asked the Minister for Education the action he proposes to take, in conjunction with the Minister for Labour, to increase the training of (a) fitters, mechanics and mechanical production and industrial engineers, as these were shown to be the occupations with the largest vacancy levels in a recent National Manpower Service survey of industry and (b) bricklayers, carpenters and other woodworkers which are occupations with high vacancy levels in the construction industry.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Industrial Training Needs.
12.
Provision is made in conjunction with AnCO for the educational input to courses for apprentices in the designated trades, including the areas mentioned in the survey referred to by the Deputy. Intake to certifacate, diploma and degree level courses in mechanical, production and industrial engineering at universities, national institutes of higher education, regional technical colleges and vocational education committee colleges have increased markedly in recent years but the full impact of this increased output is not yet apparent, particularly at diploma and degree level, because of the length of the courses. Under the education manpower programme initiated in 1979, steps have been taken to double the output of graduate engineers over the current decade.
Would the Minister make reference to the other trades mentioned in the question apart from engineers?
Yes, I shall certainly undertake to do that. As the Deputy is aware, the general provisions relating to the numbers and arrangements for intake of apprentices and so on into the various crafts is organised primarily through AnCO and, to that extent tends to come under the aegis of the Minister for Labour. But if there are aspects of it which fall within the problems of education I shall be delighted to take them up for the Deputy.
Would the Minister consider making more widely known, through the career guidance service and otherwise, the fact that despite the very large amount of youth unemployment, there are still many vacancies that cannot be filled through lack of skilled personnel? Would the Minister consider perhaps launching a national publicity campaign in this matter with a view to orienting young people towards those trades in which skill is still deficient and the lack of which is continuing to hold us back economically?
Yes, I take the point the Deputy is making. There has been one meeting involving people from the Manpower Service to draw attention to and publicise to young people the opportunities that exist in many of these skilled areas. The matter is also being discussed within the Department of Labour and there are proposals which would relate to other bodies including AnCO.
Would the Minister consider in particular drawing to the attention of the principals of secondary schools, as distinct from vocational schools, where there may be undue emphasis on so-called white collar occupations, the existence of these vacancies? Would he for instance consider calling a conference to discuss this matter on his own personal initiative?
Yes, I shall certainly have that suggestion explored and see what can be done about it.