Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 February 2023
97. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science for details of any engagement he has had with the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage with regard to increasing the uptake of apprenticeships in construction-related trades; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6946/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has engaged with officials in the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage on a number of initiatives and groups which targets skills in the construction sector.
There has been a marked increase in craft apprentice registrations over the past 4 years. In 2022, there were 8,286 total apprenticeship registrations – somewhat down on the 2021 high of 8,607 but an increase of 34% on the 2019 figures, the last pre-pandemic year. Of the registrations last year, 5,628 registrations (68%) were in construction and construction-related programmes.
Regarding apprenticeship uptake, we are making significant progress in realising the ambition of the Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021-2025 . A key objective is to make apprenticeship more attractive to employers and learners, to ensure their continued and increased engagement across all programmes. Progress to date includes:
- The establishment of the National Apprenticeship Office (NAO) and the National Apprenticeship Alliance (NAA), in a reform of apprenticeship governance structures;
- The establishment of the NAA’s Equity and Inclusion subcommittee, to help make apprenticeship more reflective of the national population;
- The removal of legislative barriers to the development of apprenticeship programmes in professions, through the Higher Education Authority Act, 2023;
- Securing resources for access measures, including a bursary programme for under-represented groups; The introduction of a gender bursary grant of €2,666;
- The allocation of €17.2m in additional capital investment for SOLAS and the HEA, building on the €20 million Apprenticeship Capital Fund investment in 2021;
- The inclusion of apprenticeship options on the CAO website from November 2021.
Due to these measures and other supports aimed at simplifying the process for employers, there are currently almost 9,000 employers and 26,000 apprentices.
Officials from my Department, along with their colleagues in the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage are working together to address labour demands in construction professions. This includes working closely on the development of the Construction Safety Licensing Bill 2023 and the Regulation of Providers of Building Works and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2022. The measures introduced and proposed under these pieces of legislation are designed to increase safety and make the sector more attractive for employees, including those who are currently under-represented in the construction workforce.
Work has also been ongoing regarding skills provision in relation to Modern Methods of Construction (MMC). Officials from both Departments and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment are working on understanding the impact of MMC on construction skills and existing skills requirements. This work is underway and will enable the development of a considered response in terms of education and training provision, including in relation to apprenticeships. My officials will continue to work closely with their colleagues in the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to ensure that all skills options are deployed in order to meet identified construction needs.
