Connect Trade Union launched its campaign today (Thursday, 30th May) to end exploitation and delays in completing apprenticeships, resulting in many young workers living in poverty while learning trades vital to the economy, including house construction.
Addressing a launch event for the Connect National Craft Apprentices Survey in the Union’s headquarters in Dublin today, Connect Assistant General Secretary, Brian Nolan, said: “While on one hand the apprenticeships are being lauded by government as key to solving the housing crisis and tackling climate change through a just transition, on the other hand apprentices are being neglected. We are launching the Connect National Craft Apprentices Survey so we can get the views directly from those that matter for the future of the trades and our economy, the apprentices themselves.
“However, we already know some of the major problems apprentices face. These include major delays when seeking to attend off-the-job phases of their training, ultimately leading to an over-extended apprenticeship. Apprentices being forced to pay an Apprentice Student Charge while at the same time being denied access to canteens, libraries and other facilities put in place for students but not for apprentices during the summer months.”
He added: “Despite the changing nature of those beginning apprenticeships, with most people now starting in their 20s, many already having families to look after, apprentices still do not have to be paid the national minimum wage of €12.70 per hour. In some cases, we know apprentices in their first year are paid as little as €5 an hour in non-union employments. This situation must end, apprentices should not be used as cheap labour.”
The launch was attended by apprentices, employers and the media. Sinn Féin TD, Donnchadh O’Laoghaire and Labour Party Senator Marie Sherlock also addressed the event and committed their parties to work with Connect Trade Union for the betterment of apprentices across the country.
Apprentices can complete the survey at https://connectunion.ie/calling-all-apprentices-national-craft-apprenticeship-survey-now-live/
For further information contact:
Connect Assistant General Secretary, Brian Nolan
