Maria Byrne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the action plan to expand apprenticeships and traineeships 2016 to 2020. I attended the launch of the document this morning with the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Richard Bruton, and the Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills, Deputy John Halligan, and it was a very positive event. During the recession, the number of apprenticeships declined by more than 80%. Third level education is not suitable for everyone. The State agencies, in co-operation with institutes of education and employers, must make this programme a success. In 2016, the number of new apprenticeships was relatively low, at only 3,500. The figure prior to the recession was 80% higher.At present there are 27 apprenticeships throughout the country whereas in Germany there are more than 300 apprenticeships and traineeships on offer. We do not all have to be an apprentice. We also have many training centres throughout the country. There will be 50,000 apprenticeships by 2020 and an additional €20 million was provided for 2017. We also have the ambitious target of an extra 13 new apprenticeships by the end of this year. This is to be welcomed. It is something which affects every county. SOLAS and the ETBs run training centres throughout the country. This is a very positive step because it is about getting people back into employment.