Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Tuesday, 24 May 2022

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Skills

Future Funding of Higher Education: Discussion (Resumed)

Photo of Carol NolanCarol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank all of the witnesses for coming in. It has certainly been very insightful and informative to have the apprentices here. It is very valuable because it is their experience and they are telling us what the gaps are. They are bringing to our attention what needs to change and the aspects that could be much better for apprentices. I wish all those present the very best in their careers.

Mr. Hourihan mentioned that there are 1,600 craft apprenticeships, if I heard him correctly, which is certainly very welcome. As somebody who has been very supportive of apprenticeships, I believe that we should be trying to get to the level that Germany has achieved. Ireland has serious gaps. Education and Training Boards Ireland is constantly raising the fact that we have serious gaps in apprenticeships. Unfortunately, there does seem to be a snobbery in the education system where people feel that the only education they should go through at third level is academic courses. It is shameful. I believe this needs to change. Craftsmanship needs to be valued and we need to promote apprenticeships in our education system. I am glad that is being done and some good work is happening It is very positive but we need more of that.

Mr. Twomey mentioned that in the schools the teachers might not raise or promote apprenticeships. That is where the change needs to happen, at second level, where it is presented as an option. I went to a vocational secondary school myself. Apprenticeships were very much promoted in the school, which did great work. It is lacking unfortunately in many second-level schools. We need to return to that and ask why it is not happening.

Mr. Hourihan mentioned that there is a need to upgrade facilities to get more apprenticeship courses in place. How much more funding does he feel is needed to upgrade the facilities to the level they should be at?

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