Thomas Pringle (Donegal South West, Independent)
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25. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the role of the apprenticeship council; their role in the development and implementation of apprenticeships; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45124/14]

Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)
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The Apprenticeship Council was launched on 18th November last. It is enterprise-led and has representatives from business, trade unions, further and higher education bodies and my Department.

It will, in accordance with the Apprenticeship implementation Plan:

i. develop a call for proposals for apprenticeships in areas outside of the current trades;

ii. examine and analyse the proposals arising from the call for proposals;

iii. report to my Department on viable new apprenticeships – having particular regard to the sustainability of the proposals received;

iv. monitor the development by industry and education and training partners of the successful proposals into new apprenticeships, including the curriculum development, awarding arrangements, duration and entry level.

In carrying out its role, the Council will take account of ongoing and future skills needs, including through data and reports produced by the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs and the Strategic Labour Market Research Unit.