Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael)
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250. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will consider expanding apprenticeship programmes within the forestry sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35054/22]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Apprenticeship is a demand driven educational and training programme that aims to develop the skills of an apprentice in order to meet the needs of industry and the labour market. The development of new apprenticeships is employer-led, with consortia comprising of employer groups and educational providers coming together to identify a skills need and appropriate apprenticeship response in their sector. There is no apprenticeship for the forestry sector at present and officials in my Department are not aware of any such apprenticeship in development or being considered.

A defined process and structure for employers to become engaged in the apprenticeship process is in place. It is open to any industry that wishes to explore options for developing an apprenticeship to bring a proposal forward.  The SOLAS Guidance Document for Submitting an Initial Proposal for a New National Apprenticeship together with their Handbook on Developing a National Apprenticeship provide an overview of the key features of new apprenticeships, including sectoral engagement and collaboration among enterprises and other stakeholders in the relevant industry.  These publications are available on www.apprenticeship.ie.

Traineeships are also a practical route to delivering work based learning programmes. Traineeships are shorter courses than apprenticeship and lead to employment in the industry or progress to further education.  Existing traineeships in the forestry sector include the Teagasc Level 5 and Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Forestry which includes an 8 week and a 12 week practical learning period respectively. A Five-Step Guide to Traineeship setting out the practical steps required from employers, training providers and accreditation bodies, who working together develop and structure the programme requirements, is also available on www.apprenticeship.ie.

There are currently 65 apprenticeship programmes on offer: 25 craft programmes and 40 programmes introduced since 2016. Eight new programmes were launched over 2020 and 2021, despite the pandemic; Arboriculture, Equipment Systems Engineer, Healthcare Assistant, Principal Engineer – Professional Doctorate, Recruitment Executive, Sales, Scaffolding , Supply Chain Associate.

In recent months, three further programmes have been launched: Bar Manager, Wind Turbine Maintenance Technician and Transport Operations & Commercial Driving.