Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy may be aware a comprehensive review of the Irish apprenticeship system was undertaken by an independent review group that reported in December 2013. The review group confirmed that a central feature of apprenticeship should continue to be that there is a requirement participants to be employed with an approved employer prior to registration as an apprentice.

The Apprenticeship Council is overseeing the expansion of the apprenticeship system into a range of new areas, following a call for proposals from employers and education and training providers. 25 proposals have been prioritised by the Council for development, with employers on a number of these new apprenticeships planning to recruit in 2016. Some of these apprenticeships will be suitable for young people entering the labour market for the first time and the Council is working with partners to ensure that information on these opportunities is made available as widely as possible.