Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 November 2021
123. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the progress made to date under the Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021-2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58632/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraDelivery of the Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021-2025 is progressing, overseen by a Steering Group comprising representatives of SOLAS, the HEA, QQI and the Department. Key developments so far this year include:
- Work on the establishment of the National Apprenticeship Office (NAO) with a draft Memorandum of Understanding prepared by SOLAS and HEA due to be submitted to their respective Boards shortly. An interim Director was recently selected, a key appointment which will support the establishment of the Office and progression of other actions.
- Proposed amendments to the Industrial Training Act, 1967, to widen the potential scope of new apprenticeship programmes are included under the General Scheme of Higher Education Authority Bill. The Bill also provides for the statutory recognition of a shared national apprenticeship office between SOLAS and the HEA.
- Engagement on developing the Public Service Apprentice Recruitment Plan continues, with information sessions taking place shortly, and guidance on including apprenticeship provision within Public Service procurement processes being finalised with the Office of Government Procurement.
- Budget 2022 provided funding for an employer grant for employers of apprentices who do not benefit from direct payment of apprentice training allowances during off-the-job training periods. This means that, for the first time, all employers will receive a level of support towards the cost of training an apprentice. Payment details are being finalised and will issue in due course.
- From 5th November, apprenticeship is linked on the Central Applications Office (CAO) website. An apprenticeship specific career guidance phone line is supporting this and is available until July 2022.
All of this work is running in parallel to addressing the current backlog for off-the-job training for craft apprentices. €20m capital funding was provided by the Government in 2020 to enhance capacity and €17m was provided under Budget 2022 to facilitate the backlog response.
