Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 November 2022
515. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the extent to which SOLAS and the ETBs support an organisation (details supplied) to develop a craft apprentice programme that will help generate the next generation of woodturners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57800/22]
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. Officials in my Department are not aware of any apprenticeship in woodturning in development or being considered.
A 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 explanation of the process and 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
There are currently 66 apprenticeship programmes on offer: 25 craft programmes and 41 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.
In recent months, four further programmes have been launched: Bar Manager, Wind Turbine Maintenance Technician, Transport Operations & Commercial Driving and Cybersecurity Practitioner.
