Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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1345. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if a part-time apprenticeship course is available for people with disabilities (details supplied).. [27256/23]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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One of the five overarching objectives of the Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021-2025 is "Apprenticeship for All", so that the profile of the apprenticeship population more closely reflects the profile of the general population. The Plan promotes general access, diversity and inclusion in apprenticeship by offering targeted supports to encourage participation from under-represented groups including people with disabilities. Targets and interventions for specific groups are being considered by the Access & Inclusion Sub-Committee of the National Apprenticeship Alliance, to ensure that the voice of under-represented groups is integral to the further development of the apprenticeship system.

Currently all national apprenticeships are structured on a full-time basis and are designed to be delivered within a set period of time. While recognising the fact that an apprenticeship is a full time work based learning opportunity, it is intended that programmes will be reviewed giving consideration to increasing the flexibility of learning provision, both on the job and off the job to allow for part time delivery of apprenticeship and modular learning.

I would advise your constituent to make an appointment with the Adult Education Guidance Service in their local ETB, who provide impartial careers and education information on apprenticeship or FET programmes within ETBs.