Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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As of 31st January 2024, the number of apprentices waiting 0-6 months is 2,887 at phase 2, 1,233 at phase 4 and 1,030 at phase 6. This is a total of 5,150 across the three phases. It is expected apprentices wait up to six months for their apprenticeship training. Also as of 31st January 2024, the number of apprentices waiting more than 6 months is 3,622 at phase 2, 100 at phase 4 and 95 at phase 6. This is a total of 3,817 across the three phases.The information requested by the Deputy is shown in tabular form below. Apprentices waiting for Phase 2, 4 & 6 at end of January 2024

The significant progress made in addressing the backlog, those apprentices waiting 6 months or longer to access the next phase of off-the-job training, is possible due to the whole of sector approach being applied to it. Focusing in increasing capacity across ETBs, over 9,000 Phase 2 training places will be delivered in 2024. This will continue to reduce the backlog, ensuring that more and more apprentices proceed through their training.