Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 January 2019
326. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to increase the awareness and availability of apprenticeships to secondary school students, post-leaving certificate students and untrained workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54442/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is important that learners and workers consider their interests and career options in an informed way throughout their education and working lives. The wide range of opportunities offered through the apprenticeship programme should be an important part of this process.
Government is working to address the visibility of apprenticeship and has put significant additional resources into this area. A national promotional campaign, Generation Apprenticeship, has been underway since May 2017, led by the Apprenticeship Council and SOLAS. The campaign promotes apprenticeship on TV and radio along with social media platforms that include Twitter; LinkedIn; Facebook and Instagram. It has been designed to influence parents, teachers and potential apprentices on the career paths and further educational opportunities arising from apprenticeship programmes. In addition, the Education & Training Board SOLAS Authorised Officers play a critical role in promoting apprenticeship by visiting employers, schools and attending career fairs.
In addition, an independent review of career guidance, which is being carried out by Indecon International Consultants, is examining the quality and range of information and resources available to students in schools and other settings. This will include an examination of how apprenticeship opportunities are presented to students in these settings.
As set out in the Action Plan to Expand Apprenticeship and Traineeship in Ireland, SOLAS has completed a review on pathways to participation in apprenticeship. The purpose of the review is to ensure that our national apprenticeship system is more reflective of the range and diversity of our population, more inclusive of diverse backgrounds and abilities and that apprenticeship opportunities are more readily accessible to all. Work is already underway in many of the areas identified for action and SOLAS will lead implementation of the actions, working closely with apprenticeship partners and stakeholders, in particular employers, education and training providers and apprentices themselves. The review is available on SOLAS’s website www.solas.ie.
In addition, work is also underway in SOLAS on a new employer portal initiative which will provide capability to approved employers to advertise apprenticeships, as well as other value-added services. The new portal is expected to be rolled out in 2019 on successful completion of a pilot phase.
