Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 September 2023
1053. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if pipefitting apprenticeship training can be facilitated online, as was done during the pandemic (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39557/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraDuring the pandemic, when ETB training centres were closed, some apprentices moved to online learning for theory elements of their programme only. It was not possible to deliver practical training on any apprenticeship at that time as it requires the use of in-person instruction and the use of a workshop.
Craft apprenticeship programmes work through integrated theory and practical training to allow for the application of the theoretical training in a workshop setting. This is essential to the successful training of apprentices. Therefore, training of craft apprentices was immediately returned to the standard approach once the health restrictions relating to the pandemic were eased.
