Fiona O'Loughlin (Fianna Fail)
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I thank Mr. O'Connor. I have some questions on apprenticeships for Mr. Bermingham and Mr. Scattergood. They spoke about where the impetus came for them to pursue an apprenticeship, which for Mr. Bermingham was to do with his background and the family business. The number of apprenticeships has gone up significantly, as has the number of women participating. Back in 2018, only 2% of apprenticeship places went to females, which was concerning. That percentage has increased, although probably still not by enough.

It is really important that guidance counsellors give a strong and positive message about apprenticeships and the ability to earn as you learn. It is a very valuable way of entering the workforce. Do the witnesses feel, in their experience, that there is enough emphasis on this from guidance teachers? Once people start an apprenticeship, is enough information given to them on the pathways into full employment?

I am of the view that of the three blocks of work experience students do during transition year, one of them should be focused on an apprenticeship area. Do the witnesses feel more could be done on that during transition year?