SIPTU has expressed concerns over reports that Education and Training Boards (ETBs) are being instructed to defer certain apprenticeship courses due to funding pressures.
The union claims that as a result of an increase in numbers being called for training, there is currently insufficient funding to sustain the originally planned apprenticeship delivery in 2025.
“This situation has led to a decision to defer programmes while SOLAS, with the support of the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, seeks additional funding from the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation,” said SIPTU Sector Organiser, Karl Byrne.
“The deferral of apprenticeship courses risks severely undermining national workforce development efforts. Employers in key sectors, including construction and electrical trades depend on a steady pipeline of skilled workers to meet demand,” he added.
SIPTU said it is calling on the Department of Further and Higher Education, SOLAS, and the Department of Public Expenditure to act immediately to resolve the situation.
Not unusual for scheduling dates to change
Further education agency SOLAS said that from time to time it is not unusual for scheduling dates to change in consultation with ETB providers.
The agency added that the Government has demonstrated a strong and sustained commitment to apprenticeships with investment in apprenticeship training increasing by 139% in the last five years.
“No apprenticeship classes have been cancelled,” a spokesperson said.
“SOLAS and the ETBs continue to work closely together to manage class scheduling for the remainder of the year, in line with available budgets.”
“The apprenticeship system operates on a continuous intake basis and a healthy pipeline of apprentices ready for training is required to ensure full workshops and classes.”
“This number will continue to fluctuate throughout the year depending on registration times and scheduling of classes,” SOLAS said.
