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Apprenticeship Programmes

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 November 2021

Tuesday, 30 November 2021

Ceisteanna (83, 86)

Brian Stanley

Ceist:

83. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the progress in the midlands regions on increasing the number of apprenticeships for skills in renewable energy, retrofitting homes and energy efficient construction. [58605/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Brian Stanley

Ceist:

86. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his Department has plans to increase the number of apprenticeships in the Midlands in the area of retrofitting homes, renewable energy and energy efficient construction skills. [58604/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 83 and 86 together.

Education and training relevant to skills needs in the retrofitting and construction sector is delivered across the full remit of Further and Higher Education (through apprenticeship; non-apprenticeship further education and training (FET) and Higher Education (HE)) and through mainstream education and training as well as through specific programmes such as Springboard, the Human Capital Initiative and Skillnet Ireland.

General provision in areas such as green skills and sustainability, which includes retrofit and Near Zero Energy Building (NZEB), is ongoing across the FET sector, with some 50+ programmes already running across the sector. NZEB skills training comprising one to four days of training is largely targeted to existing construction professionals. Ongoing innovation in delivery includes a move to a blended model of training in addition to the development of a pilot VR programme which is expected to be operational by year end.

For new entrants at craft level, curricula in apprenticeships are updated on an ongoing basis to keep pace with changes in industry practices and regulations. At non-craft operative level LOETB has developed, as a key component of its Just Transition response to Bord Na Mona employees, a six-day Skills to Advance programme that offers the trainee an opportunity to gain QQI Level V Certification in Thermal Insulation Installation. LOETB is also developing a follow-on programme based around QQI Level 5 modules in Ventilation and Air Tightness to be offered to all participants of the Thermal Insulation Programme.

There is no specific apprenticeship in retrofit at the current time. Rather, retrofit activity covers a range of tasks and professions including craft trades and operative level occupations in the construction sector. Should there be a need for a retrofit-specific apprenticeship to complement the existing range of offerings, the development of new apprenticeships is employer-led, with consortia comprising employer groups and educational providers can come together to identify a skills need and appropriate apprenticeship response in their sector under a defined process.

I am satisfied that the Budget 2022 skills package of €132m, including €22m towards the Further Education Green Skills Action Programme, the range of actions envisaged under the Apprenticeship Action Plan and the wider skills response across the tertiary education system will help ensure that priority skill needs in our economy in the years ahead will be met for the midlands and for Ireland.

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