The craft union Connect has expressed concerns about low compensation and extended periods on hold for training, which are proving to be significant obstacles for individuals interested in undertaking apprenticeships in critical trade fields in Ireland. These fields are key to addressing pressing issues such as the housing deficit, the union states.
In a recent poll conducted among its approximated 8,000 apprentice members, the union’s assistant general secretary Brian Nolan pointed out that the government’s stated objective of significantly boosting the count on apprenticeships in strategic trades seems unattainable, given that the remuneration begins at an underwhelming rate of €7.17 an hour. He noted that these unattractive pay rates are driving apprentices to take jobs in the fast-food industry, as it offers better compensation. He emphasised that this won’t assist in the resolution of the housing situation.
As of last year, there were 23,140 apprentices spread out across more than 70 different job roles, but a large share of them were linked to traditional craft trades. There were 10,153 individuals training to become electicians or equivalent roles and another 6,282 prepping for roles such as plastering, bricklaying and plumbing in the construction industry. Simon Harris, the then minister for further and higher education, persistently expressed the belief in the potential for a substantial increase in numbers. Despite Connect establishing national pay rates, with increments for each completed year, it is found to be inadequate, especially during the initial years.
Nolan further stated that a growing number of apprentices don’t align with the typical image of school-leavers embarking on these career paths as teenagers. Many who desire to use apprenticeships as a pathway to gaining qualifications, having already spent some years working, simply cannot afford to step backwards financially, especially if they are supporting a family and paying a mortagage or rent.
Nolan emphasised the still existing positive aspects of the apprenticeship system, pointing out numerous good employers who contribute significantly to the system and provide at least the minimum or living wage. However, he asserted, nobody should be earning less than the minimum, and despite the rates they decide upon, they are not obligatory across the industry. Instances of apprentices earning €5 an hour are legal, he observed, suggesting the need for a change in this situation.
Craig Nelson, a 32-year-old pipe fitter apprentice currently assigned at Intel in Leixlip, is employed by Jones Engineering. Though he has no grievances about his treatment, he admits that it would have been impractical to recommence his training – a step he had abandoned nearly ten years before – without his wife’s steady income.
“Naturally, restarting from phase two implied that my weekly earnings plummeted to about €350, quite a challenge for a 29-year-old. However, due to the Covid pandemic, our expenditures were largely limited to essentials,” he recalled.
His training period has become extended due to the pandemic and lack of classroom teaching facilities. Consequently, he would have completed over five years of training before he is fully certified by the start of the upcoming year. Presently earning roughly €750 per week, he anticipates a rise to about €1,000. Nelson is confident that there is room for further growth with experience.
He spoke about his family’s history with apprenticeships, revealing, “My grandfather was affiliated with Anco [the national training agency at the time], and my father and his brothers undertook apprenticeships, resulting in them ultimately establishing their own businesses.”
He recognised the potential benefits of apprenticeships for school leavers, offering them a solid learning platform and leaving them debt-free at the end of it. However, the reality of starting an apprenticeship with earnings lower than the minimum wage is a major deterrent for people in their 20s. According to Nelson, addressing this issue would increase interest in apprenticeships.