Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 April 2018
421. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Education and Skills why painter and decorator apprentices from County Cork must travel as far as Ballyfermot Training Centre, Dublin 10, for the 20 week SOLAS training period (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16065/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe SOLAS apprenticeship scheduling management system aims to call apprentices for their off-the-job training, on a longest waiting basis on the day of scheduling to the nearest available Education and Training Board or Institute of Technology. Whilst every effort is made to eliminate unnecessary travel, unfortunately for some apprentices it is impossible to avoid having to attend training facilities that are not convenient to their locality. All apprentices are advised at their mandatory induction briefings of the scheduling process.
In situations where apprentices are required to move from their current place of residence, in order to take up an offer of a training place, they are entitled to make an application for an accommodation allowance, in addition to their weekly training allowance, for the duration of the course.
In addition, given the relatively small numbers of annual registrations for the Painter and Decorator Apprenticeship it is not feasible or cost-effective to offer the off-the-job training phase in multiple locations.
