"It Certainly Worked For Jamie Oliver"

In recent years, one of the main criticisms of our education system was that it was completely focused on the Leaving Cert and the amount of points needed to get into university. The government hopes that the new Apprenticeships schemes will change all that. 25 new sectors for apprenticeships have been announced, including in software development, medical devices, financial services, accountancy, logistics and hospitality. There will also be chef opportunities with the Irish Hotels Federation and the Restaurants Association of Ireland.It's all a far cry from the days when apprenticeships were associated mainly with the construction centre. “From my perspective", says Education Minister Jan O'Sullivan, "this is a very significant change because it is something that has been lacking in the Irish education system - which is an alternative path. “We have been very much geared towards third level and I am delighted there is this refocus. I would urge young people to actively look at an apprenticeship as the foundation of their future career - it certainly worked for Jamie Oliver. ”