Irish Government launches its Action Plan for Apprenticeship
The Irish Government has launched its Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021-2025, which sets out a five-year strategy to deliver on the Programme for Government commitment of reaching 10,000 new apprentice registrations per year by 2025.
The plan includes an annual grant of €3,000 per apprentice from 2022, and a roadmap to a single apprenticeship system and the creation of a National Apprenticeship Office.
Last year, the new National Hairdressing Apprenticeship was launched to help train new stylists with a nationally-recognised qualification to work in the industry.
The programme is the first of its kind in Ireland for the hairdressing industry, providing apprentices who complete the programme with a Level 6 Major Award on the National Framework of Qualifications, with certification awarded by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI).
The apprenticeship, which begun its rollout earlier this year, is a minimum of three years and takes place on a day-release basis for students, placing them in the salon environment for a further four days under the guidance of a salon mentor.
Hairdressing representative bodies have welcomed the Government announcement. When researching the Apprenticeship Action Plan, it received over 130 submissions, including one from Habic, which called the end result “good news”.
“This initiative will ensure we have a modern apprenticeship system that is reflective of Irish society and supports both learners and employers along the way,” it noted. “The plan provides a roadmap to a single apprenticeship system and new supports for employers and apprentices, and includes the creation of a new National Apprenticeship Office to drive reforms.”
The Hairdressing Council of Ireland said the plan is a comprehensive one for building the apprenticeship network across Ireland, and making apprenticeships an attractive option for school leavers and mature applicants alike. “This is good news for salon owners and future apprentices entering our industry in the coming years,” it added. “The annual grant of €3,000 builds on the apprenticeship grant provided in the July 2020 Stimulus Plan and puts it on a more permanent footing.”
