Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Will the Minister consider introducing a scheme to facilitate early school leavers, because currently approximately 20% of students disengage from second level education?

The scheme would engage students for a period of three to four years in an apprenticeship which would be particularly suitable for the skills required by modern employers in industry, including the manufacturing and service industries. The scheme is already in place in Europe, in particular, Germany. It is called the baccalaureatesystem. It allows students to continue their education on a 50% basis and they are seconded to an apprenticeship on a 50% basis, which runs concurrently. Will the Minister consider seriously the introduction of such a scheme?

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