Minister for Education
This is the second year as Minister for Education and Skills that I’ve had the chance to introduce the 2019 School Summit sponsored by ABP – two days for senior cycle students to look at what paths they can take in further education.
The exhibition is a valuable experience for all students. You will get a unique chance to explore the wide range of opportunities that are available, with a particular focus on apprenticeships and traineeships.
There will be essential educational and vocational material to pick up as well as insights and valuable knowledge from guidance counsellors who are on hand at the summit to answer queries.
Once again the spotlight is shining on apprenticeships and traineeships that the School Summit provides as it is often a path that students do not delve into before making their decision for after the Leaving Certificate.
The Government is placing a great emphasis on apprenticeships and is committed to more than doubling the number of new apprentices registered and the number of apprenticeships on offer over the lifetime from 2016-2020.
In 2018, 5,648 new apprentices were registered and we have seen an 80% increase in apprenticeship registrations over the last four years.
In recent years we have also seen the emergence of new apprenticeships in computing & ICT, MedTech, logistics and engineering.
There really has never been a better time to be involved in an apprenticeship with the fantastic opportunities that they offer. I would encourage any student attending the 2019 School Summit to strongly consider the benefits of an
apprenticeship.
I have no doubt that this year’s School Summit will be another successful one and implore all those attending to check out as many of the
demonstrations, workshops and speeches to collect more helpful advice before you embark on the next step on your journey.
