Education Committee to discuss how to boost interest in apprenticeships, traineeships

Representatives from the following organisations will attend:

• Education and Training Boards Ireland
• Shannon College of Hotel Management
• Irish Business and Employers Confederation
• FIT Ltd.

The Committee’s meeting on this topic on Thursday, Nov. 15, heard from representatives of SOLAS, Skillnet Ireland, the Technological Higher Education Association and the Department of Education and Skills.

“The Committee is eager to explore the latest thinking, in Ireland and abroad, on ways to encourage second-level school leavers to give apprenticeships and traineeships a fresh look, because Ireland is experiencing real skills shortages in some areas and those who do pursue these opportunities can find an in-demand profession waiting for them,” said Committee Chair Fiona O’Loughlin TD.

“For some young people considering third-level education options, the opportunity to pursue an apprenticeship or traineeship can carry an unwarranted stigma, a connotation that their `best’ option is to seek a university place instead,” Deputy O’Loughlin said.

The meeting in Committee Room 2 can be viewed live here.