Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 7 October 2020
196. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the take-up to date of the subsidy to employers for enrolling apprentices; the breakdown by sector; and if consideration will be given to extending the closing date of the scheme. [29254/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra197. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the take-up to date of the subsidy to employers for enrolling apprentices; the break down by sector; and if he will consider extending the closing date of the scheme. [29255/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 196 and 197 together.
As of the 5 October, 483 companies had applied for grants under the Apprenticeship Incentivisation Scheme, in respect of 891 apprentices. The attached tabular statement provides a breakdown of these applications by company sector, and also by apprenticeship programme.
|
APPRENTICESHIP |
COUNT |
|
Wood Manufacturing and Finishing |
13 |
|
Vehicle Body Repairs |
5 |
|
Toolmaking |
7 |
|
Software Developer Associate |
1 |
|
Sheet Metalworking |
2 |
|
Sales |
5 |
|
Retail Supervision |
1 |
|
Refrigeration and Air Conditioning |
14 |
|
Recruitment Executive |
1 |
|
Polymer Processing Technology |
1 |
|
Plumbing |
107 |
|
Plastering |
6 |
|
Pipefitting |
8 |
|
Painting and Decorating |
6 |
|
OEM Engineer |
4 |
|
Motor Mechanics |
38 |
|
Metal Fabrication |
40 |
|
Manufacturing Technology (Level 6) |
2 |
|
Manufacturing Engineering (Level 7) |
8 |
|
M.A.M.F. |
22 |
|
Logistics Associate |
1 |
|
Lean Sigma Manager |
1 |
|
Insurance Practitioner |
28 |
|
Instrumentation |
17 |
|
Industrial Insulation |
3 |
|
Heavy Vehicle Mechanics |
11 |
|
Electronic Security Systems |
16 |
|
Electrical Instrumentation |
6 |
|
Electrical |
380 |
|
Cybersecurity |
4 |
|
Construction Plant Fitting |
6 |
|
Commis Chef |
2 |
|
Carpentry and Joinery |
79 |
|
Brick and Stonelaying |
8 |
|
Auctioneering and Property Services |
28 |
|
Agricultural Mechanics |
2 |
|
Accounting Technician |
8 |
|
891 |
|
SECTOR |
COUNT |
|
Accounting |
5 |
|
Auctioneering And Property Services |
25 |
|
Construction |
332 |
|
Equipment Manufacturing |
5 |
|
Financial Services |
1 |
|
Food |
3 |
|
Food And Beverage Service Activities |
3 |
|
Information Service Activities |
2 |
|
Insurance |
9 |
|
Logistics |
1 |
|
Mechanical/electrical |
43 |
|
Motor |
47 |
|
Plastics And Rubber |
3 |
|
Recruitment |
1 |
|
Sales |
3 |
|
483 |
There has been strong interest in this scheme since it launched in mid-August which is reflected in the level of applications to-date. Apprenticeship registrations on a monthly basis are increasing, reaching 753 in September which is approaching pre-Covid levels (There were 812 registrations in the same time period in 2019).
An advertising campaign to further promote this initiative is planned shortly and it is also being promoted through a series of engagements with the Regional Skills Fora with Minister Harris, Minister Humphreys and myself.
Any extension to the scheme will be considered in the context of available funding and overall funding priorities in the 2021 estimates.
