Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 January 2026
1163. Deputy Martin Daly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the apprenticeship completion rate for cohorts commencing in 2021 and 2022, as published by SOLAS. [5685/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraCraft apprenticeships do not have fixed intake periods and apprentices can be registered by their employers at any time of the year. Not all apprentices who were registered as an apprentice throughout 2021 and 2022 will have completed the mandatory minimum duration of their programme. Consequently, completion data for apprentices who commenced their apprenticeships throughout 2021 and 2022 cannot be provided. Apprenticeships involve scheduled on and off-the-job training according to the specific programme and agreements between the apprentice, employer, and training provider. Craft Apprentices must complete a minimum of 208 weeks of employment and successfully pass through seven phases, each serving as a prerequisite for the next. Process times for validation of craft certification can take up to a further 12 weeks. The median time to completion across the craft apprenticeship system in 2024 was 239 weeks before decreasing to 227 weeks in 2025 indicating that most craft apprentices are completing their apprenticeship within a timely period. In a National Survey of Apprentices published last year, 87% of apprentices reported that they are enjoying their apprenticeship experience and 84% have developed confidence in their ability to learn; 85% are glad they chose the apprenticeship route and feel part of their organisation, and 94% of apprentices believe their apprenticeship will provide good employment opportunities.This positive experience is reflected in the relatively low non-progression rates. SOLAS data indicates that approximately 90% of first year of apprentices progress to their second year, figures that compare positively to other tertiary education options.
