Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 June 2026
241. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of weeks of on-the-job training undertaken by craft apprentices in phase one and phase three of their apprenticeships; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46242/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra242. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science whether craft apprentices undertake on-the-job training apart from in phase one and phase three of their apprenticeships, if so the number of weeks undertaken; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46243/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra243. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of hours per week of on-the-job training undertaken by craft apprentices in phase one and phase three of their apprenticeships; the number of weeks duration they undertake; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46244/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra244. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the months of the year during which on-the-job training is undertaken by craft apprentices in phase one and phase three of their apprenticeships; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46245/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 241, 242, 243 and 244 together.
Craft apprenticeships are typically structured across seven phases, with Phases 1, 3, 5 and 7 comprising on-the-job training, and Phases 2, 4 and 6 delivered off-the-job in ETBs or Higher Education Institutions (HEIs).
On-the-job training is not limited to Phases 1 and 3, but also takes place in Phases 5 and 7. For most craft apprenticeships, the minimum on-the-job durations are 3 months (Phase 1), 6 months (Phase 3), 6 months (Phase 5) and 3 months (Phase 7), totalling approximately 78 weeks. These are minimum requirements only and may vary slightly by programme.
Apprenticeship programmes throughout the year, and on-the-job training may therefore take place in any month. In accordance with the Apprenticeship Code of Practice for Employers and Apprentices, a standard on-the-job training week consists of 5 days at 7.8 hours per day (39 hours per week).
