Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The Advanced Healthcare Assistant Practitioner programme is a 2 year consortia-led apprenticeship at QQI Level 6, and was launched in May 2021.

It is a matter for Griffith College as the coordinating provider, in consultation with the consortium, to determine whether there is a need for additional training capacity. This is based on the demand from the healthcare sector.

The apprentice fee for the Advanced Healthcare Assistant Practitioner is €1,000 per year. A ‘unit cost model’ is operational for funding of apprenticeships in higher education. An apprenticeship consortium is required to submit funding proposals via the higher education coordinating provider which include details on the numbers of projected apprentice registrations. One of the unit costs include a ‘student contribution fee’, charged to individual apprentices. The student contribution fee must be agreed within the consortium and reflect the extent of direct learning contact between the apprentice and the education provider.

The State provides financial supports for apprentices and employers who hire apprentices. The Access to Apprenticeship Initiative supports the transition of young people from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds into an apprenticeship scheme. Eligible participants can access a €3,000 grant to support living costs including travel, accommodation and materials. In addition, a grant of €2,000 euro is provided to employers who take on apprentices under the Apprenticeship Employer Grant. Employers who qualify can also apply for the Gender-Based Bursary.

Under the Student Grant Scheme there is no funding available for apprentices as they are not considered to be attending an approved full-time course in an approved institution.