Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 December 2023
628. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his attention has been drawn to the case of apprentices (details supplied); whether he will take steps to ensure off-the-job training will be arranged in SETU Carlow as soon as possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53857/23]
View answerI would like to thank the Deputy for raising this matter with me, given the strong focus I have consistently placed on promoting apprenticeships as valuable employment and training opportunities. I am happy to confirm that the following arrangements have been made for this programme:
- two classes of phase 4 training are scheduled to start in January 2024 in SETU Carlow catering for 32 apprentices.
- four classes of phase 6 training are provisionally scheduled for April 2024, also to take place in SETU Carlow, catering for 48 apprentices.
Furthermore, once these apprentices have completed their phase 6 training, they will eligible to be fast-tracked to the completion of their programme.
