Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 December 2021
116. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the total capacity of phase to off-the-job training of craft apprentices in 2019; the total enrolled capacity of phase to off the job-training in September 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60714/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2019 SOLAS delivered training to a total of 9,503 craft apprentices across phases two, four and six off-the-job training in ETBs and Higher Education Institutions.
It should be noted that Phase 2 classes are between 20-22 weeks in duration and are run all year round, therefore scheduling of those classes is ongoing throughout the year. Traditionally, ETBs have facilitated two intakes per year. Significant reform efforts by the education and training bodies have resulted in a temporary restructure of Phase 2 craft apprenticeship delivery, delivering 18 week on-site presence, supplemented by additional theory elements of the course being delivered in a flexible manner (evenings/weekends and blended learning). This will allow for a full additional intake for Phase 2 Carpentry & Joinery, Electrical and Plumbing apprentices in the coming year.
Phases 4 and 6 are 10-12 weeks in duration and are delivered in Institutes of Technology and Technological Universities. Scheduling of these phases follow the academic year with intakes scheduled in September, January and April of an academic year.
Additional places are continuing to come on-stream across the ETBs and HEIs as workspaces are becoming available from the 2021 capital investment.
Since July, almost 3,500 apprentices have been brought into training, the majority just about to finish their phase. SOLAS have scheduled another 3,143 apprentices to commence off-the-job training in December and January.
€20 million capital funding was allocated in 2021 to provide structural capacity to support the delivery of almost 4,000 additional craft apprentice places annually across further and higher education. The 2021 budget allocation for apprenticeship is €198.4m which includes the cost of the Apprenticeship Incentivisation Scheme in 2020 and 2021 as well €12m Covid related costs for additional classes in 2021. This compares to a 2020 allocation of €169m which represents an increase of over 7%. A further €19m in COVID-related funding has been allocated for 2022 to deliver increased activity to reduce waiting lists for access to off-the-job training phases.
