Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

2018.To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the progress to date in increasing the number of persons taking up apprenticeships; and if he will make a statement on the matter.[35986/24]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

This Government's ambition to increase the number of persons taking up apprenticeships is reflected in my Department's Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021-2025 and the Public Service Apprentice Plan which seeks to significantly increase the footprint of apprenticeship within both the public service and the private sector, while ensuring that apprenticeships are open and accessible and seen as a viable and exciting career path.

A dedicated National Apprenticeship Office was established in 2022, tasked with the implementation of the Action Plan for Apprenticeship.

€67 million was invested in apprenticeship delivery in Budget 2024, making the total allocation in 2024 €298 million, up from €163 million in 2021.

At the end of 2023, there were 8,712 apprentice registrations. This compares to 5,326 in 2020, before The Action Plan commenced, and represents a 64% increase in registrations.

This year, at the end of August, there were 5,133 registrations. This compares to 4,706 at end of the same period in 2023, growth of 9%.

This year, at the end of August, the apprentice population was 27,548. This compares to 19,630 in 2020, before The Action Plan commenced, and represents a 40% increase in the apprentice population.

The number of national apprenticeship programmes continues to grow. In 2019, there were 53 national apprenticeship programmes. There are now 77 apprenticeship programmes available at NFQ Levels 5-10.

It is this Department's priority to grow the apprenticeship system and deliver current and future skills need for an economy facing demographic change and the twin green and digital transitions.