Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 December 2025
1093. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans to improve the availability of apprenticeships outside Dublin and other larger towns and cities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [69798/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government sets an ambitious target of 12,500 annual apprentice registrations by 2030, with two-thirds in craft and construction. This reflects the vital role apprenticeships play in infrastructure delivery and economic growth. A diverse range of apprenticeship training is offered across Dublin city and county.
Significant investment underpins this commitment. Budget 2026 allocated €79 million to apprenticeship delivery nationally, and in addition, my Department recently announced a further €20.5 million capital investment to expand training capacity in higher education institutions nationally including Atlantic Technological University, Munster Technological University, Technological University of the Shannon, and Dundalk Institute of Technology.
Alongside this investment, my Department's Careers in Construction Action Plan, launched in August 2023, aims to make construction careers more accessible and attractive, supported by promotional initiatives such as WorldSkills Ireland.
These efforts are delivering results. Annual craft apprenticeship registrations have risen 63% from 4,377 in 2020, the year in which my department was formed, to 7,113 in 2024. In the same period Consortia-led registrations have grown from 949 to 2,239.
In addition, this investment has also supported a 34% growth in the number of apprenticeship programmes available from 58 to 78.
Currently, apprenticeship off-the-job training is offered through 16 Educational Training Boards and a further 10 Higher Educational Institutions via 96 training centres across the country as per the table attached. Of these, 74 are based outside of Dublin county.
