Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 March 2025
885. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the measures he is taking to address the shortage of tutors for phase 6 pipefitting apprenticeships; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14090/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra886. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of pipefitting apprentices currently affected by the delays and expense of extended studies due to only one tutor operating at phase 6 level in the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14091/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 885 and 886 together.
Pipefitting is a craft apprenticeship programme that takes four years to complete, with off-the-job training phases delivered through Education Training Boards (ETBs) and Technological Universities (TUs).
Munster Technological University (MTU) is currently the sole provider of phase 6 off-the-job training for pipefitting at its Bishopstown campus.
At the end of February 2025 there were 414 pipefitting apprentices nationally, of which two were waiting for phase 6 off-the-job training.
SOLAS have advised that these two apprentices completed their phase 5 on-the-job training within the last four to five weeks, at which point they joined the national waiting list for phase 6 training, and that these apprentices are not currently delayed in their training.
In response to increased demand, MTU has boosted its capacity to deliver phase 6 pipefitting training from 32 places in 2019 to 48 in 2024.
In 2024 a small team of lecturers equating to two - three whole time equivalents delivered three intakes of pipefitting training with 16 apprentices in each intake.
In 2025 there is capacity to continue delivering 48 pipefitting phase 6 training places.
MTU are actively working with SOLAS to monitor training capacity and ensure sufficient supply of apprenticeship training places.
