Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 April 2024
1690. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will consider abolishing the financial threshold for the access to Access to Apprenticeship Programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14040/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Access to Apprenticeship Programme was introduced to support the transition of young people (16-24 years old) from disadvantaged backgrounds into an apprenticeship scheme. The initiative is run and delivered over 12 weeks by the Technological University Dublin and Technological University of the Shannon (Limerick campus) and is currently funded by the Higher Education Authority, with plans to roll out the programme in two further locations later this year – Munster Technological University’s Cork campus and Technological University of the Shannon’s Athlone campus.
The Access to Apprenticeship programme gives learners the opportunity to:
• Sample a range of apprenticeship occupations and training
• Prepare curriculum vitae (CV) and develop interview skills
• Undertake two weeks of work experience
• Obtain Health & Safety and Safe Pass Certificates
The Access and Inclusion Apprenticeship Bursary was launched in 2023 and is administered by the National Apprenticeship Office (NAO) and paid to eligible learners on the Access to Apprenticeship programme. Once the successful applicants meet the entry requirements as set out by the Higher Education Institution (HEI), they are eligible to apply for bursary support from the NAO. Up to €3000 per learner is available to support costs associated with travelling, accommodation, equipment, and preparation for training.
The qualifying criteria (including family income) for the Access to Apprenticeship programme is set by the relevant HEI and further queries can be directed to accesstoapprenticeship@tus.ie and accesstoapprenticeship@tudublin.ie respectively.
