Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 November 2022
511. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of craft apprentices waiting to access off-the-job training; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57713/22]
View answerApprenticeships are employer led demand driven educational and training programmes that aim to develop the skills of an apprentice in order to meet the needs of industry and the labour market. As apprentices are employees, the demand for and number of apprentices is primarily dictated by the employers in any area or sector.
As per the end of October 4,937 apprentices were waiting over six months to access off-the-job training. SOLAS are working to provide further places across the system to address the high numbers of apprentices who need to undertake their off-the-job learning phases. With the commitment of a further €17.2m in capital investment into 2023, this need for increased capacity continues to be actively managed. The funding means that SOLAS are able to continue the progress already made to address those programmes with the highest numbers of apprentices waiting to be placed.
