Mr. Andrew Brownlee:

Yes. I know specific questions were asked. On general promotion, it is using these guys as incredible ambassadors. The mainstream media did not cover the events in the way that we wanted, but the participants were stars on social media and that is the type of stuff that gets traction with young people. We need to look at different ways to get the message across.

We talked a lot about guidance. I do not think that it is just about guidance. We need to look at how we develop vocational options and pathways in second level as well. The last time I attended a meeting of this committee, there was a female apprentice who talked about the fact that she had to change schools because she did not have the subject options that she needed to pursue a vocational pathway. We need to look at how the role of further education and training, FET, can deliver vocational options, vocational pathways and apprenticeship-type taster programmes in transition year or as part of a junior cycle and senior cycle. There are a lot of things to think about.

New apprenticeships are rolling up. We are targeting about 70 by the end of the year. I understand the committee has looked at apprenticeship issues separately, and I am sure it will coming back to that. There are issues to be addressed. We need to get more employer buy-in. We are kind of getting traction in terms of changing the culture and getting families and young people more interested in vocational options. It is not just about apprenticeships. It is about traineeships, vocational degree programmes in institutes of technology, and post-leaving certificate, PLC, courses that lead to exciting careers. There is so much opportunity that we are pushing an open door if we can get the product right and promote it effectively. Mr. McLoughlin mentioned that there are prospectuses for higher education. We give a leaflet to people who are interested in apprenticeships. Therefore, we need to package things a bit more, which is a big challenge.

There was a specific question on instrumentation and pharma. There are new traineeships in that space. I am happy to come back to the committee members to talk about the things that are being worked on in these areas. I thank the Members for their time today.