Written answers

Wednesday, 17 November 2021

Department of Education and Skills

Apprenticeship Programmes

Photo of Rose Conway-WalshRose Conway-Walsh (Mayo, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

159. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of new apprentices registered to consortia-led apprenticeships that were already employed by the company for more than six months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56386/21]

Photo of Niall CollinsNiall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The information requested by the Deputy is not collected by SOLAS. A 2019 survey of apprentices used to inform the development of the Action Plan for Apprenticeship indicated that, at that point, 8% of craft and 43% of non-craft apprentices worked for the same employer before registering as an apprentice.

In the same survey, 54% of craft apprentices and 78% of other apprentices worked full-time for an employer or as self-employed before registering as an apprentice. It should be noted that post-qualification work experience is an entry requirement for a number of postgraduate level apprenticeships.

Photo of Rose Conway-WalshRose Conway-Walsh (Mayo, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

160. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the current drop-out rate of consortia-led apprenticeships; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56387/21]

Photo of Niall CollinsNiall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Apprentices end their registration for a variety of reasons including failed assessments, pursuing another career or educational programme or personal reasons such as serious illness etc.441 apprentices withdrew from consortia led apprenticeships between 2016 and 2020. The breakdown per apprenticeship, and overall non-completion rate to date is listed on the attached.

Photo of Rose Conway-WalshRose Conway-Walsh (Mayo, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

161. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the minimum duration allowed for a consortia-led apprenticeship; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56388/21]

Photo of Niall CollinsNiall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The minimum duration of a national apprenticeship programme is two years.

Photo of Rose Conway-WalshRose Conway-Walsh (Mayo, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

162. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the average age of a craft apprentice; the average age of a consortia-led apprentice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56389/21]

Photo of Simon HarrisSimon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The current apprentice population has an average craft apprentice age of 20 years, for all other apprentices this is 27 years.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.