Introduction Review of Apprenticeship Implementation Plan Establishment of Council Proposal Process Evaluation Process

Review of Apprenticeship Conducted by an Independent Review Group Chaired by Kevin Duffy Extensive Consultation Process Report published in January 2014, with Ministerial endorsement

Principal Recommendations – Key Characteristics Dual Training – At least 50% on the job Level 5 and upwards on NFQ Minimum 2 Years – Substantial in Depth Approved Contract of Employment

Principal Recommendations – Governance Establish an enterprise-led Apprenticeship Council as the key advisory body on apprenticeship Hosted by SOLAS but with close co-operation with HEA Greater distribution of curriculum development and awarding arrangements

Principal Recommendations – Existing Trades Curricula for all current trades should be reviewed Separate awards to be developed for each and placed individually on NFQ Learning outcomes and award placement to drive decisions on entry levels and duration

Principal Recommendations – Expansion Significant scope for expansion of apprenticeship All new apprenticeships to be enterprise-led Apprenticeship Council to co-ordinate a call for proposals from consortia of employers and providers for development of new apprenticeships Sustainability test

Principal Recommendations – Recruitment and Progression Recruitment to continue to be led by approved employers, but with greater capacity planning Clear occupational and academic progression routes Progression routes to include RPL mechanisms and exemptions

Principal Recommendations – Payment Employers to pay apprentices both on and off the job, to the maximum extent feasible, with wage setting being a matter for individual employers No reduction in earnings off the job

Principal Recommendations – Promotion Sense that apprenticeship has an ‘image problem’ Possible sub-brands in certain sectors that remain part of the overall apprenticeship umbrella and legal framework Develop a branding and promotion campaign to detail the benefits of apprenticeship and the opportunities arising

Apprenticeship Implementation Plan Implementation Plan published on 30 June Appoint Apprenticeship Council to develop call for proposals from employers and providers Sets out comprehensive implementation arrangements in three phases to renew existing apprenticeships and develop new ones

Phase One Q – Q Complete review of existing trades under existing governance arrangements Apprenticeship Council to issue call for proposals for the development of new apprenticeships Evaluated, including a sustainability test Report to Minister

Phase Two – Q Onwards Develop successful proposals into apprenticeships Develop curriculum and awarding arrangements Identification of progression pathways Determination of the apprenticeship contract Examination of legislative implications

Phase Three – Q Onwards Bring together governance of existing and new apprenticeships Stable basis for implementing other key recommendations (promotion strategy, RPL, master craftsman, forecasting capability, pre- apprenticeship programmes etc)

Establishment of Council Apprenticeship Council established November 2014 Chaired by Pat O’Doherty, CEO of ESB Membership includes state agencies, education and training providers, business and unions

Call for Proposals Issued in January 2015 Consortia of enterprise and education and training partners Key details (including the proposal form) are available at Deadline for receipt of proposals through the website is 31 March

Call for proposals - evaluation process Panel - Department of Education and Skills, Solas, HEA Independent process auditor Criteria underpinning selection – available to all via

5 criteria will be evaluated Each criterion allocated 20 marks out of Sustainable skills demand 2.Learner focus 3.Practical commitment to roll-out 4.Readiness to enter development phase 5.Cost effectiveness/VFM

Proposals will grouped into 3 categories At an advanced stage – green light for development funding - roll out Q4 2015/Q Not as advanced but with merit – green light for development funding – roll out Q Further work needed before proceeding to development stage

The following will also be considered as part of the evaluation process: o Range of awards at different NFQ levels o Geographical spread o Duration

As part of the evaluation process meetings may be held with those making proposals Outcome – planned by end June 2015

Questions