Thomas Gould (Cork North-Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

24. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if it is possible to ensure apprentices are offered taught phases in facilities close to their home as often as possible. [55307/25]

Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Whenever possible, SOLAS schedules craft apprentices to the available training location nearest to their home. However, this is not always possible. Apprenticeships are national programmes and not all apprenticeship programmes are available in every Education and Training Board or Higher Education Institute. If a placement is not available near an apprentice’s home, SOLAS will endeavour to schedule them to attend the next nearest available location.

During their induction, apprentices are informed that they may be required to travel to other counties for training. Each apprentice is assigned a Training Advisor in their employer’s region, who provides ongoing support throughout the programme.

Apprentices and their employers receive written notification from the relevant ETB between six and 13 weeks prior to the start of the training phase. This scheduling is coordinated by SOLAS and the National Apprenticeship Office (NAO) to ensure timely progression through the programme.

From the date of issue, apprentices and employers have seven working days to confirm attendance. If the offer is declined, the place is reallocated to the next apprentice on the national waiting list. Apprentices may decline up to three offers and still remain eligible for future scheduling. This process ensures full class intakes, efficient use of training capacity and fairness.

Craft apprentices required to travel outside their home region may qualify for an accommodation allowance. Travel and meal allowances are also available, though only one type of allowance is payable per training phase.