Fiona O'Loughlin (Kildare South, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I assume Deputy Thomas Byrne is coming back at some point, but I have a few general questions and one or two specific queries.

We almost have full employment. Is it having a negative impact in attracting prospective students to apprenticeships and traineeships?

Going back to the idea of parity of esteem, if apprenticeships and traineeships were properly promoted - we all agree that this absolutely must happen - and expanded to include level 8 and above, would it become a more viable route, particularly for students who want to get a degree? They may not be in a financial position to go to college, but if they could find a pathway, it could really work.

Mr. Davitt established FIT Limited, but what major changes has he seen since 1999 in the employment sector? He has stated he has adopted the goal of achieving an annual intake of 1,000 information and communications technology apprentices by 2021, but how close is he to meeting that target? Are there particular issues or challenges he is coming across or in respect of which he would like to see reforms?

Mr. Donohoe mentioned legislation, an issue about which we also spoke briefly last week. Would consolidation or an updating of the Acts governing the apprenticeship schemes make the process easier and a more attractive option, particularly for employers? We are trying to attract young people into apprenticeships, but we are also trying to attract employers. That is a key point. Following possible changes to the relevant legislation, would a stand-alone agency be warranted for apprenticeships and trainee schemes?

Dr. Smyth has said if a Shannon College of Hotel Management graduate wants to be a manager in Switzerland, he or she must go back to the beginning of the apprenticeship system, despite having one of the best qualifications in the world. The college is absolutely renowned. Will the introduction of the Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) (Amendment) Bill 2018 which is aimed at facilitating the introduction of the international education mark help in that regard? It could lead to a position where qualifications acquired here would be recognised internationally. We certainly see it as something that would help.

I mentioned earlier that we had met the Irish participants in the WorldSkills finals last year and were very impressed. When we met the group, we advocated that Ireland should hold the event. What advantages would there be for the hospitality sector if that were to come about?

There was mention in the submissions of having special sections dealing with apprenticeships in transition year in secondary school. It is absolutely key that it happen in the transition year programme, as most students have at least three periods of work experience. Perhaps we might get to a position where one of them would cover something in this sector.

I am conscious that education and training boards, ETBs, do a lot of work in this area. Mr. Davitt gave as examples Kildare and Wicklow Education and Training Board and Intel, which was great. I am sure there are other such partnerships which could be rolled out.

Does Ms White think there is enough access to state-of-the-art training facilities and equipment to support learning? Is anybody aware of really good practices abroad? Part of what the committee wants to do is considering practices abroad. There is a place outside Amsterdam where something like a small village has been set up and everything is based on apprenticeships. People can stay in a hotel and have food. Others can bring in pieces of equipment that can be worked on, etc. It is a really good model in attracting people and showcasing the process.

What supports are required by ETBs to enable them to play a more effective role in the promotion of apprenticeships and traineeships? What incentives could be suggested to encourage greater participation by employers? Again, it is about providing incentives and supports for employers.

Does Senator Gallagher have questions?