Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Yes. That will have to be grown over time. The MOMENTUM programme is interesting and operates more along the lines of an apprenticeship model. It runs from 20 weeks to 40 weeks and there are 6,500 places available on it. The jury is still out with regard to how successful it can be. However, I am of the view that it can serve as a very useful bridge. Germany has a much more structured, long-term apprenticeship model which is connected to manufacturing but MOMENTUM has the potential to be the start of something. Obviously, there is a need to branch out. The apprenticeship model which previously obtained here was quite rigid and was very much linked to the construction sector. Traineeships can provide a more flexible model and they can be used in a wider range of sectors. There was a training structure of some sort in place in the food sector in the past but this seems to have been damaged during the boom. We need to restore that structure.

The review of the apprenticeship scheme does not fall directly within my remit. However, there has been a consultation process and I understand recommendations will be presented to the Minister for Education and Skills. The recommendations to be made relate to legislative changes, model of delivery, curriculum, range of crafts and occupation and funding and finance mechanisms and the review is due for completion in December. Much of the material involved will be available for the committee to assess in the very near future.