Maria Byrne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I rise today to draw attention to the Apprenticeship Ireland website and app, which provide an opportunity for young people to engage with industry leaders in technology. Young people can go on a two-year apprenticeship programme in conjunction with many of the leading companies while being educated. There are many opportunities for in-house education and training, as well as on-site and off-site workshops, with leaders in technology. We have always said here that there are not enough apprenticeships but this initiative is new and inviting. There were 250 participants in 2018 and it is planned to increase that figure to more than 1,000 by 2020. It is something we must draw attention to and encourage people to look at. Sometimes third level education is not for everyone but this is a new way of looking at education and skills.