Ireland intends to increase the number of learners who undertake work-based learning through the traineeship model.

In November 2017 the Government announced that as part of its aim to double the number of traineeship participants by 2020, it has allocated an additional €15m for traineeship training.  This represents an increase of almost 58% when compared to the €26m allocated for 2017. The expansion of the traineeship model is directly related to the targets and goals set out in the National Skills Strategy (Department of Education and Skills: 2016). One of the key objectives of the Nationals Skills Strategy is to support the delivery of 50 000 apprenticeship and traineeship places in order to assure diversity of provision of education and training beyond school.

The new traineeship model (known as the Career Traineeship) was developed by SOLAS in collaboration with Education and Training Boards (ETBs) and enterprise to develop a more effective model of work-based learning, primarily at NFQ levels 4 and 5 (EQF 3 AND 4). As well as doubling the number of trainees enrolled by 2020 to 14 000, this initiative also aims to expand the number of industries offering traineeships programmes. To this end, the Minister for Education and Skills launched a new five-step guide aimed at employers.  The guide gives practical information on how to develop a traineeship in a company.  Ireland hopes to duplicate the success of European counterparts in making traineeships and apprenticeships a vital link to economic growth. There are 1 500 employers currently working with ETBs offering traineeship opportunities across a wide range of industries. Employers can access suitable people and learners, and participants get to develop skills and job experience, enhancing their career options.

 

Read more:
Ireland’s National Skills Strategy 2025 (January 2016)