Apprenticeship programmes see 54% increase in registrations between 2020 – 2023 – Farrell

There has been major progress in delivering apprenticeship programmes and the good work must continue, a Fine Gael TD has said.

Deputy Alan Farrell said: “In 2020, there were 5,326 people registered for apprenticeship programmes. In 2023, there were 8,199 registrations, which is an increase of 54% in that time. This is a major success and shows that there is significant demand for apprenticeships.

“The success of apprenticeships means that students have many more options with regard to their education, businesses will see more skilled workers in the labour market; and consumers will benefit as key industries see more people employed, meaning less waiting time for goods and services.

“Between 2021 to 2023, there has been a total of €550 million provided in core funding for apprenticeship programmes, with a further €254 million in core funding provided for the year 2024. This funding is making a profound difference to the lives of many people in Ireland and is a result of focus and determination of Minister Simon Harris and his new department.

“Furthermore, since 2020 to November 2023, over 30,000 people have registered for apprenticeships. Among some of the notable and diverse areas these students are registering for are:

• Software Development Associate: 333
• Plumbing: 2,913
• Laboratory Technician & Laboratory Analysts: 157
• Industrial Electrical Engineer: 122
• Electrical: 9,765
• Carpentry & Joinery: 870
• Accounting Technician: 614

“We’ve also seen an increase in the number of Institutes of Technology and Colleges of Further Education and Training around the country. Fundamentally, this means that more people have more educational options in their own communities”.

Deputy Farrell added: “We must ensure that schools and parents are also encouraged to get on board with apprenticeship programmes and not see it as a lesser option, as has been the case in the past. Apprenticeships are a key method of modernising our higher education system and benefits the whole of society.

“This significant increase in apprenticeships, especially in the craft sector, will help us meet our Housing for All targets and help us take further action on housing.

“I hope that in the coming years, as we begin to see the success stories of people who have been through apprenticeship programmes, that we highlight their success and build campaigns that show the real-world benefits”, concluded Deputy Farrell.