Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 February 2026
1264. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his attention has been drawn to the current delays wood manufacturing and finishing apprenticeship students are experiencing due to waitlists for being called for phase 6 of their course (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12800/26]
View answerAs Minister, I have prioritised the growth and development of the apprenticeship system. Apprenticeship funding has more than doubled since 2020, rising from €184 million to over €410 million in 2026, a clear demonstration of this Government’s continuing commitment to support and expand the apprenticeship system.
Craft apprentices must complete a minimum of 208 weeks of training and successfully pass through seven phases of training, both on and off the job, each serving as a prerequisite for the next. Process times for validation of craft certification can take up to a further 12 weeks.
According to the most recent SOLAS data available to my officials, as of end-2025 the median completion time for the Wood Manufacturing & Finishing apprenticeship programme is 226 weeks. This indicates that most apprentices in this programme are completing their apprenticeship within a timely period.
The apprenticeship system operates on a continuous intake basis, allowing apprentices to register throughout the year. Those apprentices in Higher Education, typically during Phases 4 and 6, generally attend off-the-job training at institutions that follow the academic calendar. A steady pipeline of apprentices ready for training ensures that workshops and classes remain fully utilised. Such an approach supports the efficient and effective use of resources.
All apprentices are advised at their mandatory apprenticeship induction briefings of the apprenticeship scheduling process and are also assigned a Training Advisor as their point of contact. For any apprentice seeking further information or advice regarding their individual circumstances, I would encourage them to speak to their Training Advisor, who is best suited to advise them on their specific situation.
