From Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
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Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris has today announced significant funding to drive Traveller and Roma learner participation in apprenticeships and higher education.
Under the newly-launched PATH 5 programme, €450,000 in funding has been allocated to higher education institutions to increase participation and progression of the two communities in higher education. The PATH 5 fund will be administered by the Higher Education Authority.
And, as part of the Action Plan for Apprenticeship, several social inclusion measures aimed at supporting Traveller and Roma learners, are being progressed through Budget 2023 and Dormant Accounts funding of €850,000.
Speaking today, Minister Harris said:
“I firmly believe it is so important that everyone is afforded equal learning opportunities and that nobody is left behind.
“This PATH 5 funding for higher education, and secured as part of the National Access Plan, will further strengthen access, participation and success for students from the Traveller and Roma Communities, and crucially help us reach our ambitious targets.
“But access to education is not just about providing support for those in higher education. As part of my brief it is essential we also deliver for those who have different career dreams and aspirations.
“That’s why I’m so pleased about the progress being made with the funding announced as part of Budget 2023 to drive support and access in apprenticeships.”
The key objectives of the PATH 5 fund are to:
This investment in higher education institutions will help build on the existing provisions already in place for students from the Traveller and Roma communities. Institutions are being asked to use this funding stream to support additional activities which will drive the objectives of the plan and, in particular, increase participation which has remained consistently low.
Minister Harris today announced significant progress on several social inclusion measures under the Action Plan for Apprenticeship. These are the:
While an apprenticeship is a paid employment contract, there may be associated costs for apprentices, such as buying tools or equipment. To help with this, the Traveller Apprenticeship Incentivisation Programme and the new Social Inclusion Bursary will provide sums of €2,000 to €2,500 to apprentices.
The Traveller Apprenticeship Incentivisation Programme was confirmed last month under the Dormant Accounts Funding and, through the Irish Traveller Movement, is recruiting for the two key posts required to deliver the scheme.
Apprentices will receive €2,500 to help them engage in or remain on an apprenticeship programme. In addition, the National Apprenticeship Office is finalising arrangements to have the Social Inclusion Apprentice Bursary granted in early 2023. Each beneficiary of the Bursary will receive €2,000, mirroring the amount available for employers under the Apprenticeship Employer Grant.
Under Budget 2023, €300,000 funding is also being provided to further expand the national Access to Apprenticeship Programme. Work is underway in the sector to identify the best locations and partner organisations to deliver this.
Membership of the NAA’s access and inclusion sub-committee is being finalised, with members nominated to different educational, employment, and socio-economic groups. The sub-committee will have its first meeting in January, when it will begin its work of advising and supporting the National Apprenticeship Alliance on the delivery of relevant equity and inclusion actions set out in the action plan.
Minister Harris added:
“While securing funding for social inclusion measures was significant, I believe that it is also important to mark important milestones, such as these, when the funding begins to be used.
“I am particularly delighted to see the progress that has been made in the short time since the funding announcements in September and October regarding the Budget and the Dormant Accounts Fund. I am particularly happy to note that the Irish Traveller Movement has begun recruiting for the two posts which will deliver the Traveller Apprenticeship Incentivisation Programme.
“Social inclusion and equality of access is a key ambition within the Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021-25. Today’s announcements demonstrate that this Action Plan is more than just words of aspiration. There are real and tangible efforts being invested in making our apprenticeship programmes more accessible to all and this will result in real and tangible opportunities for even more people.”
Bernard Joyce, Director of the Irish Traveller Movement welcomed the announcement today of two progressive new government initiatives to support Travellers into higher education and to improve employment chances. He said:
“There is no shortage of talent or ability and yet 83% of Travellers are unemployed. This new targeted approach addresses some of the structural obstacles faced by Travellers taking up apprenticeships, while also recognising the often ingrained discrimination in seeking employment, by incentivising employers who recruit Travellers under the scheme.
“The continued government focus on Travellers in third level is also reassuring as just 33 students started undergraduate degrees in 2020/2021, against a target now set of 150. Eradicating all impediments to entering third level must be connected to a long term approach and recent Traveller graduates who are teachers, medics, artists, digital , social and community practitioners prove that where resources are available to a disadvantaged student, it is more likely to lead to a positive outcome.”