Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 May 2022
183. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the steps that he is taking to ensure a sufficient number of trained construction workers through apprenticeships; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25205/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is currently working with Solas on examining the demand for construction workers between now and 2030. I expect to be in a position to bring that report to Cabinet shortly. However, it does set out the need for a significant increase in the number of people needed to help us build 33,000 homes every year. Apprenticeship is a key way to do that but it is not the only way.
On apprenticeship, a key objective of the Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021-2025 is to ensure the apprenticeship system will increase its contribution to meeting Ireland’s skills and human capital requirements by delivering a target of 10,000 apprenticeship registrations per annum by 2025.
There are currently 65 apprenticeship programmes, 25 craft programmes and 40 programmes introduced since 2016. Construction related programmes include electrical, plumbing, carpentry and joinery, plastering, painting and decorating and the recently launched scaffolding apprenticeship. Apprenticeships are also in development in roofing and cladding (L5) and advanced quantity surveyor (L9).
In recent years, annual intake in construction related apprenticeships has steadily been increasing. In 2020, there was a total of 3,370 construction apprenticeship registrations. This rose by 60% to 5,400 construction apprenticeship registrations in 2021. To date in 2022, there have been 1,083 construction registrations for the months of January, February and March (the latest figures available).
The Apprenticeship Incentivisation Scheme, which was in place from July 2020- December 2021, aimed to ensure that apprenticeship plays a key part in supporting economic recovery following Covid-19, is partly attributable for this success. This year, a new Employer Grant Scheme is providing a grant of €2,000 for employers of apprentices on consortia-led programmes. On 14th April, the Department announced a new gender-based bursary worth €2.666 for apprenticeship employers.
In addition, myself and Minister Humphreys recently launched the FutureBuilding Initiative, which aims to spearhead activation and recruitment for the construction sector along with supporting the industry by significantly scaling-up in education and training opportunities, including apprenticeships and delivery of new courses.
