The Government is to provide 1,000 new places at institutes of technology in an attempt to deal with emerging skill shortages in the economy.
Under the new trainee programme, the places will be offered in construction, electronics, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, healthcare, food technology and e-commerce.
Mr Brendan Butler, director of enterprise at IBEC, said a recent report found there was a shortage of 1.7 million IT workers in Europe. "Unless we face up to the skills shortages, Ireland could lose out in the battle to attract and retain major multinational companies." The programme is different from conventional third-level courses because students have to spilt their time between college and the workplace. Students will gain certificates from DIT or the National Council for Education Awards.
The students will not have to pay fees. Mr Eoin Ryan, Minister of State for Tourism, Sport and Recreation, said the new places would allow "non-traditional students" to reap the benefits of a third-level education and the experience of modern work.
Mr Butler said as the number of 18-year-olds is due to decrease from 74,000 to 47,000 over the next decade it is vital to "upskill existing employees".
Meanwhile, the Minister for Education, Dr Woods, has established a body to promote the Irish language, as required by the Education Act, 1998. The Irish Language Board will assist and advise the Minister on Irish language teaching. The board will consist of a chairperson and 22 members. The Minister has appointed Mr Breandan Mac Cormaic as chairman. Representative organisations will nominate the members.