Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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41. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the progress of the Apprenticeship Council which has recently marked one year in operation. [43868/15]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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The Apprenticeship Council devised and issued a call for proposals from enterprises and education and training providers for the development of new apprenticeships early in 2014. Following the receipt of proposals and an evaluation process, the Council reported to the Minister recommending 25 proposals for priority development. The Minister approved this recommendation and announced the 25 Category 1 proposals in July.

The Apprenticeship Council is now working with the 25 category one proposers on developing the new apprenticeships. Project plans have recently been submitted by consortia and the Council is engaging with them prior to approving the plans. The approved development plans will include timelines for delivery.The Council will work with consortia to commence enrolments on as many of the new apprenticeships as possible in 2016.