Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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646. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the steps he is taking to remove barriers for those with disabilities that may not be able to work full-time from accessing apprenticeships; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37105/20]

Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail)
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At present all national apprenticeships are structured on a full-time basis. Information is sought at the point of registration on any additional supports that may be needed due to disability. Education and training providers offer learning and other supports to apprentices during their training and many employers also provide accommodations in the workplace to apprentices with disabilities. Currently a total of 535 apprentices have reported one or more disabilities, and are receiving additional supports.

SOLAS conducted a review on Pathways to Participation in Apprenticeship which was published in 2018.  It highlighted 5 areas for action and implementing the actions outlined in the report is ongoing. Initiatives underway include:

- A total of 300 learners availed of dedicated pre-apprenticeship training in 2019, growing to 580 places in 2020.

- SOLAS, in partnership with the HEA and with the support of the Apprenticeship Council, intends to continue developing access pathways with all providers, including TU Dublin, during 2020 and into the 2020-2021 academic year.

- 963 Employers have registered with www.apprenticejobs.ie which is designed to increase visibility of opportunities for all potential apprentices.

- Broader approaches to widening access to apprenticeships also include developing links between Youthreach and Community Training Centre (CTC) provision. 

- The roll out of the 2020 Generation Apprenticeship competition at second level with 156 second level schools, Youthreach Centres and Community Training Centres

In accordance with the Programme for Government, a new Action Plan for Apprenticeship is in development to cover the period 2021-2025 with a target of 10,000 apprenticeship registrations per annum by 2025. The plan will also set out how the apprentice population more closely reflect the general population and offer targeted supports for under-represented groups, including those with disabilities. Stakeholder submissions and a review of the current position of the Pathways findings and recommendations will be used to inform the new action plan which is due to be finalised by year end.