Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 June 2018
85. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the budget allocation for 2018, 2019 and 2020 for apprenticeships; the way in which the funds will be spent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26033/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra86. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the approximate cost of training an apprentice per annum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26034/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 85 and 86 together. In 2018, €122m has been allocated for apprenticeship training which represents an increase of almost 24% on the 2017 allocation of €98.7m. This will allow for the delivery of 10 new apprenticeship programmes and 6,197 new apprentice registrations as set out in the Action Plan to Expand Apprenticeship and Traineeship 2016-2020. Future years' allocations will be determined through the normal budgetary process which takes account of competing demands and the overall availability of resources.
It is estimated that the cost of training an apprentice in one of the existing craft apprenticeships is approximately €6,700 per annum and the cost of training an apprentice in one of the new consortia led apprenticeships is approximately €5,100 per annum. However, as part of the 2019 estimates process my Department is currently reviewing the per capita costing for both craft based and consortia led apprenticeships. This exercise involves collecting detailed data from both SOLAS and the Higher Education Authority and, when completed, will provide a more accurate base from which future funding requirements can be established to meet the targets set out in our Apprenticeship Action Plan.
