&

The much anticipated Action Plan for Apprenticeships launched by Ministers Simon Harris and Niall Collins this week outlines the key developments planned to improve access to, and participation in, apprenticeships in the next five years. The rationale behind this ambitious plan is evident in the tagline #apprenticeshipsforall.

The plan seeks to double the number of apprentices to 10,000 a year and expand on the 60 apprenticeship options currently available to include training programmes in a broader range of disciplines. They include green areas such as wind turbine maintenance as well as more offerings in international financial services and technology and new courses including healthcare assistant, scaffolding, quantity surveying, quality control, farm management and many more. A key objective is to increase the attractiveness of apprenticeships to school leavers and to change the culture that currently exists, placing huge emphasis on progressing onto higher education even when it is not the preferred or a suitable option for the student. The plan also seeks to address the skills needs of an ever-changing world of work. Apprenticeship opportunities are to be significantly increased in the public sector bodies including local authorities and the Civil Service from 100 to 750.

Supports for apprentices and employers

Bursaries of up to €5,000 per annum will be made available to up to 100 apprentices each year from disadvantaged backgrounds. Support for employers who take on apprentices is also part of the plan. A grant of approximately €3,000 per annum will be available as well as extra financial support for employers who take on applicants from under-represented groups such as people with disabilities or asylum seekers. In apprenticeships where there is a predominant male or female take-up, financial incentives will be made available to employers that take on people to redress that gender balance.

The plan also seeks to simplify the application process by establishing a centralised portal where students can register their interest and/or apply for apprenticeships. Employers will also be able to advertise vacancies. A National Apprenticeship Office is to be set up to oversee the implementation of this ground-breaking plan which paves the way for a new vision for apprenticeship training for all backed up with practical steps to make it a reality. Full details of the plan can be accessed on www.gov.ie: Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021 - 2025, and on apprenticeships at www.apprenticeship.ie.