Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 October 2020
134. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his plans to incentivise construction companies to engage apprentices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31446/20]
View answerMy Department supports the development of the apprenticeship system on an ongoing basis as a means of providing for the broad range of skills needed for the growing economy.
As part of a longer term vision for apprenticeships, the Government has committed to the publication of an updated Apprenticeship Action Plan to look at new ways of structuring, funding and promoting apprenticeships, including construction apprenticeships.
The objective is to grow the number of apprenticeships significantly between now and 2025, increasing the total number of new registrations to at least 10,000 per annum. The Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science launched a consultation process to help develop this new Action Plan in early August.
While this future vision for apprenticeships is being developed, and in the shorter term, the July Jobs Stimulus included provision for the introduction of an Apprenticeship Incentivisation Scheme for employers of apprentices across all sectors. This is in recognition of the Government's commitment to the value of apprenticeships and their continued expansion, as well as an acknowledgement of the real financial difficulties faced by employers in these challenging times.
The scheme provides a grant of €3,000 to employers for each new apprentice registered between the 1st March and 31st December of this year, and it has been extended under the recent Budget into 2021. Further details are available from SOLAS or through www.apprenticehsip.ie.
I would encourage the Deputy to contact the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science and the Apprenticeship Council if she has further queries. Operational responsibility in this area lies with SOLAS, Ireland's further education and training authority.
