Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 November 2021
153. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will consider ending the exemption of apprenticeships from the minimum wage legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56321/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra155. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the steps his Department is taking to begin monitoring the wages paid to apprentices in the consortia-led model given that apprentices are exempt from the National Minimum Wage Act 2000 and SOLAS only monitors the wages paid to craft apprentices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56323/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 153 and 155 together.
Apprentices are employed under a Contract of Apprenticeship. In the case of the 37 apprenticeships established since 2016, the rate of pay is agreed between the apprentice and the employer. The minimum rate of pay for the 25 craft apprenticeships are agreed by the partners within the relevant sector, or are set out in Sectoral Employment Orders (Construction Sector and Mechanical Engineering Building Services Contracting Sector). Minimum agreed rates vary between occupations and sectors but in all cases craft apprenticeship rates are expressed as a proportion of the qualified rate, from 33% of the qualified rate in year one to 90% in year four. All apprentices are excluded from the provisions of the National Minimum Wage Act 2000.
Neither the Department or SOLAS monitor or collect data in relation to apprentice wages other than in relation to the payment of training allowances. Training allowances paid to craft apprentices by Education and Training Boards (through the Education Shared Business Services) on periods of off the job training are based in the agreed industry rate.
The core regulatory standards for apprenticeship provided for in the 1967 Act have been enhanced through statutory rules and administrative guidance. A significant number of measures are in place to support and protect the apprentice. 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.
Under the new Action Plan 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. This will provide multiple fora through which apprentices may voice concerns over any issues pertaining to the conditions of their employment, which may then be addressed directly. Monitoring medium to long term outcomes for apprentices will also be formalised through the commencement of graduate tracking.
