Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 July 2022
1471. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if there are currently any apprenticeships in the film industry; if not, if there are any plans to introduce apprenticeships in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41107/22]
View answerApprenticeship is a demand driven educational and training programme which aims to develop the skills of an apprentice in order to meet the needs of industry and the labour market. The development of new apprenticeships is employer-led, with consortia comprising employer groups and educational providers coming together to identify a skills need and appropriate apprenticeship response in their sector. While there is no specific apprenticeship for the film industry at present there is a Level 8 Computer Generated Imagery (CGI) Technical Artist Apprenticeship currently available. On completion of the programme, successful apprentices may then choose to work as a CGI technical artist in animation in the TV and film industry, game and app development, theme park and concert visual effects industry VFX, immersive technologies and related sectors.
Officials in my Department are not aware of any other apprenticeship in the film industry in development or being considered.
A defined process and structure for employers to become engaged in the apprenticeship process is in place. It is open to any industry that wishes to explore options for developing an apprenticeship to bring a proposal forward. The SOLAS Guidance Document for Submitting an Initial Proposal for a New National Apprenticeship together with their Handbook on Developing a National Apprenticeship provide an overview of the key features of new apprenticeships, including sectoral engagement and collaboration among enterprises and other stakeholders in the relevant industry. These publications are available on www.apprenticeship.ie.
There are currently 66 apprenticeship programmes on offer: 25 craft programmes and 41 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.
In recent months, four further programmes have been launched: Bar Manager, Wind Turbine Maintenance Technician, Transport Operations & Commercial Driving and Cybersecurity Practitioner.
