Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 May 2022
569. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the progress being made in the roll-out of additional apprenticeships; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24339/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraApprenticeship is a demand driven educational and training programme which aims to develop the skills of an apprentice in order to meet the needs of industry and the labour market. The development of new apprenticeships is employer-led, with consortia comprising employer groups and educational providers coming together to identify a skills need and appropriate apprenticeship response in their sector.
The defined process and structure for employers to become engaged in the apprenticeship process is in place. It is open to any industry that wishes to explore options for developing an apprenticeship to bring a proposal forward. The SOLAS Guidance Document for Submitting an Initial Proposal for a New National Apprenticeship together with their Handbook on Developing a National Apprenticeship provide an overview of the key features of new apprenticeships, including sectoral engagement and collaboration among enterprises and other stakeholders in the relevant industry. These publications are available on www.apprenticeship.ie.
The Action Plan for Apprenticeship (APA) 2021-2025 sets out new ways of structuring, funding, and promoting apprenticeships to make apprenticeship more accessible to employers and learners, to achieve a target of 10,000 annual registrations across a wide range of programmes by 2025. Expanding apprenticeship across all sectors of the economy has widened its impact in areas of skills shortage such as engineering, technology skills, logistics, and fintech. Under the Plan there will be an increase in online visibility of apprenticeship engagement and apprenticeship development processes for employers/sectors who wish to assess the potential for new apprenticeship development.
The introduction of the new annual employer grant of €2,000, a key measure within the APA, will also encourage more employers to engage with a wider range of apprenticeships and help to encourage the development of new programmes. It also means that, for the first time, all employers will receive a level of support towards the cost of apprentice training.
Development of new apprenticeship programmes has continued despite the pandemic challenges, There are currently 65 apprenticeship programmes on offer: 25 craft programmes and 40 programmes introduced since 2016. Eight new programmes were launched over 2020 and 2021, despite the pandemic; Arboriculture, Equipment Systems Engineer, Healthcare Assistant, Principal Engineer – Professional Doctorate, Recruitment Executive, Sales, Scaffolding , Supply Chain Associate.
A Bar Manager Apprenticeship was launched at the beginning of March 2022 along with a Wind Turbine Maintenance apprenticeship. Most recently, an apprenticeship in Transport Operations & Commercial Driving has been launched. Programme development has been approved for progression for a further range of 14 programmes in areas such as farming, horticulture, finance, manufacturing, construction, cybersecurity and ICT, and a number of others are at the early initial proposal stage.
