GOVERNMENT DROPPING THE BALL ON APPRENTICESHIPS

The Government needs to create more apprenticeship opportunities in the construction sector to cater for the expected surge in demand in the industry over the next four years.

A new report by DKM economists has raised concerns about a possible lag in the availability of a skilled workforce, which it says is necessary for the continued recovery of the construction sector.

Commenting on the report, Labour’s Spokesperson on Education and Skills, Joan Burton says:

“Apprenticeships play a crucial role in Ireland’s economy and shouldn’t be undervalued.

Labour in government increased the total number of apprentices across construction and other trades from 5711 at the end of 2013 to 8317 by the end of 2015 – a 46% increase, and we expect this number will have risen further by the end of 2016.

Our alternative budget called for additional investment to further increase the numbers across all apprenticeships in 2017, but it remains unclear whether Richard Bruton will make any such investment.

There is clearly a need to create more apprenticeships in the construction sector. We should also be looking to bring new types of apprenticeships onstream, which will be of particular interest to young women who have never seen apprenticeships as viable options for them.”