Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 March 2021
1115. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will establish a mechanism to include apprenticeship students in discussions on the way Covid-19 strategy implementation will affect both on-the-job and off-the-job phases of apprenticeships; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14321/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraApprenticeship is undertaken under a contract of employment and apprentices are therefore employees. There are 60 apprenticeships currently available and of these it is the 25 craft apprenticeships which are primarily affected by Covid-19. The trade unions which represent these apprentices are members of the National Apprenticeship Advisory Committee (NAAC). SOLAS engage with the NAAC on Covid-19 planning in apprenticeship delivery.
In addition as part of an extensive consultation process to inform the new Action Plan for Apprenticeship feedback was gathered from 3,750 apprentices who answered a survey on their experience of the system. Actions arising from this feedback will ensure that the apprentice voice will be heard over the lifetime of the new Action Plan, 2021-2025 and into the future.
