Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 June 2020
183. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Education and Skills when apprenticeship phases operated by SOLAS will recommence; the plans in place to communicate such recommencement with students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12065/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Education and Skills, SOLAS and the education and training providers are actively working to put in place alternative learning and assessment solutions for all apprentices, while maintaining the quality and integrity of the apprenticeship programme.
Alternative assessments for theory components of those craft apprenticeship programmes which were due to be completed in March this year have been delivered. Planning is well advanced to support the delivery of training within health and social distancing guidelines once public health considerations provide for the return to training for this cohort of learners. The issue of the timing of that return is under consideration at the current time, in the overall context of the reopening of the education sector.
SOLAS are putting a communications plan in place so that the relevant apprentices and employers will be informed in a timely manner of their off the job training. SOLAS will continue to provide ongoing updates for apprentices and employers in relation to the impact of Covid-19 on apprenticeship programmes. These may be found at www.apprenticeship.ie and also on Twitter @apprenticesirl.
