Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 July 2021
1243. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the breakdown of the 50,000 further education and training places provided under the pathway to work policy document; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39135/21]
View answerThe additional 50,000 education and training places referred to in Pathways to Work form part of the Government’s response to the labour market and skills effects of the pandemic. A range of measures were introduced as a response to upskilling and reskilling needs of individuals and businesses through the July Jobs Stimulus and Budget 2021. These measures are providing 35,000 education and training places to help those who were displaced by the effects of the pandemic. A further 15,000 places were announced as part of the skills package in Budget 2021. The additional 50,000 places will be provided in the following programmes:
Skills to Compete
The education and training under this initiative provides for additional full time and part time places focused on those who have lost their jobs as a result of Covid-19. Courses offered under the initiative are built around three key priorities: - delivering the essential skills required for modern workplaces;
- building strong digital skills; and
- developing the specific vocational skills to secure opportunities in growing sectors and occupations.
This is a SOLAS led initiative, with the training opportunities provided through the Education and Training Boards (ETBs).
Skillnet Ireland
Skillnet Ireland is an employer network that supports sector specific training.
Skillnet Ireland are providing additional places to help those seeking employment and to support SMEs to adapt and innovate in response to the Covid crisis, involving
- an employment activation scheme including career advice, upskilling and mandatory work placements;
- training support for SMEs; and
- an SME productivity scheme.
Over 1,200 companies are on board to provide places in a wide variety of sectors such as medtech, financial services and the sustainable economy. This has been packaged as the Skills Connect initiative which offers rapid reskilling, job placements and employer mentoring to help individuals take up new opportunities, and the schemes are being delivered fully online. A series of innovative programmes in a range of areas including medtech manufacturing, cyber security, wind energy, software programming, digital marketing, customer service and CX, and logistics and warehousing are rolling out in the coming weeks.
Apprenticeship Incentivisation Scheme
The Apprenticeship Incentivisation Scheme (AIS) provides for an employer grant of €3,000 which is paid over two years for each new apprentice recruited. Initially funded under the July Jobs Stimulus, Budget 2021 provided for an extension of the incentive to cover apprentices registered prior to 30th June 2021, and now extended to December 2021.
Retrofit Skills Training
A significant increase in the numbers of individuals skilled in retrofit and zero-energy building methods is required to meet the targets set out under the Climate Action Plan. Funding was allocated in 2020 to prepare for the rollout of housing retrofit education and training programmes in 2021. This funding is being deployed to support the development of three retrofit centres of excellence nationwide, in addition to the two centres already in place in Waterford Wexford Education and Training Board (ETB) and Laois Offaly ETB. Funding was also allocated in Budget 2021 to support the delivery of retrofit training through this network, including short courses for experienced craftspersons and longer programmes for new entrants, including unemployed people, and those seeking to upskill.
SOLAS is responsible for this programme to be delivered through ETBs country wide.
Springboard+ /Human Capital Initiative (HCI) Pillar 1
Springboard+ 2020 and the Human Capital Initiative were launched June 2020, providing courses across the country in higher education (universities) . This included additional places as a response to Covid-19 related skills needs. Many courses have been oversubscribed, particularly in the ICT, Pharma and Business areas.
Postgraduate Skills Provision – Higher Education
Additional places have been provided on part-time and full-time postgraduate taught programmes in public and private higher education institutions. The places are available on courses in a wide range of skills areas, including Data Analytics, Environmental Sciences, Engineering, Tourism and Hospitality, ICT, Health and Welfare and Medical Technology.
Their courses are complementary to, but broader than the Springboard+/HCI Pillar 1 offering, and support those heavily impacted by the pandemic, including recent graduates whose opportunities for employment or travel are now limited. Many courses also focus on future proofing the skills of those in employment, particularly in roles that may be impacted by digitalisation.
Modular Skills Provision
Modular Skills Provision will provide for places on modular courses in 32 higher education institutions.
Modular Skills Provision courses are shorter and more focused and are offered in a flexible manner, allowing people to gain important skills without taking a considerable period away from the labour market. They represent a new route into lifelong learning, and provide upskilling and reskilling opportunities for those who need it, while ensuring that they remain close to the labour market. Each module is stand-alone so that participants can gain skills and put them into practice immediately in the workplace, but modules are also accredited in such a way as to provide building blocks to a full qualification should the student so wish.
