Apprenticeships expansion
Deputy McLoughlin asks about progress toward doubling apprenticeships and what sectors will be targeted. The Minister cites new apprenticeship areas already in the pipeline, including manufacturing, insurance, financial services and hospitality, and invites further employer proposals.
A Fine Gael representative. Decide for yourselves, Deputy McLoughlin or Deputy Durkan.
Comment on this
I will be brief and I will allow half of my time to-----
Comment on this
The programme for Government commits to doubling the number of apprenticeships nationwide by 2020. On that basis, given the importance of apprenticeships for creating and retaining jobs in the north-west region, can the Tánaiste advise the House as to the progress being made in this regard and what sectors in particular we will focus on?
Comment on this
I congratulate Sligo for winning the new insurance apprenticeship, which is a very successful programme delivered online by the Sligo Institute of Technology. We have approximately 20 apprenticeships in the pipeline in new areas. These includes modern manufacturing, insurance, financial services and the hospitality industry right across a broad segment of sectors. We have a fresh call-out for new employer groups to come forward with proposals for apprenticeships.