Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 December 2025
244. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the steps being taken by his Department to expand the number in apprenticeships and encourage more young people to take up apprenticeships; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67777/25]
View answerMy Department is committed to expanding apprenticeship opportunities, supported by a significant investment of €79 million in 2026, bringing the total apprenticeship budget to over €410 million, more than double the level in 2020.
The choice of apprenticeships is expanding and range from skilled trades to ICT or social work. Recently, I launched apprenticeship number 78, the first ever all-island apprenticeship, the Accounting Technologist.
To encourage early engagement, the Initial Vocational Education and Training (iVET) module is now available to all Transition Year students. Developed by the NCCA, ETBI, and SOLAS, iVET provides hands-on exposure to vocational pathways through FET and apprenticeship taster courses, career talks, and workshops.
My Department also funds WorldSkills Ireland, an event that attracted over 30,000 students from more than 300 secondary schools nationwide, showcasing the talent and ambition of Ireland’s apprentices and highlighting the vital role of skills in building a future-ready workforce.
The Apprentice of the Year and Apprentice Employer of the Year awards celebrate excellence and highlight how apprenticeships address skills needs across sectors.
These efforts, combined with strong government investment, have delivered real results. Annual apprenticeship registrations have grown by 75%, from 5,326 in 2020 - the year my department was formed - to 9,352 in 2024.
