Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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124. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of Solas instructors that are available to provide pipe fitting training as part of in-class training phases on apprenticeship programmes; the measures that are being taken to address delays currently experienced on in-class training phases on all apprenticeship programmes for which apprentices are waiting over six months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45707/23]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Currently, Phase 2 Pipe fitting training is delivered in Cork ETB and LMETB by two instructors. Phase 4 is currently delivered in LMETB and there is currently one workshop with one instructor delivering the training.

As the Co-ordinating Provider for the apprenticeship, the NAO and SOLAS are actively engaging with the Collaborating Providers and employers of pipe fitting apprentices to support increased capacity in the Pipefitting Apprenticeship going forward. It is envisioned that an increase in the number of Pipefitting Instructors will form part of this response.

The current strength of the construction sector is driving increased demand on the apprenticeship system, as well as impacting adversely on the system's ability to recruit additional instructors required to meet apprenticeship training need. A planned upcoming national recruitment campaign for Instructors will be central to the delivery by ETBs of this additional capacity including through a third intake of apprentices each year.

There is a crucial requirement to align training capacity in ETBs with the continued strong demand for apprenticeships, with particular focus on apprenticeships linked to the construction sector. My Department is working closely with SOLAS and the ETBs to continue to increase training capacity, from 13,000 in 2022 to over 16,000 places in 2024 - an increase approaching 25%.

SOLAS, the National Apprenticeship Office and the ETBs, together with staff representatives, are continuing to work intensively with my Department to deliver the required additional apprenticeship training capacity to secure the reductions in waiting time in particular for phase 2 training.