Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 July 2025
113. Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the steps being taken to reach the target of 750 apprenticeships in the public service and Civil Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37601/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Public Service Apprenticeship Plan, jointly published by my Department and the then Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Deliver, and Reform, is a key commitment under my Department’s Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021–2025. It sets a clear roadmap to expand apprenticeship opportunities in the public service, targeting 750 annual registrations by 2025.
Public service sectoral representatives have submitted workplans to increase their apprentice registrations. While there is strong engagement and support for apprenticeships, challenges remain— including with respect to the understanding of apprenticeship in some quarters and persistent perceptions that apprenticeships are less valuable than university degrees.
In June, my colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, and I updated Government on the Plan’s implementation.
Progress has been made and we are starting to see momentum build. Annual registrations rose from 67 in 2022 to 165 in 2024. Sectors are forecasting 554 registrations in 2025—an almost 240% increase from 2024. While short of the target, this growth reflects the Plan’s impact and the public service’s commitment to embedding apprenticeships.
Importantly, new programmes launched include a Level 8 Social Work and a Level 6 Digital Marketing apprenticeship which provide exciting avenues to increase public sector apprentice numbers.
To support this work, my Department and DPER have launched a range of employer engagement initiatives and published a Practical Guide to Employing Apprentices in the Public Service.
A strong foundation is now in place. Achieving the Government’s ambition will require continued leadership and commitment across all public service bodies. With over 400,000 employees, the public service has a unique opportunity to mainstream apprenticeships as part of workforce strategy and advance diversity and inclusion through apprentice recruitment.
