Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for their excellent opening statements. The clear message I have taken from them is that there needs to be a change in mindset and a cultural shift. I note Dr. Smyth's request for State-funded research in this area. Has there been one-to-one engagement with people who are on apprenticeships? What has been heard from apprentices during that engagement? When I speak to some of them, they tell me that the lack of money in their pockets is a kind of disincentive. This brings me back to the need for a cultural shift. Perhaps apprenticeship needs to be seen as an educational process that eventually leads to a fully fledged career. What are the blockages on the ground for the apprentices who are going through these systems? The explanation does not need to be scientific. There is a need for role models to go into schools. The work of career guidance teachers needs to be complemented by people who can walk into schools and talk about their careers. Perhaps they did not like school and were more interested in certain things outside school, such as the craft industry. I take the point that the trades are seen as more popular. We need to start focusing on apprenticeships as a means of opening up possibilities for young people. That is an important side of the debate. Role models need to go into schools. In the experience of the witnesses, what do apprentices say about the blockages? The need for a cultural shift and a change in mindset is a key point that we need to overcome.