Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 June 2022
170. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the budget allocation for the National Apprentice Office for 2022; the total number of employees currently; the anticipated number of employees when the Office is fully set up; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31097/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraSignificant progress is being made in realising the ambition for apprenticeship set out in the Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021-2025 published in April last year. The further development and mainstreaming of apprenticeship in Ireland through the creation of a single unified apprenticeship system has a key role to play in meeting Ireland's skill needs in a manner which presents a valued proposition for apprentices and employers alike.
Key to the delivery of the ambition set out in the Action Plan is a new organisational architecture, involving the National Apprenticeship Office (NAO) and National Apprenticeship Alliance (NAA). The Office will have responsibility for all aspects of the management, oversight and development of the apprenticeship system and for implementing the Action Plan. Under the Action Plan the NAO will exercise on a shared and conjoint basis the relevant legislative and funding functions of SOLAS and the Higher Education Authority (HEA).
The new National Apprenticeship Office will deliver additional practical supports and information for employers and apprentices seeking to engage with apprenticeship. Dr Mary-Liz Trant, who has extensive senior experience in education and training, has been appointed as the first Director of the Office.
The NAO Director is currently providing the leadership required to address the next stage of the NAO’s development, including finalising a work programme for 2022, staffing allocations and the development and implementation of solid governance and financial arrangements, aligned with the Action Plan, in consultation with SOLAS, the HEA, my Department and other key partners. A sum of €1 million has been allocated in Budget 2022 for the first year of the NAO’s operation.
