Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 May 2024
34. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he has plans to increase the funding for apprenticeships that are offered by education and training boards and technological universities to meet future training requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23287/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFunding for apprenticeship is determined through the annual Estimates process, led by the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform.
Investment in apprenticeship to grow the capacity in the system has been a priority for this Department.
Through Budget 2024, an additional €67 million was allocated for apprenticeship, making the total allocation in 2024 €298 million. This is a 83% increase compared to the apprenticeship budget of €163 million in 2021.
Funding for apprenticeship delivery in further education and training which includes Education and Training Boards has increased from €107m in 2021 to €215m in 2024.
Funding for apprenticeship delivery in higher education which includes technological universities has increased from €56m in 2021 to €83m in 2024.
Table: Funding for apprenticeship by year in the and by further education versus higher education
|
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
|
|
SOLAS and the NAO |
€107m |
€150m |
€160m |
€215m |
|
HEA |
€ 56m |
€ 65m |
€ 112m |
€ 83m |
|
Total |
€163.4m |
€214.7m |
€271.9m |
€298.3m |
During this time, capital funding has also been provided to increase craft capacity. In the immediate pandemic period, €12m was allocated to support additional classes and teaching capacity to ameliorate Covid-19 measures and €6m was invested to provide additional instructor posts. Capital expenditure of €54.2m was allocated from 2021-2023, to SOLAS and the Higher Education Authority (HEA) to facilitate additional craft apprenticeship places across the system.
The Government’s continued investment reaffirms the strong commitment to enhancing and expanding the apprenticeship system, putting apprenticeships at the centre of the education and training system by building on previous apprenticeship programme funding. This investment helps grow our infrastructure and meet the demands of our growing apprenticeship population.
