Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 July 2022
43. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the plans that he and his Department have to facilitate apprenticeship programmes at the Atlantic Technological University Mayo campus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36311/22]
View answerThe new Atlantic Technological University will play a pivotal role in the strategic development of the West and North West. The constituent Institutes have a strong involvement in craft apprenticeship programmes and are committed to delivering apprenticeship education to meet the skills demands of the region.
Apprenticeship training is currently being delivered at phase 4 and phase 6 in four trades in ATU: Carpentry and Joinery, Electrical Installation, Motor Mechanics and Toolmaking. The Insurance Practitioner Apprenticeship (level 8) is offered at the Sligo campus and Manufacturing Engineering Apprenticeships (level 6 and 7) are offered in Galway City. Wood Manufacturing & Finishing is offered at the Letterfrack Campus which is the National Centre for Excellence in Furniture Design and Technology.
New apprenticeship programmes are being evaluated for development across a wide range of disciplines. That brings opportunities for apprenticeships, both traditional and new, to both develop and expand across the new TU, in line with Government Policy as set out in the ‘Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021-2025’, industry needs and collaboration with partners and stakeholders. As with other TUs and Institutes of Technology, ATU is expanding apprenticeship capacity in certain areas as part of the development of apprenticeship nationally and it is open to ATU to consider the best location for delivering this training across its three campuses.
