Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 December 2025
250. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide details the length of the waiting list for off-the-job training, for craft apprenticeships, by category; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67788/25]
View answerA craft apprenticeship requires a minimum of 208 weeks of continuous employment, including off-the-job training, to complete. The programme consists of:
• Four on-the-job training phases (Phases 1, 3, 5, and 7) with an employer. Of this, 64 weeks relate to a mandatory minimum duration of training required to ensure appropriate skills development to progress to the next phase of training.
• Three off-the-job training phases (Phases 2, 4, and 6) in a training or education facility. Of this, 44 weeks relate to a mandatory minimum duration of training required to ensure appropriate skills development to progress to the next phase of training.
The apprenticeship system operates on a national, and continuous intake basis. Maintaining a steady pipeline of apprentices is essential to ensure full classes and maximise value for money. Classes are scheduled on a rolling basis throughout the year. Scheduling for phases 4 and 6, when apprentices are typically in higher education, aligns with the academic calendar, which can also affect timing.
The Government has demonstrated a significant commitment to apprenticeships through sustained investment. In Budget 2026, I secured an additional €79 million for apprenticeship delivery, bringing total funding to over €410 million - a 120% increase since 2020. In addition, I recently announced a €20.5 million capital investment to expand provision in Higher Education Institutions for phases 4 and 6 off-the-job training. This will deliver 99 craft training blocks and 8 consortia-led equipment projects, supporting approximately 1,600 additional training places.
This investment has supported substantial growth in the apprenticeship system. Annual craft apprenticeship registrations have risen by 63%, from 4,377 in 2020 to 7,113 in 2024.
The table below details the number of apprentices, by craft programme, who have completed their mandatory 6 months on the job training phase 1, and are therefore eligible for scheduling for phase 2 off-the-job training, as of November 2025. SOLAS monitors scheduling across all trades to ensure efficient delivery and minimise delays.
|
Craft Programme |
Completed phase 1 and eligible for phase 2 |
|
Brick and Stonelaying |
5 |
|
Carpentry and Joinery |
340 |
|
Painting and Decorating |
2 |
|
Plastering |
5 |
|
Plumbing |
450 |
|
Stonecutting and Stonemasonry |
1 |
|
Wood Manufacturing and Finishing |
42 |
|
Aircraft Mechanics |
0 |
|
Electrical |
71 |
|
Electrical Instrumentation |
31 |
|
Electronic Security Systems |
23 |
|
Instrumentation |
2 |
|
Refrigeration and Air Conditioning |
93 |
|
Farriery |
4 |
|
Industrial Insulation |
0 |
|
M.A.M.F. |
105 |
|
Metal Fabrication |
20 |
|
Pipefitting |
48 |
|
Sheet Metalworking |
7 |
|
Toolmaking |
0 |
|
Agricultural Mechanics |
13 |
|
Construction Plant Fitting |
70 |
|
Heavy Vehicle Mechanics |
200 |
|
Motor Mechanics |
213 |
|
Vehicle Body Repairs |
24
|
