The Academy will enhance the construction sector in Ireland by addressing future skills in the industry.
Increasing the number of construction apprentices across the residential sector has been identified by Government as an important part of delivering its Housing for All strategy.
The Apprenticeship Academy will provide support to those entering into the construction industry as well as those who are currently working with a Cairn subcontractor.
Apprentices will have the opportunity to learn and practice their trade in a working-site environment through 'learning zones' on Cairn sites.
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Simon Harris TD, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, said: "Increasing the number of apprenticeships is key to tackling the skills shortage we have in our country especially in the construction sector. These apprenticeships will prove to be viable career paths for so many of our young people and will be worthy investment for our future."
Julie Sinnamon, a Non-Executive Director at Cairn, said: "The decision to establish the Cairn Apprenticeship Academy is an important new strategic initiative for the company. Working closely with our supply chain partners and education providers we want to encourage and financially support new apprenticeships. We believe that this initiative will attract many new entrants to construction, leading to long and rewarding careers."
Michael Stanley, Chief Executive Officer at Cairn said: "Increasing housing output is integral to Ireland’s social, economic and environmental future. Cairn is on an ambitious growth trajectory and the future health of the industry’s workforce is integral to those plans. Today over 4,000 people are working full time on Cairn’s housing sites and only 160 of those are full time apprentices. Through a €10 million investment in the Cairn Apprenticeship Academy, our plan is to double those apprenticeship numbers over the next five years."
