Business, Enterprise and Innovation Committee to meet apprentices, discuss Ireland’s skills needs

Scheduled witnesses include

• Laura Regan, who has just completed a four-year ESB apprenticeship and is now a full-time ESB electrician, and
• Paddy Power, a Wexford man in the final year of a three-year insurance apprenticeship that leads to a level 8 degree.

The initial session will explore how apprenticeships and work permits are being used to address Ireland’s skills needs. It will feature representatives from the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs, SOLAS and the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation.

Ms. Regan and Mr. Power will address the Committee in the meeting’s final session.

“Ireland is experiencing skills shortages in many sectors of our economy. Apprenticeships and traineeships represent a tremendous opportunity for young people to gain skills, experience and industry connections to fast-track their way to an in-demand career,” said Committee Chair Mary Butler TD.

“The Committee will hear of some of the positive apprenticeship experiences in Ireland and explore how we might, as a nation, better match young jobseekers with professions experiencing shortages of skilled workers,” Deputy Butler said.

The meeting in Committee Room 4 can be viewed live here.