Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 December 2025
1100. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the progress made on the Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021 to 2025; when a new plan will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [69954/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraA key goal set out in the Apprenticeship Action Plan 2021-2025 is for apprenticeship to be recognised and valued by employers in many sectors of Ireland’s economy as a key route to recruiting a highly skilled workforce. At present, there is a total of 78 national apprenticeship programmes, 25 of which are craft Apprenticeships and 53 are consortia-Led programmes.
Investment in the apprenticeship system has been significant since my department was formed in 2020. €79 million has been invested in the apprenticeship system in Budget 2026, bringing the total current budget for apprenticeship to €411 million. This represents a significant increase of 123% in apprenticeship funding since 2020.
Annual apprenticeship registrations have grown strongly in recent years from 6,177 in 2019 to 9,352 in 2024. This includes a 41% increase in construction-related registrations since 2019 is helping to meet critical infrastructure workforce needs.
My department has also made good progress on implementing the Public Service Apprenticeship Plan, including the launch of the milestone social work and civil service digital marketing apprenticeships.
Work is continuing to improve the gender balance of apprenticeships, and to support underrepresented groups to access apprenticeships such as those from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds and the Travelling community.
The Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2026–2030 will be launched in the first half of next year, delivering on a key commitment in the Programme for Government. A public consultation on the new Plan is expected to commence shortly.
