Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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468. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will consider developing an apprenticeship programme for barbers to complement the recently announced apprenticeship programme for hairdressing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28037/21]

Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail)
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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.

The development of a new apprenticeship is employer-led, with consortia comprising employer groups and educational providers coming together to identify a skills need and appropriate apprenticeship response in their sector.

The Apprenticeship Council examine any proposals arising in the context of identified skills needs. All apprenticeship proposals go through a rigorous evaluation process which is led by the Council, and approval is subject to the application meeting a prescribed set of requirements as set out in the handbook and guidance document on Developing a National Apprenticeship which may be accessed on www.apprenticeship.ie.

I understand from SOLAS that an expression of interest in developing an apprenticeship in barbering has already been received and they are engaging with the proposer in the matter.