Written answers

Thursday, 16 October 2014

Department of Education and Skills

Apprenticeship Programmes

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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187. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which the lack of adequate apprenticeships has been identified as an obstacle to economic recovery and access to the jobs market; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39645/14]

Photo of Jan O'SullivanJan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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The Government recognises the importance of a modern well-functioning apprenticeship system in meeting skills needs and supporting economic growth. As part of the Government's Action Plan for Jobs initiative my Department undertook a review of the Irish Apprenticeship system to determine whether the current model should be retained, adapted or replaced. The review was tasked with taking into account the needs of both learners and industry and to ensure that we have a value for money system that is cost effective and sustainable into the future.

An independent Review Group undertook a substantial consultation process with all major Stakeholders as well as inviting submissions from members of the public. Some 69 written submissions were received by the review group in that context. The report of the Independent Review Group made a number of recommendations regarding a new structure for Apprenticeship, which is envisaged as being relevant to a much wider group of enterprise sectors. Recommendations were also made in relation to current apprenticeships.

Following on from the Review an Apprenticeship Implementation Plan was published on 30 June 2014. As part of this plan a new Apprenticeship Council is in the process of being established. The Council will be enterprise led and have representatives from business, trade unions, further and higher education bodies. The first job of work of the new Apprenticeship Council will be a call for proposals from industry for new apprenticeships. This call for proposals is expected to be made before the end of 2014.

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