Christopher O'Sullivan (Cork South West, Fianna Fail)
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77. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the measures being taken to reduce the lengthy timeframe for completion of apprenticeships; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58657/21]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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One of the five key objectives set out in the Apprenticeship Action Plan is delivering the highest quality of work-based learning, supporting and demonstrating innovation to empower apprentices and employers to meet current and emerging skill needs. This objective will inform analysis regarding the appropriate duration for the completion of any apprenticeship training.

Apprenticeships currently range from two to five years leading to qualifications at levels 5-10 of the national framework of qualifications. It is important to highlight that as part of the apprenticeship development process the duration and level of the programme is linked to the achievement of specific learning outcomes, aligned with the skills and competencies an apprentice must demonstrate in order to qualify from their apprenticeship. These factors are set out in an occupational profile which is approved by the Apprenticeship Council on the basis of the alignment of the apprenticeship with skills needs.

The Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021-2025 sets out a new structure for the management and governance of apprenticeship and provides for a shift to a single apprenticeship model which will deliver more discretion in relation to innovation and reform of programme content.

Setting the coordination and delivery of all apprenticeships close to the employer-education sector interface, through the use of apprenticeship consortia, will promote a timely and effective response to changing sectoral needs.

Proposed changes to the duration, level or other elements within the approved occupational profile will be examined by the proposed National Apprenticeship Alliance, which will take on the approval role from the Apprenticeship Council. This will help ensure for the future that the apprenticeship system is responsive to developments necessitating evolution and change at all time maintaining the quality of apprenticeship training.