Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 January 2024
374. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the reason apprenticeship registrations are taking so long (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3443/24]
View answerLike many other areas of our economy, apprenticeship continues to grow despite the aftermath of the pandemic and training delays for phase 2 craft apprentices. From January 2024, a transformation training plan is being delivered, coordinated by the National Apprenticeship Office in close partnership with SOLAS, HEA, and training providers across further and higher education.
The goal in 2024 is to continue to accelerate apprenticeship growth and eliminate training delays. In 2024 Government has allocated almost €300m to support growth and transformation in the apprenticeship system. This will enable 9,800 phase 2 training places to be provided in 2024, almost double the number provided in 2023.
It is acknowledged that pipefitting apprentices have been delayed longer than other apprentice groups. Delays for this group are being tackled by tripling the number of training places in 2024 and providing an accelerated training approach.
It is my understanding that this dedicated response has had a positive impact in the case in point and I am pleased to advise the Deputy of this.
