Local Labour Senator Marie Sherlock has strongly criticized Taoiseach Simon Harris for failing to uphold his promises regarding fair pay for apprentices in Ireland. The senator’s remarks come in response to the preliminary findings of the National Craft Apprentices Survey conducted by Connect Trade Union, which shed light on significant issues plaguing the apprenticeship system in the country.
Challenges Faced by Apprentices
The survey results have brought to the forefront a number of challenges faced by apprentices, including delays in training and extremely low pay rates that are pushing many young individuals away from pursuing careers in the trades. It was revealed that a considerable portion of apprentices are not receiving the necessary support and training within their workplaces, leading to a dropout rate of nearly 20%.
Senator Sherlock pointed out that during his tenure as Minister for Further and Higher Education, Simon Harris had pledged to address the issue of poverty pay for apprentices, many of whom start off earning a fraction of the national minimum wage. However, she criticized the Taoiseach for failing to follow through on his commitments, leaving thousands of apprentices in dire financial situations.
The Need for Immediate Action
With Simon Harris now serving as Taoiseach, Senator Sherlock emphasized the urgent need for him to fulfill his promise of paying apprentices fairly right from the beginning of their training. She stressed that in order to meet the government’s housing targets, it is imperative for the Taoiseach to tackle this crisis head-on and provide apprentices with the necessary support and resources to not only survive but thrive in their chosen trades.
The senator called for immediate action from the Government and the Department of Further and Higher Education to reform the apprenticeship system and ensure that all apprentices are entitled to the national minimum wage from the outset. She highlighted the disparity between apprentices and students, noting that apprentices work full-time jobs, pay taxes on their earnings, and often come from backgrounds where familial support is lacking. Despite their contributions to the workforce, many apprentices receive no state grants to assist them in their training.
Promoting Diversity and Inclusivity
Senator Sherlock commended Connect Trade Union for their efforts in addressing the issues faced by apprentices and for their initiatives to encourage more women to enter the trades. She praised the union’s commitment to promoting diversity and inclusivity within the industry, recognizing the importance of a varied workforce in addressing the housing crisis and other challenges in the construction sector.
In conclusion, Senator Marie Sherlock’s criticisms of Taoiseach Simon Harris highlight the pressing need for immediate action to rectify the issues plaguing apprentices in Ireland. By ensuring fair pay and adequate support for apprentices, the government can not only attract more individuals to the trades but also cultivate a skilled workforce capable of addressing the country’s housing needs and other construction-related challenges.
