Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 12 June 2025
582. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to identify each of the ten steps as part of the National Apprenticeships Office’s ten-step process for the development of new apprenticeships. [31719/25]
View answerA synopsis of each of the 10 steps of National Apprenticeship Office’s process for the development of new apprenticeships is set out below. It should be noted that the 10 steps involved in developing a new national apprenticeship programme do not need to be linear and may be taken in parallel. More detailed information can be found on the NAO website: content.apprenticeship.ie/f/83224/x/46a5139d42/apprenticeshiphandbook_publicationjanuary2023.pdf
Step 1: Initial Proposal.
The first step in new apprenticeship development is for the proposing industry to complete and submit an initial proposal for consideration by the National Apprenticeship Alliance.
Step 2: Approval for Development.
Supported by the National Apprenticeship Office, the National Apprenticeship Alliance recommends proposals on new apprenticeships for development to the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.
Step 3: Project Plan Approved and Development Funding Allocated.
Following approval of an apprenticeship proposal for development, a steering group for the apprenticeship consortium is formally established. A project plan for the development of the apprenticeship is prepared by the consortium steering group for submission to the National Apprenticeship Office.
Step 4: Programme Development.
During the programme development phase, the detailed design and content of the apprenticeship programme is completed by the consortium.
Step 5: Occupational Profile Approved.
At a stage determined by the consortium developing the new apprenticeship programme, the occupational profile for the apprenticeship is submitted to the National Apprenticeship Alliance for formal approval.
Step 6: Validation and Quality Assurance for Programme Approved.
New national apprenticeship programmes are formally validated by an awarding body, which may be Qualifications and Quality Ireland (QQI) or another body with the power to make National Framework of Qualifications awards, including technological universities, universities and institutes of technology.
Step 7: Industrial Training Order Created.
An Industrial Training Order designates an industrial activity as an apprenticeship. SOLAS is the body responsible for creating Industrial Training Orders.
Step 8: Implementation Plan and Budget.
In advance of launching a new apprenticeship programme, a consortium engages with the National Apprenticeship Office to agree an implementation plan and operational budget.
Step 9: Approval of Employers and Registration of Apprentices.
Approval of employers to employ apprentices and registration of apprentices can begin once an Industrial Training Order for the apprenticeship activity is in place, the apprenticeship programme is validated and an implementation plan and associated funding is agreed via the National Apprenticeship Office.
Step 10: Apprenticeship Underway.
The final step is getting the first intake of apprentices in place and their training underway.
