Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees
Thursday, 9 October 2025
Joint Oireachtas Committee on Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
Apprenticeships: Discussion (Resumed)
2:00 am
Mr. Ben Friel:
This might sound contradictory. The vast majority of apprentices do not know the difference in their lived experience. People know based off industries rather than based off what model they are studying. We went around looking for stories before we came here today. When we talked to those who are doing software apprenticeships here in Dublin, some of them were very keen to point out that they had a fantastic experience. Their employer was great and they really felt they were valued and invested in. There are some good stories. That is why we are so passionate about it. There are the good stories and good experiences but it is not consistent and that is the problem.