Atlantic Technological University is part of a €17 million fund to respond to the growing demand for apprenticeships.
The funding will be dispersed across four Technological Universities and one Institute of Technology in the higher education sector to deliver in the order of an additional 132 apprenticeship craft training blocks.
This additional capacity is required to meet the increase in apprentice registrations as indicated by SOLAS in a number of trades.
Minister for Higher Education Simon Harris said that this will support apprenticeship in crafts including Electrical, Electronic Security Systems, Pipefitting, Plumbing, Metal Fabrication and Refrigeration & Air Conditioning and respond to a growing demand for learning through apprenticeship.
“This investment reaffirms once again the Government’s strong commitment to enhancing and expanding the apprenticeship system, putting apprenticeships at the centre of the education and training system by building on previous apprenticeship programme funding.”
Ciarán McCaffrey, Head of Capital Programmes in the HEA, added, “We welcome today’s announcement of Apprenticeship funding for the higher education sector.”
“The investment is key to facilitating a strong pipeline in crucial skills areas through the expansion of craft apprenticeships in trades such as electrical, plumbing, metal fabrication, refrigeration, pipefitting and electronic security systems.”
“The HEA looks forward to continuing to work closely with all Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to as they progress these necessary expansion projects.”
