Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 July 2021
427. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans for the acceleration of the National Skills Strategy in Ireland in respect of the digital skills of the national workforce at entry, intermediary and advanced levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36429/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra428. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans for the acceleration of the National Skills Strategy in Ireland in respect of digital skills for persons in general in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36430/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra429. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans for the development of digital skills in the indigenous SME sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36431/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 427 to 429, inclusive, together.
Ireland's National Skills Strategy 2015 recognises that technology is one of the key drivers of change and improved digital skills will be vital for Ireland’s future, both in higher-end dedicated ICT jobs and, more widely, as a basic core competence.
While there is a focus on trying to future proof the labour market and be at the forefront of skills provision, it is also important that digital literacy is addressed as part of the wider agenda. Many adults do not have the right skills to succeed in the new, interconnected, digital world and are disengaged from learning. Basic digital skills are important across all sectors and will help mitigate against automation risks and provide a platform for workers to upskill.
Reflecting this and in line with the Programme for Government, I tasked SOLAS, with the development of a new 10 year strategy for adult literacy, numeracy and digital literacy. I plan to bring this new Strategy to Government for approval shortly.
A range of programmes are provided within Education and Training Boards (ETBs) for individuals who wish to develop their digital literacy. Basic ICT tuition is integrated within adult literacy and numeracy provision. The majority of digital literacy provision is free of charge or is heavily subsidised.
The Skills to Compete initiative, which was developed in response to the urgent need for activation, upskilling and reskilling as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, offer courses built around three key priorities: delivering the essential skills required for modern workplaces; building strong digital skills; and developing the specific vocational skills to secure opportunities in growing sectors and occupations.
E College is a leading learning platform that delivers online training courses in business, project management, information technology, graphic design, web design, digital marketing, software development and basic computer literacy. These courses are all industry recognised programmes, accessed on a continuous intake basis, and enable flexible learning for unemployed learners, workers in sectors vulnerable to automation with skills levels below NFQ level 5, and those over 50 years of age. eCollege courses are temporarily being made available free of charge to all as an additional support to those impacted by Covid-19 containment measures.
In addition, there are currently 5 apprenticeships available in the ICT sector and a Software Solutions Architect apprenticeship which is expected to be offered at level 9 on the NFQ is in development. The apprenticeships currently available at level 6 are Network Engineer Associate, Software Developer Associate, Cybersecurity and Telecommunications and Data Network Engineering Technician and at level 8 there is CGI Technical Artist (Animation, Games, VFX).
Skillnet Ireland is supporting indigenous SMEs to enhance digital skills and is implementing several digital skills actions assigned to the agency in both the National Skills Strategy and Technology Skills 2022. Skillnet Ireland are prioritising programmes that address the digital skills gap in SMEs, that prepare SMEs for the digital transformation and that maximise the use of technology to improve both the productivity and innovation of SMEs. In 2020, 10,000 digital skills training places were provided by Skillnet Ireland that delivered a total of 150,000 training days. All programmes were funded on a cost sharing basis with employers.
To enhance the availability of advanced and high level ICT skills, Technology Skills 2022, seeks to deliver 47,000 IT Graduates by 2022 and sets out the priority actions which will be undertaken in the four-year period 2019-2022 to meet the demands for high-level ICT skillsets in the Irish economy. It sets out to provide appropriate education and training pathways for people to train, learn and upskill in a variety of high-level ICT skills which are sought after by a diverse range of industries to support and drive economic performance over the coming years.
Springboard+ 2021 was launched on 14th June 2021, providing 10,158 higher education places on 294 courses. As a result of multi-annual funding of graduate conversion courses, this leads to a combined total of 13,128 places in 399 courses available in the 2021/22 academic year under Springboard+ 2021 and HCI Pillar 1.
Courses available under Springboard+ 2021 include high level ICT, and courses in new and emerging technologies. 1,451 places are available on 36 courses in high level ICT skills.
The majority of courses approved under Springboard+ 2021 and HCI Pillar 1 will start in 2021 and in early 2022. Full details on Springboard+ and HCI courses, the eligibility criteria and how to apply can be found on the website: www.springboardcourses.ie.
