Dr. Joseph Collins:

I thank the Chair and committee members for the opportunity to speak on behalf of Education Training Boards Ireland, ETBI, representing Ireland’s 16 ETBs. We welcome this important review of the Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021–2025, and we are pleased to share the reflections of ETBs on progress, challenges and future opportunities.

The action plan for apprenticeship sets out an ambitious vision to modernise and expand Ireland’s apprenticeship system, making it more flexible, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of learners, employers and the wider economy. ETBs have been proud partners in delivering on this vision. The establishment of the National Apprenticeship Office, NAO, provides a centralised structure for governance, co-ordination, and stakeholder engagement. ETBs work closely with the NAO and SOLAS. As Mr. Brownlee said, SOLAS is the co-ordinating provider for all craft apprenticeships. Craft apprenticeships follow a seven-phase model, alternating between on- and off-the-job training. Phases 1, 3, 5 and 7 are on-the-job training with employers. ETBs deliver phase 2. Phases 4 and 6 are delivered, in the main, by the technological universities, TUs. ETBs also act as co-ordinating providers for a number of the apprenticeships developed since 2016. For example, these programmes include sales and marketing, engineering, auctioneering and hairdressing and are consortia-led. They are aligned with national skills needs.

In 2024, 9,352 new apprentices were registered. This includes targeted efforts to reach under-represented groups through bursary initiatives. Apprenticeships are a key pillar of Ireland’s tertiary education system. ETBs are committed to ensuring that apprenticeships offer pathways into occupation-specific employment and with routes to further education. To address the backlog of apprentices awaiting training, ETBs facilitated three intakes in both 2023 and 2024, which was an intensive effort that successfully reduced waiting times and ensured continuity of learning. These efforts were supported by SOLAS through targeted capital funding, which enabled ETBs to expand training capacity, invest in new facilities and deliver with the additional and sanctioned staff costs.

In 2024, 7,732 apprentices commenced their phase 2 training in ETB locations. Employers are the cornerstone of the apprenticeship model. ETBs support them through briefings, tailored guidance and the work of authorised officers who are employed by ETBs. Authorised officers are responsible for registering apprentices, approving employers, and ensuring compliance with apprenticeship regulations. They act as a vital link between the apprentice, the employer and the training provider, supporting quality and consistency across the system. One of the ways ETBs and higher education collaborate is through the National Apprenticeship Alliance, NAA, and a related subgroup of providers, which includes representatives from both sectors. Over the previous two years, the providers have been working collaboratively in a proactive and constructive capacity towards the development of a quality assurance framework for apprenticeship into the future, which includes consultation with all stakeholders.

While we are proud of the progress made, we must also acknowledge the challenges currently facing the apprenticeship system. As communicated recently by both the NAOand SOLAS, 2025 is proving to be a particularly challenging year. The NAO is working to manage phase 2 intakes for the remainder of the year. A targeted approach is being adopted to minimise disruption, but delays in scheduling may be unavoidable in some areas subject to timely and confirmed funding allocations. In addition, the increase in phase 4 and phase 6 capacity in 2025 has led to significant increases in apprenticeship allowances, as ETBs pay the apprentice allowances for phases 2 ,4 and 6. ETBs have been advised to honour all allowance obligations in the interim. We welcome this assurance and continue to work with SOLAS to ensure that no apprentice is disadvantaged. SOLAS is actively working with ETBs and the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to identify practical and sustainable solutions, and these discussions are ongoing. However, timely confirmation of funding is needed.

As we approach the conclusion of the current action plan, ETBI recommends the following priorities, starting with a renewed national strategy. A new action plan should set ambitious, but achievable, targets for participation, programme development and employer engagement, while embedding flexibility and responsiveness at its core, including the development of a new quality assurance framework. For sustainable funding, we recommend the establishment of a long-term funding model to support expansion, capital investment, staffing, and learner allowances and supports. On pathways and progression, we recommend ensuring pathways to and for apprenticeships are clear and accessible. On equity and inclusion, we recommend continuing investing in outreach, bursaries and support services to make apprenticeships accessible to all. On employer partnerships, we recommend the strengthening of collaboration with employers, particularly SMEs, to align provision with labour market needs.

By means of conclusion, ETBs have played a pivotal role in the development and delivery of apprenticeships in Ireland. Looking ahead, we are committed to expanding opportunities and ensuring greater accessibility. ETBs will continue to be central to developing a skilled workforce that meets Ireland’s evolving economic and industry demands, while supporting lifelong learning and mobility.

We thank the committee for its ongoing support and look forward to working with all stakeholders to shape the future of apprenticeships in Ireland. Gabhaim buíochas.