Tommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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102. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the minimum age and educational qualifications required by those seeking to apply for a place on an apprenticeship programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21553/18]

John Halligan (Waterford, Independent)
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In order to be eligible to undertake an apprenticeship an applicant must be employed by a SOLAS approved employer and be at least 16 years of age.

In the case of craft apprenticeships an applicant must have a minimum of grade D in five subjects in the Junior Certificate Examination or an approved equivalent or have successfully completed an approved pre-apprenticeship course. Three years’ work experience gained over sixteen years of age in a relevant designated industrial activity is also acceptable.

The minimum entry requirements for each of the eleven new consortia led apprenticeships that are currently operational vary depending on the apprenticeship and are available on the website www.apprenticeship.ie.

Tommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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103. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the measures he is taking to promote access to apprenticeship programmes for those with fewer opportunities and that may be subject to social and or economic disadvantage; if measures similar to the third level access programmes will be considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21554/18]

John Halligan (Waterford, Independent)
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As set out in our Action Plan to Expand Apprenticeship and Traineeship in Ireland, SOLAS, in conjunction with my Department, is currently reviewing pathways to participation in apprenticeship for a range of under-represented groups. The review will identify any barriers that may exist to participation in an apprenticeship programme for these groups and make recommendations for the future. The purpose of the review is to ensure that our national apprenticeship system is more reflective of the range and diversity of our population and more inclusive of diverse backgrounds and abilities.The review will be completed by end of June and any recommendations made will be implemented quickly.

In addition, a digital campaign to promote apprenticeship is now under way with a dedicated Twitter feed #Generation Apprenticeship, a new apprenticeship website www.apprenticeship.ie, an Apprenticeship Ireland Facebook page and a LinkedIn page. The campaign seeks to promote the values of the apprenticeship model for both employers and prospective apprentices. The campaign has also been designed to influence parents, teachers and potential apprentices on the career paths and further educational opportunities arising from apprenticeship programmes.