Higher education minister Simon Harris has launched the Generation Apprenticeship One More Job initiative in Sligo last April 24, 2023.

The launch is being hosted by civil engineering firm Jennings O’Donovan & Partners who are looking forward to employing apprentices for the first time this year.

Make up more than 98% of businesses in Ireland

Small businesses with less than 50 employees make up more than 98% of businesses in Ireland.

One More Job provides a package of practical supports to micro and small businesses who will benefit from employing one or more apprentices in 2023.

Small and micro employers can use apprenticeship to recruit and retain talent as well as upskilling existing staff.

 

Each apprenticeship job provides an opportunity for someone to secure employment and training and build their careers through the ‘earn and learn’ model.

There are now 66 apprenticeship programmes to choose from. Through One More Job employers will have access to free, expert advice on what apprenticeships will provide talent for their business, assistance in becoming an apprenticeship employer, free access to training for in-company mentors and guidance during the initial period of in-company apprentice training.

These supports will supplement the €2,000 grant per apprentice per year for those apprenticeships which do not include a training allowance as well as the €2,666 gender bursary and the national apprenticeship online facility.

The initiative is getting underway in the northwest of the country and is being coordinated by the National Apprenticeship Office, working in partnership with Enterprise Ireland and with regional apprenticeship partners. 

Calling all employers: If you are a small business or work with a small business and are interested in One More Job we’d love to hear from you! Have a look at our brochure here and send us an email to omj@nao.ie.