Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 21 April 2021
1304. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the cost per student on the Technological University DIT pilot pre-apprenticeship programme; the number transferred to apprenticeships; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18975/21]
View answerThe cost per student on the pilot TU Dublin Access to Apprenticeship programme is €5,200. This programme is funded by industry, the HEA and the Social Innovation Fund Ireland. It is an innovative close-to-the-labour market employability programme which is specifically set up to support young men and women from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds to secure craft apprenticeship positions.
Since 2018, 63 young people including eight women have secured an apprenticeship position through the programme. Approximately 60% secured an apprenticeship with the company with whom they undertook their work placement on the programme. A further 30% secured an apprenticeship with an alternative company with the assistance of the Access to Apprenticeship's post programme Pathway Planning support. The programme is supported by more than 30 apprenticeship employers across the construction, engineering, electrical, motor and aviation industries.
Access to Apprenticeship students have progressed into the following apprenticeships: Plumbing (23), Electrical (19), Metal Fabrication (6), Carpentry (4), Motor Mechanics (4), Brick and Stone-laying (2), Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (2), Heavy Vehicle Motor Mechanics (1), Wood Manufacturing (1) Industrial Insulation (1).
