Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am sharing time with Deputy Canney. I compliment the Minister of State on taking decisive action to develop opportunities in the apprenticeship sector and on taking corrective action to address a much-neglected sector. Apprenticeships have a crucial role to play in the future of this country and technological universities have added to their appeal. The creation of these forward-thinking centres of education has raised both the profile and the appeal of job-focused training in a blended-education and practical format. For example, outside of what are traditionally considered as apprenticeships, it is now possible to progress to a level 8 masters degree as an insurance practitioner or a level 7 degree in financial services. This is welcome news for both male and female school-leavers. Traditionally, girls have had far less choice when it comes to taking up apprenticeships, but this is continuing to change. It is moving towards being a more level playing field when leaving certificate students consider their options for third level education.

In April of last year, news that the number of apprenticeships will increase to 10,000 places per year by 2025 was a very positive step. This was especially welcome news for centres such as the training centre in Archerstown, Thurles. Once again, I compliment Tipperary Education and Training Board, ETB, on its foresight in opening this wonderful facility. The centre trains apprentices from throughout Ireland in their phase 2, off-the-job training period. Currently, training is provided for apprentices in trades relating to electricity, electronic security systems and construction plant fitting. In 2020, a plumbing apprenticeship was introduced and, last year, a commis chef apprenticeship came on stream.

A measure of the success of the training centre in Archerstown is that it has recorded an increase of approximately 45% in the number of apprenticeship registrations. Numbers have increased from 195 apprentices registered in 2020 to 344 last year. A total of 429 active companies in County Tipperary are registered with the ETB and no fewer than 988 apprentices were employed by these companies in 2021. A notable addition to the supports offered to learners through apprenticeship services has been the provision of mathematics for crafts, as well as the successful piloting of a psychological support service. The national hairdressing apprenticeship is coming on stream this year, and moves are under way to introduce retail and sale apprenticeships while other apprenticeship courses are also in the pipeline.

The training centre in

Archerstown, Thurles, is a prime example of the choices available to students considering undertaking an apprenticeship. Increasing numbers of school-leavers are realising that a secure future, excellent earning potential, continuous demand for their skills and, if they so wish, being their own boss are just some of the appealing benefits of taking up a trade. This growing interest in apprenticeships is reflected in the plans the Thurles centre hopes to bring to reality. Tipperary ETB is working with SOLAS to secure capital funding to expand the provision of facilities in Archerstown. These works, planned for 2023, aim to see greater classroom and workshop capacity added to the existing centre, along with additional canteen facilities. The works are part of the fifth phase of the development plan for the centre. Completion of the work will allow for the further expansion of apprenticeship numbers in the centre. Tipperary ETB is also exploring the development of additional new apprenticeship workshop space in a building adjacent to the Archerstown centre. This exploration is at an early stage, with an expression of interest submitted. The plans being considered would provide for eight new apprenticeship workshops and, potentially, up to 200 additional apprenticeship places.

The process of securing capital funding is both challenging and complex. I ask the Minister of State to assist in this process and to support the proven efforts and commitment of the training centre in Thurles. It is already a centre of excellence but, with the necessary expansion, it can play an even greater role in training and preparing young men and women to meet the growing needs of the future.

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