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Apprenticeship Programmes

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 June 2020

Tuesday, 16 June 2020

Questions (271)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

271. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education and Skills the arrangements being made for final year apprentices to enable them to complete their 12 weeks college training as soon as possible to ensure that their apprenticeships are not extended unnecessarily; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11247/20]

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Written answers

The Department of Education and Skills, SOLAS and the education and training providers are actively working to put in place alternative learning and assessment solutions for all apprentices, and in particular for those apprentices who are in phase 6 of their programme, while maintaining the quality and integrity of the apprenticeship programme. 

Assessments for theory components of those craft apprenticeship programmes which were due to be completed in March this year are currently being delivered.  Planning is well advanced to support the completion of practical examinations and the recommencement of off-the-job training within health and social distancing guidelines once public health considerations provide for the return to campus based education and training. The issue of the timing of that return is under consideration at the current time, in the overall context of the reopening of the education sector. 

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.

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