Edward Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)

I ask that all ETB schools promote these courses within their schools, but also that the ETB colleges and courses are promoted within non-ETB schools. The ETBs also offer apprenticeships. Could relevant funding be allocated to promote these apprenticeship courses? The apprenticeships have been encouraged and have grown since the Tánaiste, Deputy Simon Harris, was Minister for higher education. Our leaving certificate is very academic orientated, and it is not suitable for everyone. School leavers who do not wish to pursue the CAO route need to be considered. Not everyone wants a college degree. On the other hand, as the Minister said, many ETBs offer tertiary courses that offer an entry to third level college, giving a new pathway to degree courses in many fields. This is a fantastic opportunity for those who are determined to go to third level, but who did not get the required CAO points for the course they wanted. These opportunities need to be promoted more.

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