete outstanding theory assessments before the end of June. An initial communication on this issued to relevant craft apprentices and employers on the 15th May, 2020. Guidelines explaining the arrangements for alternative assessment have since been issued to these apprentices.
The registered training providers along with SOLAS will be providing more information on what steps apprentices will need to take to complete their assessments in the coming weeks.
In addition, apprentices who have been prevented in engaging in their on-the-job or off-the-job training by the Covid-19 restrictions will not have their apprenticeship temporarily or otherwise suspended. The national restrictions will not affect apprentices’ record of time-served, where relevant.
SOLAS will continue to provide ongoing updates for apprentices and employers in relation to the impact of Covid-19 on apprenticeship programmes. These may be found at www.apprenticeship.ie and also on Twitter @apprenticesirl.
