EAfA Member Spotlight: TU Dublin leads the way to inclusive and sustainable apprenticeships

TU Dublin's pledge

Please can you provide a short overview of your pledge?

Aligned with several EAfA objectives, our pledge is titled 'Pathways to Apprenticeships'. With our pledge, we aim to chart a course to inclusive and quality apprenticeship opportunities, especially for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.

We have therefore pledged to increase the supply of apprenticeships - delivered through our Access to Apprenticeships (AtA) programme - and to improve the quality of apprenticeships by mentoring training providers, awarding internationally recognised certifications, and providing inclusive curricula. We are also committed to enhancing the image of apprenticeships and exploring best practices for green and digital skills.

Why did you decide to submit a pledge?

TU Dublin joined EAfA in 2020 after we heard about the Alliance from social partners and employers. We wanted to collaborate with European partners, share best practices, and contribute to the development of high-quality and inclusive apprenticeship systems. Since 2023, TU Dublin has been actively engaged in the EAfA Communities and our pledge reflects our commitment to lifelong learning, equality, social inclusion, and sustainable employment.

The benefits of being an EAfA Member

What initiatives has your organisation undertaken to support or participate in EAfA activities?

TU Dublin regularly participates in EAfA events as well as Erasmus+ mobility programmes. Participation in the EAfA Communities, such as those focused on the Green and Digital Transition or Social Inclusion and Gender Equality, is also important to us.Additionally,we participate in Erasmus+ mobility and study visits and host events for VET teachers and students. For example, during the previous academic year, over 40 teachers and 70 students from different VET schools in Germany, Spain, France, Bulgaria, Latvia and Sweden visited us. We presented our activities and arranged visits to our training facilities.

Strong collaboration with European partners supports the development of our projects. One such example is our 'Green Micro Credentials pathways: Upskill and Reskilling Low Skilled Adults for Lifelong Learning ' project, funded by EU Erasmus+ Key Action 3, which develops apprentices' green skills through micro-credentials. The project has developed educational resources for teachers to deliver short VET courses on sustainability. The project successfully involved 22 partners from six countries (Ireland, Sweden, Bulgaria, Macedonia, Latvia, Spain), including VET schools, employers, higher education, social partners and national agencies.

How have you promoted EAfA membership to your partners?

We connect with Education and Training Boards in Ireland to provide opportunities for students to access VET and progress in their training.

We also promote EAfA membership via the TU Dublin's website and our LinkedIn page . Furthermore, we run events like 'Try a Trade' to encourage young people - especially young women - to learn about the different skills involved in apprenticeships. 'Switch on Apprenticeship' which provides primary school pupils with hands-on experience of different apprenticeships and skills areas. These events show students the skills needed for apprenticeships in professions such as plumbing and brickwork. At the events, students can watch demonstrations and participate in activities relating to copper pipe work and bricklaying.

Gender equality drives competitiveness

What activities has TU Dublin undertaken to achieve its pledged EAfA objectives?

Firstly, the successful expansion of our AtA programme helped more young people (16-24) from disadvantaged backgrounds than ever before.

With a EUR 3,000 bursary available for learners, the 15-week full-time course includes CV and interview preparation, work experience, and a Safe Pass certification (a mandatory one-day health and safety awareness course for construction workers in Ireland). Successful students then receive a Level 6 Professional Development Certificate, helping them on their way to long-term employment.

Integrating green and digital skills into learning materials produced by the 'Green Skills Micro Credentials' project has been key to supporting students to learn about waste management, planning, auditing, energy, systems, and products skills.

Supporting disadvantaged and minority groups is also a key priority for our organisation. We assist individuals from minority backgrounds, as well as refugees and asylum seekers, in securing apprenticeships by engaging with employers to promote work-based learning opportunities. Additionally, we facilitate information sessions and coordinate visits to workplaces and apprenticeship workshops at TU Dublin.

How does your pledge support EU or national goals related to gender equality in education and employment?

We established the 'Female Apprentices Network 'to connect female apprentices and help them to find role models in the construction and engineering sectors. The network provides women with mentoring and peer support and hosts events such as 'Women Building the Future' networking lunches, further fostering inclusion in construction and engineering. We also try to reach young women through dedicated events and networks to provide mentoring and role models which align with Ireland's National Access Plan and the EU's Gender equality strategy.

Access to Apprenticeship is core funded by the Higher Education Authority in Ireland. And also receives funding supports for projects, mobilities and study visits from the European Commission Erasmus+ programme. In addition, Rethink Ireland have provided supports for project initiatives relating to social inclusion, gender equality and digital skills.

Apprenticeships driving sustainable competitiveness

How are apprentices shaping the future competitiveness of TU Dublin and what value do apprentices add to your organisation as a whole?

Apprentices add value by sharing insights with young people about the workplace, which is a new space for most young people leaving school. They provide advice to their peers, create supportive environments, and assist us with career guidance.

Our 'Reverse Mentoring Scheme' invites apprentices to share their experiences with other employees and managers, creating a two-way system whereby apprentices' voices are heard and inspiring new ways of working. The scheme also provides information sessions for parents and offers dedicated support services to make sure apprentices understand their placements and are supported throughout their journey.

The EU's Clean Industrial Deal aims to turn decarbonisation and the transition to cleaner energies into a driver of growth and competitiveness. How is TU Dublin working to become more sustainable with apprentices in mind?

Apprentices are key to the clean energy transition, which is why we are embedding green skills and sustainability skills directly into our apprenticeship programmes. We will contribute to a sustainable future by cooperating with Laois Offaly Education and Training Board, Mount Lucas Centre which teaches apprentices skills aligned with the nZEB (nearly-zero energy buildings) standards and encouraging participation in green micro-credential projects. We also aim to support the EU's Clean Industrial Deal through practice-based learning and innovation. The programme also engages with the UNESCO-UNEVOC Centre Ireland exploring Green TVET. And cooperates with social partners like the Teachers Union of Ireland to promote gender equality in VET and exploring artificial intelligence as a tool in training and teaching. We are open to exploring further cooperating and projects with members of the EAfA. We are stronger working together to enhance the TVET learning experiences of apprentices.

Are you inspired by TU Dublin's pledge? Become a member by submitting a pledge on our EAfA Membership and Pledges webpage.