Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 December 2025
249. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he can provide an update on the Programme for Government target of 12,500 annual apprenticeship registrations; the efforts his Department is making to promote apprenticeships to school leavers given the urgent need for them in the construction sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66417/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is committed to positioning apprenticeships as a valued pathway for secondary school students and driving their continued development, with a strong focus on the construction sector.
Through the Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021–2025 and its successor, the Apprenticeship Action Plan 2026–2030, currently in preparation, we are shaping a long-term vision for apprenticeship in Ireland. This work is complemented by the Careers in Construction Action Plan, which sets out 20 targeted actions to promote inclusive and sustainable careers, particularly for women, young people, and under-represented groups.
Annual registrations have grown from 6,177 in 2019 to 9,352 in 2024, setting a strong foundation for the target of 12,500 per year by 2030. The range of programmes has expanded to 78, covering traditional trades and emerging sectors.
To foster early engagement, the Initial Vocational Education and Training (iVET) module is now available to all Transition Year students, offering hands-on exposure to vocational pathways through FET and apprenticeship taster courses, career talks, and workshops.
My Department also funds WorldSkills Ireland, which attracted over 30,000 students from more than 300 schools, showcasing the talent and ambition of Ireland’s apprentices.
These efforts underline our commitment to making apprenticeships, including in construction, a respected and attractive option for young people.
