Declan Breathnach (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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353. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his plans for the commencement of the heavy goods vehicle driver apprenticeship programme; the expected timeframe for qualified drivers to come into the workforce; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20005/17]

John Halligan (Waterford, Independent)
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I understand, the proposed HGV Driver Apprenticeship, being developed jointly by the Irish Road Haulage Association and Cavan Monaghan ETB, is at an advanced stage of development.  Cavan Monaghan ETB, on behalf of the consortia, expects to submit the programme to Quality Qualifications Ireland (QQI) for validation by end of May 2017.  

Subject to successful validation of the programme, it is expected that HGV Driver Apprenticeship will commence in the first quarter of 2018 . The proposed apprenticeship is three years in duration and on successful completion of the programme the apprentice would be a fully qualified HGV driver.