Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 June 2023
124. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide an update on the three new farming apprenticeships launched in September 2022; the uptake of places on these apprenticeships; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26677/23]
View answerUntil recently there has been a long-standing legislative impediment to farming apprenticeships under the Industrial Training Act, 1967, wherein it was stated that the development of apprenticeship programmes in “an activity of agriculture, horticulture or fishing which is an activity of primary production, or any activity of a professional occupation” was prohibited.
I am delighted to advise the Deputy that under the Higher Education Authority Bill, 2022 which has recently been approved by the Oireachtas, I have ensured that this legislative barrier to the establishment of apprenticeship programmes for these occupations has been removed. This broadens the scope to develop and implement apprenticeship programmes in these important areas where there are significant opportunities to build the skills of the workforce.
A number of Apprenticeships are due to be launched under the family Agriculture and Horticulture. The Sportsturf Management level 6 apprenticeship has been launched last week and registrations opened on 24 May. It is expected apprentices will commence the programme in September 2023.
Three further apprenticeship programmes are due to launch shortly with anticipated starts of September/October this year;
• Farm Manager L7
• Farm Technician L6
• Horticulture L6
The Stud Farm Management L7 apprenticeship is due to launch in 2024.
Further details of the programmes, including locations where the training will be provided, will be available once the validation and legislative processes are finalised.
These new apprenticeships, which will have off-the-job training delivered through online or blended learning, provide a significant opportunity for widening of access to apprenticeship for rural businesses and learners and will play a very important role in ensuring apprenticeship provision has a strong regional dimension. I am very grateful for all the work of all the stakeholders involved in bringing the apprenticeship model into one of the most important sectors of the economy.
