Mr. Ian Talbot:

I thank the committee for the opportunity to address it today on behalf of Chambers Ireland and our nationwide network of member chambers. I am delighted to be joined by Mr. McGibney from Dublin Chamber today.

Apprenticeships are a cornerstone of Ireland’s skills and talent strategy. Over the past several years, the action plan for apprenticeships has delivered real progress: the establishment of the national apprenticeship office, strong growth in apprenticeship numbers and programmes, and a reduction in delays for off-the-job training. However, the migration of all craft and consortia-led apprenticeships into a unified system is still under way and we urge continued focus to complete this transition, while recognising the complexity and challenges to that transition.

Our members, representing thousands of businesses, large and small, consistently highlight the value of apprenticeships in addressing Ireland’s skills shortages, especially in critical sectors such as technology, life sciences, construction, and the green economy. Yet, they also identify persistent barriers that must be addressed if apprenticeships are to reach their full potential.

First, SMEs face significant administrative and practical challenges. We strongly recommend formalising the administrative transfer option, which allows companies to share apprentices and better manage curriculum requirements. This would make apprenticeships more workable for smaller businesses and help unlock new opportunities for talent development.

Second, the process for developing new apprenticeship programmes, particularly consortia-led models, remains too slow and inflexible. Businesses need a more agile system that can respond quickly to evolving market needs. We urge the committee to support reforms that streamline programme development and allow for greater adaptability in curricula, enabling firms to tailor apprenticeships to their specific requirements and to work with others to deliver specific components of programmes, leveraging individual specialties.

Third, visibility and accessibility remain key issues. Many businesses, especially SMEs, are unaware of the full range of supports available. We recommend that a portion of the National Training Fund surplus be used to enhance the branding, promotion and accessibility of apprenticeships, including the introduction of a training voucher scheme to support immediate upskilling needs.

Fourth, diversity and inclusion must be at the heart of the apprenticeship system. Female participation in apprenticeships remains low, and targeted outreach and bursaries are needed to attract more women and underrepresented groups into these pathways, particularly in STEM and emerging sectors. Childcare also has a key role to play here.

Finally, employer engagement is critical. We call for deeper dialogue between the Government, education providers and industry to ensure apprenticeships remain relevant, responsive and aligned with our future skills needs. The development of specialist centres of excellence for skills, particularly through education and training boards, can play a vital role in supporting SMEs and driving innovation. Additionally, administrative burden must be minimised and geographic regional needs must also be considered.

In summary, apprenticeships are vital to Ireland’s competitiveness, innovation and social cohesion as well as to addressing our critical infrastructure gaps. Chambers Ireland and our member chambers stand ready to work with the Government to build a system that is flexible, inclusive and future-proofed, delivering for learners, employers, career changers and the wider economy. The economic and skills world has never been moving so fast and we must be ever more agile.

I thank members for their attention. I look forward to their questions with my colleague Mr. McGibney.