Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 July 2025
3334. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the reason there are college placements assigned by SOLAS, and the Education and Training Boards, often to places far from where apprentices are living; whether his Department have plans to prioritize local training allocations and reduce delays in these; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41476/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs far as possible, SOLAS schedules apprentices as soon as possible to their off-the-job training and at the nearest available training location relative to their home location. If a placement is not available near an apprentice’s home location, they will be called to the next nearest available location.
Apprentices and their employers receive written notification from the relevant Education and Training Board (ETB) between six and 13 weeks prior to the start of the training phase. This scheduling is based on information provided by SOLAS and the National Apprenticeship Office (NAO).
Apprentices and employers have seven working days from the date of issue to confirm attendance. If the offer is declined, the place is reallocated to the next apprentice on the national waiting list. Apprentices may decline up to three scheduling offers, after which they remain on the waiting list for future offers. This process ensures full class intakes and efficient use of training capacity.
Not all apprenticeship programmes are available in every ETB or Technical University (TU). Apprentices are informed during induction that they may be required to travel to other counties for training. Each apprentice is assigned a Training Advisor in their employer’s region, who provides ongoing support throughout the programme.
Craft apprentices required to travel outside their home region may qualify for an accommodation allowance. Travel and meal allowances are also available, though only one type of allowance is payable per phase.
The Rent-a-Room Relief Scheme offers an additional accommodation option for apprentices during off-the-job training. It allows householders to earn up to €14,000 per annum tax-free by providing short-term accommodation, including for students and apprentices.
