Independent TD Michael Fitzmaurice has called for further action to be taken to clear the backlogs of apprentices waiting to return to training at the various phases.
Speaking on the matter, Fitzmaurice said: “I have received a number of calls from constituents who are waiting to progress to the next stage of training, but their progress is being halted by these backlogs.
“The disruptions caused by Covid-19 was the main reason for the backlog building up, but we must take further action to clear them faster if we want to reach targets when it comes to housing plans.
“The Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris, recognised the problem and hired more staff to deal with the backlogs – but the progress being made is to slow.
“On the current format, it was expected the backlog for phase two apprentices wasn’t expected to be cleared until at least the end of this year. And that is without any further delays or hiccups.
“The fact of the matter is that the construction industry is crying out for qualified trades and crafts people.
“If we have any hope of meeting building targets for homes and combatting the housing crisis that’s out there at present then we need to get these trained people on the ground faster.
“This backlog at apprentice level will have a domino effect across a lot of targets and peoples’ lives if further action is not taken,” the Roscommon-Galway TD concluded.
For further information contact Michael Fitzmaurice at 086-1914565