Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 October 2025
736. Deputy Emer Currie 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 and Civil Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53509/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer to the Deputy’s question regarding the implementation of the Public Service Apprenticeship Plan, which was previously addressed in July.
The Plan, jointly published by my Department and the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation remains a central commitment under the Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021–2025. It sets out a clear and ambitious roadmap to expand apprenticeship opportunities across the public service, with a target of 750 annual registrations by 2025.
Public service sectoral representatives have submitted workplans aimed at increasing apprentice registrations. While there is strong engagement and support for apprenticeships, challenges remain, particularly in terms of awareness and outdated perceptions that apprenticeships are less valuable than university degrees.
In June, I updated Government on the Plan’s implementation alongside my colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation. We are beginning to see momentum build: annual registrations increased from 67 in 2022 to 165 in 2024. This year at the end of September 2025 there are 225 registrations. Sectors are forecasting 554 registrations in 2025, an almost 240% increase from 2024. While this remains below the target, it reflects the growing impact of the Plan and the public service’s commitment to embedding apprenticeships.
New programmes have been launched, including a Level 8 Social Work apprenticeship and a Level 6 Digital Marketing apprenticeship, which offer new and exciting pathways into public service careers.
To support this work, my department and the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation have introduced 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, collaboration 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 to promote diversity and inclusion through apprentice recruitment.
