Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 December 2017
144. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which he expects the education system at all levels to be in a position to meet the skills demand in the workplace; the extent to which apprenticeships are likely to impact on the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52314/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe education system at all levels has developed a number of strategies to meet the existing and future skills demands in the workplace, including the National Skills Strategy 2025 and the Action Plan for Education 2016-2019.
One of the key actions in the National Skills Strategy 2025 is a commitment to provide 50,000 modern apprenticeship and traineeship places to 2020. Craft apprenticeship registrations were 36% ahead at end August of where they were at the same point in 2016. There are now a number of new apprenticeship programmes at various levels of the National Framework of Qualifications and involving both FET and HE institutions.
A Second call for apprenticeship proposals closed on 1st September. 77 proposals were received across a wide range of occupations and the Apprenticeship Council is currently evaluating these proposals.
A target of 6,200 apprenticeship registrations in 2018, including 4,700 on existing pre-2016 apprenticeships and 1,500 on post-2016 apprenticeships, has been set.
