Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats)
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145. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of apprenticeship applications that are outstanding; the number of apprenticeship applications in the construction sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11855/22]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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In 2021, a record 8,607 new apprentices were registered in the apprenticeship system. This is an increase of over 38% in comparison to 2020. 6,955 registrations were in craft apprenticeships, and largely in the construction sector. There were 1,652 registrations on the newer, post-2016 programmes. At the end of 2021, the overall apprentice population was 24,212.

Regarding the deputy’s question on the number of apprenticeship applications that are outstanding; specifically in construction the attached table shows yearly registrations to date in construction apprenticeships as well as current apprentice waiting lists for off the job training as of February 2022.

My Departments officials have requested information from SOLAS on all other apprenticeships besides Construction. It will be sent on to the deputy as soon as it is available.

Construction Trades by Population and Registrations (ytd) and Waiting Lists up to end of February 2022