Tommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I echo those comments by my colleagues. I commend Fianna Fáil on bringing the motion before us.

The Action Plan to Expand Apprenticeship and Traineeship in Ireland 2016–2020 was introduced with the ambition of securing 50,000 apprentices by 2020. During the boom and up to the period that Deputy Wallace spoke about, there were often up to 30,000 apprenticeships, but the number dropped drastically after 2013. It is alarming that perhaps only 2% of those leaving school are taking up apprenticeships in Ireland whereas in Germany the figure can be up to 60%.

A notable development over recent years has been the way in which British Governments have tried more than we do to link apprenticeship with third level colleges up to degree level. In carpentry or in the various trades that have been referred to, one would effectively have a degree and that important skill.

The numbers are deplorable. I asked the Minister, Deputy Bruton, about the shortages in the construction sector when he was Minister for Education and Skills and he replied that the number of construction related apprentices being registered was determined by employers within the construction sector. That is a cop-out. There is a necessity for the State to intervene and ensure the supply of apprenticeships. It is a remarkable comment on Fine Gael-led Governments since 2011 that the numbers receiving certificates in construction have been 463 in 2014, 314 in 2015 and 243 in 2016. Of these, only two certificates were issued in the area of floor and wall tiling in 2014 and 2016, with none in 2015.

The motion rightly draws attention to the considerable variety of trades in Germany that have apprenticeship qualifications and to the narrow range of trades that we have. I support the comprehensive motion before us. I agree with links between third level colleges and industry. We need to encourage more apprenticeship schemes in national and local government, and I note the reference in the motion to the Oireachtas. I also support the call to have SOLAS create a specific apprenticeship unit to drive the process of recruiting more apprentices.

Like other Deputies, I have had experience down the years of young people not getting a sponsor, even when they were part of the way through the current system of college and on-site training. The point the motion makes about the large technology companies also taking a role in this is vital. I warmly support the motion.

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