Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

That is what we are trying to do. We are trying to cater for now and for the future. Some of the sectors that have made proposals are the hotel and catering sector and manufacturing and engineering, with 24 submissions. There were 12 submissions in the built environment area, ten in tourism, ten in financial services, eight in arts, crafts and media, six in information technology, six in transport logistics, four in business administration management, three in the agriculture, horticulture and marine sector, two in natural resources and one in sales and marketing.

As I said, the process is competitive and not all of the proposals will win through. Some will be found not fit for purpose in the assessment process which is taking place currently. SOLAS has a major role to play here, working with the apprenticeship council, to ensure we get right an estimate of the number of apprenticeships we need. We cannot allow an over supply of the skills required, but there is an under supply currently. SOLAS must work with employers to ensure there is a proper blend of on the job training and education and to ensure apprenticeships are adaptable to circumstances. They may be from two to four years and involve different levels of education. It must ensure the apprenticeship model is strong and the balance is right and that if a sector hits a low point, the apprentice's skills will be transferable to another sector.

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