Apprentices must be fairly paid – Harmon calls for action on new Oireachtas report
Apprentices must be fairly paid - Harmon calls for action on new Oireachtas report - The Labour Party
Labour spokesperson on further and higher education Senator Laura Harmon has welcomed the publication of the report by the Oireachtas committee for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science on apprenticeships
Speaking at the launch event today Senator Harmon said:
“I welcome the publication of the report on apprentices and I was glad to play a role in producing this report as part of the committee. Just last year, Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil voted against a Labour bill that would make sure apprentices are fairly paid. This report is clear that a minimum wage must be introduced for apprentices.
“Work must be fairly paid – and right now apprentices are earning as little as €7.16 an hour. Meanwhile, employers are crying out for skilled workers at the height of a housing crisis.
“This report was produced following many months of consultation with stakeholders. The report is clear – a minimum wage floor must be introduced and student charges be removed. The financial burden currently placed on apprentices can be a deterrent for many.
“A wide-ranging national campaign to promote apprenticeships is among the recommendations. The aim is to break down barriers and make apprenticeships attractive and advantageous for anyone interested in undertaking one.
“For example, the report recommends that consultation takes place with people with a lived experience of disability to ensure inclusion and universal design in apprenticeship programmes. This needs to happen to make sure that the workforce has the breadth and depth that is needed to meet the challenges facing Irish society.
“The report recommends that supports be provided for parents in the form of childcare bursaries and targeted supports be provided for older apprentices and those with dependents. During the Committee hearings, we heard from countless apprentices that the cost of tools and equipment varies between schemes and can often become a burden. This report recommends new grants be introduced for tools and equipment.
“I am now calling for this to be implemented by Government, to reverse the position they took during the debate on the Labour Party bill in December. These changes will be transformative for society in terms of our workforce and skills planning. This is particularly essential for construction and the delivery of housing which we urgently need to see increase.
“I have long urged Government to place more value on the role apprentices across the country. This report provides excellent supports to those looking to pursue an apprenticeship and can enhance many of our critical workforces looking forward. Without Government implementation this cannot advance beyond report stage, it is vital they treat apprentices with the respect they deserve by implementing these recommendations.”