The Freight Transport Association Ireland (FTAI), the business group representing the country’s logistics sector, has reacted positively to the Government announcement of a €3,000 financial incentive for employers taking on apprentices.
Speaking after the announcement, made by Minister Simon Harris TD, FTA Ireland’s General Manager Aidan Flynn was positive about the impact which the new funding will have on the industry’s future: “FTA Ireland has been urging Government for more support for employers which take on apprentices for many months,” he said.
“And it is encouraging to see that they have responded to our calls and committed to supporting the future workforce of such a key industry. As our nation starts to recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and prepares for new trading conditions after Brexit, it is vital that our industry – which supports all sectors of the Irish economy – can draw on the best and brightest recruits to futureproof our operations and ensure that Ireland can continue to trade efficiently, both at home and overseas. Future Irish trading competitiveness depends on a robust, well-resourced logistics sector, after all.”
As the lead proposer for the Logistics Associate Apprenticeship, which will see its first cohort of students graduate this autumn, FTA Ireland has been a long-term supporter of a robust apprenticeship system which provides ongoing training and education opportunities in the workplace.
“Supporting businesses as they recruit the workforce of tomorrow will futureproof our sector at such a critical time for the Irish economy. Without this vital capital injection, businesses across logistics would be facing a significant skills shortage paired with a currently ageing workforce that could be difficult to address. The Logistics Associate Apprenticeship provides candidates with all the competencies to enter the world of work and start to make a significant contribution to the competitiveness of Ireland PLC. This new financial support will ensure suitable young candidates can be attracted into the sector, and develop their skills to the benefit of the whole Irish supply chain,” he added.
The Logistics Associate Apprenticeship programme was developed in direct response to the recommendations in the 2015 Forfás report (EGFSN) and the follow up report ‘Addressing the Skills needs arising from the potential trade implications of Brexit’, published in June 2018 to address the needs of the freight and logistics industry. It is offered on a day release basis over two years, the apprentice will attend one day in college and four days in the workplace. For more information on this apprenticeship please visit www.laa.ie
