Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The Apprenticeship Jobs Portal (www.apprenticeshipjobs.ie) was launched in April 2019 to enhance the visibility and accessibility of apprentice job vacancies and to assist small companies to advertise apprentice vacancies to a wide audience. Although not a matching system the platform has been building traction since its launch. This contributed to over 350,000 users of www.apprenticeship.ie in 2022 and 1.4million site visits. Work is continuing to bring all apprentice employers on-board the system. Prospective apprentices may also contact their local ETB who may hold information on local apprenticeship vacancies. In November 2021 Minister Harris announced the inclusion of information on apprenticeship as part of the website for the Central Applications Office (CAO) process for 2022. This initiative has made a significant contribution to highlighting the range of learning and qualification options for school leavers, providing learning options both for students who learn by doing as well as vocational and academic routes to a qualification. This measure is further supported by the apprenticeship Freephone Helpline 1800 794487, established by the National Apprenticeship Office and supported by personnel with apprenticeship and career advice expertise, as a year-round service for anyone seeking assistance or advice on apprenticeship opportunities, including second level students, potential apprentices of all ages and backgrounds, employers, and other interested persons. It is expected that callers to the Helpline will grow to over 1,500 calls this year. Overall, my Department is examining the establishment of a single portal for all third level options.