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Apprenticeship Programmes

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 March 2022

Tuesday, 8 March 2022

Questions (83)

Kieran O'Donnell

Question:

83. Deputy Kieran O'Donnell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of apprenticeship courses available both nationally and in Limerick city and county in 2022; and the work ongoing to support older persons or persons changing careers in accessing apprenticeships. [12708/22]

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Written answers

The Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021-2025 sets a target of 10,000 annual apprentice registrations by 2025. In 2021 there were a record 8,607 registrations- up from 6,177 for 2019, the last pre-COVID full year, and the highest annual registrations since the 2006 figure of 8,306. This shows the high degree of interest in this career option amongst both employers and potential apprentices.

There are currently 62 apprenticeship programmes on offer: 25 craft programmes and 37 programmes introduced since 2016. Eight new programmes were launched over 2020 and 2021, despite the pandemic; Arboriculture, Equipment Systems Engineer, Healthcare Assistant, Principal Engineer – Professional Doctorate, Recruitment Executive, Sales, Scaffolding , Supply Chain Associate. Several other programmes are close to launch including Wind Turbine Maintenance, Transport Operations, and Commercial Driving.

There are 17 additional programmes being developed across agriculture, construction, engineering, equine, finance, horticulture, hospitality and food, ICT and logistics. A number of other potential apprenticeships are at an exploratory stage, in sectors such as health, beauty, environmental, engineering, ICT and finance.

The Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board (LCETB), deliver training for phase 2 in Wood Manufacturing & Finishing, Electrical Instrumentation, Metal Fabrication, Plumbing, M.A.MF., Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, Toolmaking, Carpentry & Joinery, Motor Mechanics, Electrical, Aircraft Mechanics.

The Technological University of the Shannon – Moylish Campus Limerick delivers training for phases 4 and 6 in M.A.MF, Carpentry & Joinery, Motor Mechanics, Electrical.

Details of consortia-led apprenticeships delivered in Limerick along with further details of all apprenticeship programmes available as of Oct 2021 can be found in the attached document.

The Action Plan also sets out new ways of structuring, funding, and promoting apprenticeships to make apprenticeship accessible to employers and learners.

The Plan will address the clear need to broaden the awareness of apprenticeship as a work-based route to internationally recognised qualifications and experience for people of all ages, be they progressing in their career, school leavers, career changers, or the unemployed. Growing that message is a key feature of planning for apprenticeship in the coming years.

By the end of 2021 31% of the overall apprenticeship population were over 25 years of age. In a number of recently developed apprenticeships such as CGI Technical Assistant, Equipment Systems Engineer, and Principal Engineer, the over 25 cohort rises to 100%. Across all of the 37 more recently developed apprenticeships the average age of apprentices is 27.

A new National Apprenticeship Office (NAO) will make accessing information on, and engagement with, apprenticeship more straightforward for both learners of all ages and employers. In 2022 the public service will set out a roadmap for the recruitment of apprentices and a new Apprenticeship Employer Grant of €2,000 per annum has been launched for employers of consortia-led apprenticeships. This will encourage more employers to engage with a wider range of apprenticeships and apprentices and help to encourage the development of new programmes. It also means that, for the first time, all employers will receive a level of support towards the cost of apprentice training.

Under the Action Plan the impacts of, and outcomes from, existing access to apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programmes as well as other interventions across the sector will be examined to provide an evidence base for best practice and future interventions to deliver an apprentice population which better reflects the general population.  Enhanced cooperation with the State's Public Employment Service as set out in the Plan will also increase visibility of apprenticeship to employers and career changers.

Skills for a New Generation is a 2022 online showcase of inspiring apprenticeship experiences, with information on all national apprenticeships. The showcase, which includes 10 individual short videos, includes advice from apprentices of all ages and backgrounds, former apprentices, tutors, and industry leaders can be accessed on www.apprenticeship.ie.

These measures and the implementation process for the Action Plan for Apprenticeship overall will have a significant impact in ensuring greater diversity in the apprenticeship population as a whole. 

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