Government announces €960,000 capital funding to support Apprenticeship Programmes

The Minister for Education and Skills Joe McHugh T.D., together with the Minister of State for Higher Education Mary Mitchell O’Connor T.D. and Minister of State for Training, Skills, Innovation and Research and Development John Halligan T.D. recently announced capital funding of €960,000 for IT Sligo’s craft apprenticeship programmes which will allow them to purchase new equipment and update the infrastructure. IT Sligo offers training in three trade apprenticeships, one in Tool Making, one Carpentry and Joinery and one in Electrical Instrumentation.

President of IT Sligo, Dr Brendan McCormack, welcomed the announcement by Minister Mary Mitchell O’Conner; “This is a significant announcement by the Minister and shows the commitment by the government to invest in apprenticeship programmes which are growing in popularity at IT Sligo and across the country, enabling students to “Earn & Learn” simultaneously.” Apprenticeship registrations have grown massively over the last number of years, with an 80% increase in registrations between 2015-2018.

The funding will support the roll-out of new syllabi for apprenticeships in Carpentry, Electrical, Toolmaking and more and will also enable IT Sligo to provide apprentices with training in the most up to date techniques, including sustainable and renewable technologies such as solar and wind energy and energy efficient construction methods and materials.