Update: Lack of Adequate Apprenticeships – Education 16th October, 2014

Uimhir:187

Chun an Aire Oideachais agus Eolaíoctha
To the Minister for Education and Science

To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which the lack of
adequate apprenticeships has been identified as an obstacle to economic
recovery and access to the jobs market; and if she will make a statement on the
matter.
– Bernard J. Durkan.

* For WRITTEN answer on Thursday, 16th October, 2014.
Reference Number: 39645/14

Minister Jan O’Sullivan

The Government recognises the importance of a modern well-functioning
apprenticeship system in meeting skills needs and supporting economic growth.
As part of the Government’s Action Plan for Jobs initiative my Department
undertook a review of the Irish Apprenticeship system to determine whether the
current model should be retained, adapted or replaced.  The review was tasked
with taking into account the needs of both learners and industry and to ensure
that we have a value for money system that is cost effective and sustainable
into the future.

An independent Review Group undertook a substantial consultation process with
all major Stakeholders as well as inviting submissions from members of the
public.  69 written submissions were received by the review group in that
context.   The report of the Independent Review Group made a number of
recommendations regarding a new structure for Apprenticeship, which is
envisaged as being relevant to a much wider group of enterprise sectors.
Recommendations were also made in relation to current apprenticeships.

Following on from the Review an Apprenticeship Implementation Plan was
published on the 30th June 2014.   As part of this plan a new Apprenticeship
Council is in the process of being established. The Council will be enterprise
led and have representatives from business, trade unions, further and higher
education bodies. The first job of work of the new Apprenticeship Council will
be a call for proposals from industry for new apprenticeships. This call for
proposals is expected to be made before the end of 2014.