IT Tallaght is receiving €290,000 in Government funding to develop a new electrical apprenticeship programme, according to Independent Dublin South West Minister, Katherine Zappone.
The investment is part of a Government programme to double the number of new apprentices to more than 9,000 registered per year. The funding will allow IT Tallaght to purchase equipment and carry out enabling works to allow for the new course.
Welcoming the announcement Minister Zappone added: “Apprenticeships are back as a way for people to start or restart their working lives. After falling away during the recession they are now a viable option for many – in particular young people. They learn skills, talent and a trade which will benefit them throughout their working life. IT Tallaght and the other institutes of technology have an important role to play and this has been acknowledged with the new Government investment.
It is hoped that the necessary works will be carried out to allow the first of the new electrical apprentices to begin before the end of this year. The new equipment will help ensure that those learning their craft and trade will be able to do so with the latest technology and be ready to enter any workplace. Nationally more than 5,000 workplaces are now signed up to apprenticeship programmes. I would encourage local employers to work side by side with IT Tallaght to ensure the success of the new apprenticeships and to identify other skill gaps for future investment and expansion. In addition to the local investment there are also a range of other programmes being made available in the other nine institutes of technology. These range from aircraft maintenance, sheet metal work to electronic security systems. Full details are available at www.education.ie “
