Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 September 2021
259. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 822 of 9 September 2021, the average duration of time it takes to complete each type of apprenticeship in practice rather than the intended duration in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44387/21]
View answerThat attached table represents an analysis of 2,484 apprentices who have qualified in their craft apprenticeship over the past five years, by reviewing start and end dates. The average duration is provided by programme, with the exception of the Electronic Security Systems programme as this programme has a substantial number of apprentices who, because of their industry experience, have been through a process of recognition of prior learning (RPL). As a result they often start at phase 6 of the programme and this consequently means they have a much lower duration on average (c2.5 years). Note that some programmes have a slightly lower than 4 year duration on average but this is due to the fact that some apprentices have received time exemptions as part of their apprenticeship, thus reducing the duration overall.
The figures are an analysis of apprentices who have qualified. As the Deputy is aware, there is currently a backlog in accessing off-the-job training for a number of craft apprenticeships which will increase average programme duration for the current cohort of craft apprentices. Work is ongoing on addressing the backlogs, including providing a permanent increase in system capacity and also in providing targeted responses to increase off-the-job training places until all waiting lists have been addressed.
|
Trade |
Average Duration in Years |
|
AGRICULTURAL MECHANICS |
3.87 |
|
AIRCRAFT MECHANICS |
4.08 |
|
BRICK AND STONELAYING |
4.22 |
|
CARPENTRY AND JOINERY |
4.18 |
|
CONSTRUCTION PLANT FITTING |
4.11 |
|
ELECTRICAL |
4.17 |
|
ELECTRICAL INSTRUMENTATION |
4.29 |
|
FARRIERY |
4.21 |
|
HEAVY VEHICLE MECHANICS |
4.08 |
|
INDUSTRIAL INSULATION |
4.03 |
|
INSTRUMENTATION |
3.97 |
|
M.A.M.F. |
4.07 |
|
METAL FABRICATION |
4.26 |
|
MOTOR MECHANICS |
4.14 |
|
PAINTING AND DECORATING |
4.13 |
|
PIPEFITTING |
4.20 |
|
PLASTERING |
4.25 |
|
PLUMBING |
4.12 |
|
REFRIGERATION AND AIR CONDITIONING |
4.12 |
|
SHEET METALWORKING |
4.23 |
|
STONECUTTING AND STONEMASONRY |
4.15 |
|
TOOLMAKING |
4.08 |
|
VEHICLE BODY REPAIRS |
4.13 |
|
WOOD MANUFACTURING AND FINISHING |
4.16 |
