Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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222. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the way in which the shortage of apprentices in the mechanical and electrical trades can be addressed; his views on pre-apprenticeship courses in those areas; and the extent of such courses. [42066/18]

John Halligan (Waterford, Independent)
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Apprenticeship is a demand driven educational and training programme which aims to develop the skills of an apprentice in order to meet the needs of industry and the labour market. Consequently, the number of apprentices being registered in a sector is determined by employers in that sector. My Department and SOLAS are committed to supporting the registration of apprentices across all apprenticeship programmes, including in both of these sectors. Electrical related apprenticeship registrations increased from 522 in 2013 to 1,705 in 2017 which represents an increase of 226% during the period and in the mechanical (motor) sector new registrations increased from 485 to 673, an increase of 39% during the same period.

My Department is engaging with SOLAS on a review of pathways to apprenticeship, which will be published in the near future. Work is also underway in relation to pre-apprenticeship provision and I am informed by SOLAS that they are currently engaged with key stakeholders in considering relevant pathways and opportunities for pre-apprenticeship initiatives, including in the craft trades.