Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 April 2024
1708. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if there are plans for the further expansion of apprenticeship courses in Louth and Meath for 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15328/24]
View answerApprenticeship education and training in Louth and Meath is provided by Louth and Meath Education and Training Board (LMETB). LMETB is the largest education and training provider in Louth and Meath, providing a broad range of education and training services to over 30,000 students and learners annually.
At present, LMETB offers the following apprenticeship programmes: hairdressing, network engineer, ICT software development, plumbing, carpentry & joinery, pipe fitting, electrical, tool making, motor mechanics, metal fabrication and wood manufacturing & finishing.
LMETB established the Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre of Excellence (AMTCE) in Dundalk in 2021 to address the skills and training needs of the Irish manufacturing sector. This training is practically orientated, providing hands on experience with state-of-the-art equipment, and delivered by leading industry trainers in response to identified industry needs.
The AMTCE is planned to cater for an initial intake of around 30 apprentices in the Robotics & Automation apprenticeship programme, which is expected to begin in the next 12 months. Also this year, the AMTCE plans to provide five new workshops for the electrical apprenticeship programme, which will cater for up to 210 apprentices annually basis.
Last year’s launch of the Drogheda Apprenticeship Training Hub provides for a significant expansion of apprenticeship training in key craft areas such as the electrical trades. LMETB is the first ETB to establish an innovative FET centre dedicated to the delivery of electrical apprenticeship training in Ireland. This facility is providing for up to an additional eight electrical programmes running continuously throughout the year – 336 additional places annually.
LMETB, working in partnership with employers, industry partners, SOLAS and my Department, has successfully secured support and permission for these innovative responses to address the need to right size the apprenticeship system to meet demand.
