Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 March 2022
713. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide a list of all members of the National Apprenticeship Alliance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14195/22]
View answerThe Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021-2025 sets out a new structure for the management and governance of apprenticeship and provides for a migration to a single apprenticeship model. This is in order to increase engagement with and awareness of apprenticeship as a valued proposition for both employers and prospective apprentices.
As part of the transition, the proposed National Apprenticeship Alliance will take on and build from the previous role of the Apprenticeship Council. This will help ensure for the future that the apprenticeship system is responsive to developments, can evolve, and all the while maintains the quality of apprenticeship training.
Membership of the NAA comprises a balance of representatives from education, partner stakeholders, and industry representatives.
- Education representatives are THEA, IUA, HECA, ETBI, QQI, and my own Department.
- Partner stakeholders are ICTU, USI, the National Apprenticeship Advisory Committee and a consortium representative.
- Industry representatives are from IBEC, CIF and other individuals identified through an expressions of interest process.
In terms of next steps, the representatives will meet for the first time on 24 March to agree terms of reference and actions to be progressed by the group.
