James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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1066. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if the current backlog will be addressed in the SOLAS administered apprenticeship program as in the case of a person (details supplied); the plans in place to address this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31572/21]

Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail)
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Of the 60 apprenticeship programmes, 25 are craft apprenticeships with a standardised seven phase programme of on-the-job and off-the-job training. Off-the-job training is delivered in phases 2, 4 and 6 of a craft apprenticeship in ETB Training Centres (Phase 2), Institutes of Technology and Technological Universities (Phases 4 and 6).

A rapid growth in craft apprentice registrations over the past 4 years, combined with COVID-19 related suspension of face to face off-the-job training during 2020 and 2021 has had a significant impact on the ability of craft apprentices to access off-the-job training in a timely manner. This has impacted on waiting lists for off-the-job training for electrical, plumbing, carpentry and joinery and motor mechanic apprentices in particular.

A number of emergency measures have been put in place to ensure that craft apprentices are facilitated in progressing in their programmes insofar as possible. Those apprentices who had been assigned to off-the-job training in January 2021 prior to the second lockdown were facilitated to complete theory elements of off-the-job training remotely during January and February. This group was prioritised for the phased return to off-the-job practical training and assessment during April and have now completed their phases.

€20M in capital expenditure has been allocated to SOLAS and the HEA to facilitate an additional 4,000 craft apprenticeship places across the system in the coming period in addition to €12M already allocated to support additional classes and teaching capacity to ameliorate COVID-19 measures. Spaces arising from these measures will begin to come on-stream in the second half of this year.

All institutions with learners (including apprentices) onsite are operating on the basis of current public health guidance with face to face training operating at approximately 50% normal capacity. As the public health situation improves, increased capacity will become available within both the existing and new physical facilities.

SOLAS and the HEA are actively working with the education and training providers to identify additional solutions which will address the waiting lists for off-the-job elements of craft apprenticeship to ensure that apprentices are enabled to complete their training as quickly as possible.

The impact of the pandemic has been far reaching and has impacted on many jobs and careers, including apprenticeships within the construction industry. Any apprentice that has been made redundant as a result of the pandemic can apply for the Pandemic Unemployment Payment.

It is also possible for an apprentice to complete their apprenticeship with another SOLAS approved employer. They should engage with the Authorised Officer in their local Educational and Training Board, as they are best placed to give advice on how to source an alternate employer and to ensure a successful outcome.