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THE NUMBER OF people applying for apprenticeships in Ireland has been increasing substantially over the last three years, as the construction industry recovers after shrinking during the recession.
Figures released by the government show that the number of construction apprenticeships rose from 650 in 2010 to 2,271 last year. The government expect the number of apprenticeships registered this year to reach 3,000.
There’s still some way to go before they reach 2007 levels, however, where 5,208 apprenticeships were registered.
In response to a question posed by Social Democrats co-leader Catherine Murphy, the following breakdown of figures was given:
The increase is most apparent in the top three most popular apprenticeships: electrical, plumbing, and carpentry apprenticeships.
Here’s how the number of apprenticeships have risen in those professions over the past 3 years:
Electricians
2017, registrations up until September: 1,221
Plumbers
2017, registrations up until September: 397
Carpenters
2017, registrations up until September: 301
Catherine Murphy told TheJournal.ie that it would be a few years before these apprentices became “fully-fledged crafts people”.
“Obviously we’re lagging behind because we haven’t been training people in,” she said.
“There doesn’t seem to be enough skilled people to produce the kind of work er need to build the required number of houses.”
Murphy said that there are many skilled construction workers who travelled abroad when the recession hit, but if they were to return, then there would be an even greater demand for houses and accommodation for them.
Minister of State for Training and Skills John Halligan commented on the figures:
“We are now seeing strong growth in registrations in construction apprenticeships with 2017 registrations likely to be close to 3,000.
This is against a backdrop of a near total collapse in construction apprenticeship registrations during the crisis.
“The current growth in registrations, which is forecast to continue to 2020, offers excellent opportunities for young people to build careers and is a critical component of skills supply to a growing sector.”
Recently, the government announced that it would introduce a construction register to prove that builders are competent, as the sudden increase in activity in the construction sector coupled with the urgent need for housing has raised concerns that building standards may suffer.
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Ulster Bank are the worst bank I ever dealt with. Absolute no interest in talking just red tape after red tape and applies the same rules no matter what the circumstances is.
Personally speaking I found UB a pleasure to deal with. Staff could not have been more helpful. The so call ‘red tape’ you refer to is in this day and age essential in the banking sector. The ‘ah sure it’ll be grand’ for of banking is well and truly over. If they bend the rules for you, where does it stop? Then (hypothetically) if down the road something happens and you had to be chased for money. They wouldn’t have a leg to stand on with the courts or central bank because they broke procedure.
Couldn’t agree more Ulsterbank staff the most helpful of the three big banks
Don’t support this bank as they are closing branches in rural areas.
No private business will support a town to lose money. Ridiculous comment. Speak to the government. British companies brought so much competition to Ireland. Love my tracker. Irish companies have to try and complete. They’re the ones that ripped you off for years.
Back in 2006 I was coming off my 2 year fixed introductory mortgage rate,the Irish bank I was with declined to give me a tracker.Ulster bank give me a tracker and paid my legal fees to move.My tracker has saved my family from serious financial headaches.Thank you Ulster Bank.
Hooray for the banks. Wonderful news :)
Woohoo every little helps
These rates are applicable for new customers. We need to see a start to interest rate reductions for existing customers.
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