Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 April 2021
783. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 1318 of 21 April 2021, if his Department or any other State agency monitor or collects data in relation to apprenticeships wages governed under the consortia model; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22223/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra785. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 1318 of 21 April 2021, if there is no minimum wage for apprenticeships governed under the consortia model; the safeguards in place to protect the apprentices as workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22242/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 783 and 785 together.
Apprentices are employed under a Contract of Apprenticeship. All apprentices including those undertaking the new consortia led apprenticeships are excluded from the provisions of the National Minimum Wage Act 2000. All other general employment legislation applies to apprenticeship as contracts of employment.
In the case of the 35 apprenticeships established since 2016, the rate of pay is agreed between the apprentice and the employer. Neither the Department or any other State agency collect data in relation to apprenticeships wages.
In relation to the quality of the apprenticeship experience, the core regulatory standards for apprenticeship provided for in the 1967 Act have been enhanced through statutory rules and administrative guidance.
The Apprenticeship Code of Practice which specifies the rights and responsibilities of apprentices and employers and is signed by both parties, forms the basis of each apprenticeship contract. In tandem with adherence to core regulatory standards, apprenticeships are underpinned by a strong framework of quality assurance to ensure programmes provide a high quality learning experience for apprentices.
Authorised Officers (AOs) provide a critical role in ensuring a high quality on-the-job experience in apprenticeship. AOs approve employers before they can register apprentices, progress the registration of apprentices and provide a point of contact for apprentices in addition to general monitoring of compliance with the Code of Practice.
A review of the application of the quality assurance framework to the craft apprenticeships was completed in December 2020. Building on this, and experience to date, a comprehensive review of the quality assurance, governance arrangements and processes for the existing consortia-led programmes will be undertaken and utilised to inform the development of a robust and future proofed quality assurance system for the future.
Under the Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021-2025 apprentices will be supported to complete their programmes through clearer communication, support networks and increased ownership of their learning journey. The voice of apprentices in shaping the future of the system will be formalised within the single system of apprenticeship, enhancing the existing apprentice feedback mechanism which is inherent in the QQI quality processes. Apprentices will be included both looking to the future through representation on the apprenticeship stakeholder oversight and advisory structures and also through an annual survey of apprentices which will provide a robust system view for the prior year.
