Fine Gael Councillor, Sharon Tolan says there should be more flexibility in how apprenticeships are offered and that people’s changing circumstances should be taken into consideration.
The East meath Coucillor has called on the Minister for Higher and Further Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris to begin a review of how apprentices are allocated their off the job college training as a matter of urgency. A motion proposed by her has to that effect was unanimously supported at the September Meeting of Meath County Council.
“We are seeing a significant increase in numbers of apprentices across all trades, which is very encouraging given where we are in terms of economic success and development” Cllr Tolan said, “however the profile of today’s apprentice is very different to the one in the late ’80’s when this system was first introduced by FAS.
“Gone are the days when an apprenticeship programme was only attractive to 15 and 16 year old lads, these days apprenticeships are being pitched to anyone with an interest, women, people who are looking to change careers and retrain, as well as Leaving Cert students who prefer the earn as you learn model.
“SOLAS need to reshape how college places are offered to apprentices and ensure there is a greater degree of flexibility. Some of our new apprentices have commitments and dependents, and find it very difficult to relocate for 6 months for Phase 2 or 3 months for Phases 4 and 6.
“It makes no sense to send a learner who lives in Dublin to Letterkenny or Kerry for his/her off the job training, and at the same time to send a learner from Donegal to Ballyfermot.
“We’ve got to consider personal circumstances, costs and stress involved in finding accommodation, and of course adding to transport emissions at a time when we are asking everyone to reduce their emissions.
“We recently opened a wonderful facility in Drogheda, and yet we have no guarantee that anyone from Drogheda or its environs will ever be trained there. The old system of only considering the date on which a person has applied has got to be reviewed and a system that is more affirming of the environment we are in currently and the apprentice profile of today must be introduced sooner rather than later.” said Tolan.
