Maeve O'Connell (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

582. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to identify each of the ten steps as part of the National Apprenticeships Office’s ten-step process for the development of new apprenticeships. [31719/25]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

A synopsis of each of the 10 steps of National Apprenticeship Office’s process for the development of new apprenticeships is set out below. It should be noted that the 10 steps involved in developing a new national apprenticeship programme do not need to be linear and may be taken in parallel. More detailed information can be found on the NAO website: content.apprenticeship.ie/f/83224/x/46a5139d42/apprenticeshiphandbook_publicationjanuary2023.pdf

Step 1: Initial Proposal.

The first step in new apprenticeship development is for the proposing industry to complete and submit an initial proposal for consideration by the National Apprenticeship Alliance.

Step 2: Approval for Development.

Supported by the National Apprenticeship Office, the National Apprenticeship Alliance recommends proposals on new apprenticeships for development to the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.

Step 3: Project Plan Approved and Development Funding Allocated.

Following approval of an apprenticeship proposal for development, a steering group for the apprenticeship consortium is formally established. A project plan for the development of the apprenticeship is prepared by the consortium steering group for submission to the National Apprenticeship Office.

Step 4: Programme Development.

During the programme development phase, the detailed design and content of the apprenticeship programme is completed by the consortium.

Step 5: Occupational Profile Approved.

At a stage determined by the consortium developing the new apprenticeship programme, the occupational profile for the apprenticeship is submitted to the National Apprenticeship Alliance for formal approval.

Step 6: Validation and Quality Assurance for Programme Approved.

New national apprenticeship programmes are formally validated by an awarding body, which may be Qualifications and Quality Ireland (QQI) or another body with the power to make National Framework of Qualifications awards, including technological universities, universities and institutes of technology.

Step 7: Industrial Training Order Created.

An Industrial Training Order designates an industrial activity as an apprenticeship. SOLAS is the body responsible for creating Industrial Training Orders.

Step 8: Implementation Plan and Budget.

In advance of launching a new apprenticeship programme, a consortium engages with the National Apprenticeship Office to agree an implementation plan and operational budget.

Step 9: Approval of Employers and Registration of Apprentices.

Approval of employers to employ apprentices and registration of apprentices can begin once an Industrial Training Order for the apprenticeship activity is in place, the apprenticeship programme is validated and an implementation plan and associated funding is agreed via the National Apprenticeship Office.

Step 10: Apprenticeship Underway.

The final step is getting the first intake of apprentices in place and their training underway.

Maeve O'Connell (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

583. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to report on the work of his Department to reform the structure of apprenticeships currently on offer. [31720/25]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Action Plan for Apprenticeship envisages the migration of craft apprenticeships into the newer consortia-led delivery model leading to an integrated apprenticeship system and I intend to bring a plan to Government on the steps to achieve this aim.

€4m in funding was provided in 2025 to support the development of the integrated system and a new quality assurance framework.

This consortia-led model of apprenticeship delivery has been in use for all of the 52 new apprenticeship programmes launched since 2016 and has proved successful in expanding the apprenticeship pathway into ICT, finance, sales & marketing, health & social care and other sectors new to apprenticeship in Ireland.

The consortia-led model is founded on a strong partnership between industry and education providers on curriculum and assessment, ensuring that programmes are both relevant to changing industry needs and kept up to date with the latest technical developments.

Paramount to the integration plan is ensuring there is no disruption of the craft apprenticeship system during the transition so that this vital flow of new talent into our construction and retrofit industries continues and indeed increases.

Maeve O'Connell (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

584. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the stage of the ten-step process for the development of new apprenticeships is the new spatial planning apprenticeship (NFQ Level 8). [31721/25]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

A key pillar in the Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021 - 2025 is to ensure that apprenticeships are recognised and valued across all sectors, promoting them as a vital method for building upon existing and supporting emerging skills needs now and into the future.

There are 10 steps involved in developing a national apprenticeship. These steps are not linear and a number may be taken in parallel.

The Initial Proposal is the first stage in developing a new apprenticeship program. At this step, the proposing industry group submits a formal application to the National Apprenticeship Alliance for consideration.

The consortia for the Spatial Planning apprenticeship Level 8 is currently in the process of engaging with the National Apprenticeship Office on their Initial Proposal. Supported by the National Apprenticeship Office, the National Apprenticeship Alliance recommends proposals on new apprenticeships for development.