176. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Education and Skills the previous occasion a forecast was conducted by the skills labour market and research unit of SOLAS and its apprenticeship services unit for annual registration targets for both craft and consortia-led apprenticeships, respectively, in each of the years to 2020 and over the next five years. [17310/19]

The latest forecast produced by the Skills and Labour Market Research Unit (SLMRU) for SOLAS was carried out in December 2018 in respect of craft apprenticeship registrations from 2018 to 2022.

The SLMRU has, to date, not conducted forecasts for consortia led apprenticeships.  Unlike in the craft sectors, there is not yet a clear and developed relationship between activity and registrations in these areas, partly because industry needs are being met through a range of programmes in further and higher education and training as well as through other forms of employer led training.

The forecast registrations for 2019 to 2022 inclusive are attached.  These forecasts are based on estimating employment through a detailed analyses of the main drivers of the core economic activity which influences the recruitment of various categories of apprentices.  It is important to note that these forecasts are projections and not targets and are subject to ongoing review.

** This estimated forecast is subject to ongoing review and has been compiled based on current economic and data trends relevant at this time.