Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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741. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide clarity on how the consortium-led apprenticeships will be rolled out in the technological universities; if he will provide details of proposed core/ringfenced funding to TUs for apprenticeship training and education; if he will clarify whether funding is provided on a multi-annual basis; if so, if he will provide exact details of the timelines involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22494/23]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The ‘Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021-2025’ sets out new ways of structuring, funding, and promoting apprenticeships to make apprenticeship accessible to employers and learners. The Plan seeks to deliver on a target of 10,000 apprenticeship registrations per annum, across a wide range of programmes, by 2025.

This ambitious plan includes a commitment to consolidate the current two streams of apprenticeship (craft and consortia-led) into a single system.

The process for migration from the dual- to a single-system is being undertaken in a considered and consultative manner, with partners involving representatives of apprentices, employers, unions, education institutions, educators and staff.

The rationale for this reform is to -

• simplify the governance structures and streamline relationships and roles
• delegate delivery system to improve agility, flexibility, and speed to market in all conditions
• create more transparency in terms of oversight an delivery and funding for stakeholders
• build the integrated system on the strengths of both delivery models
• increase the pace of innovation to adapt to rapid technology and economic changes
• foster the integration of apprenticeship within quality assurance arrangements
• standardise funding under a single apprenticeship system

The workplan outlines three key workstreams -

1. develop a structure, including funding and governance arrangements, for both craft and consortia-led
2. follow a structured programme of engagement with partners
3. develop a migration plan that will ensure the smooth transition of programmes in an orderly fashion to the new single system