Apprenticeship Programmes

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 February 2021

Wednesday, 3 February 2021

Ceisteanna (536)

Francis Noel Duffy

Ceist:

536. Deputy Francis Noel Duffy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will revise the current proposals by the Higher Education Authority and SOLAS to clear the backlog of apprentices due to finish a job block by teaching on evenings and weekends; if he will consider allowing apprentices to finish the required number of weeks to complete the job block in normal teaching times, given that apprentice students work full-time; if he will engage with the representative organisation (details supplied) on its proposals for teaching arrangements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5594/21]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (Deputy Niall Collins)

Following the 6 January 2021 Government advice to minimise movement, off-the-job training for craft apprentices moved to primarily online delivery. This approach is now continuing into February due to the extension of the Level 5 pandemic restrictions until the 5th March.  

Apprentices due to begin off-the-job training during February and March will commence their training online. If a return to onsite training is possible during February, adequate notice will be provided to apprentices, training providers and other stakeholders.  More detail is provided on the website www.apprenticeship.ie .

The Department, SOLAS and the HEA are working closely with further and higher education providers around the country to identify workable solutions which will support craft apprentices to complete their off-the-job training and assessment. This work is ongoing at the current time.