Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

The most important element that has been lacking in Ireland is that of participation by employers in offering employment opportunities at all levels to people in Ireland who are, unfortunately, unemployed. I welcome the publication of the review of apprenticeships commissioned by my colleague, the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Quinn, which commits to the introduction of a revamped apprenticeship system which will offer education, in terms of technical aspects of apprenticeships, and vital work experience. My experience thus far as Minister has been that young people or others who have no work experience are, despite their having excellent educational and academic qualifications, finding it hardest to get work because employers want people with experience and who are work ready. The apprenticeship system, which collapsed with the collapse of the construction sector, offers a mixture of learning and experience of working in a real employment situation.

I welcome the emphasis on the return of apprenticeships to Ireland.

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