Cathy Bennett (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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428. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will outline the supports available to those undertaking apprenticeships; if any specific support is available to assist with the purchase of tools and equipment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8764/25]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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National apprenticeship programmes are delivered through both on-the-job training with the employer and off-the-job training delivered in Educational Training boards (ETBs) or Higher Education Institutions (HEIs).

Apprentice employers must adhere to an Apprenticeship Code of Practice, stipulating that employers must provide access for the apprentice to the appropriate equipment, tools and resources to facilitate the required assessments for the on-the-job elements of the apprenticeship programme.

While attending off-the-job training in ETBs or HEIs, craft apprentices are paid a training allowance appropriate to their training phase. In addition to training allowances, craft apprentices attending phases of off-the-job training in ETBs or HEIs are entitled to make an application for either travel or accommodation allowances for the duration of the period of off-the-job training.

Access and inclusion bursaries are also available supporting apprentices from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds or targeted groups. Eligible participants can access €3,000 to support costs including tools and equipment.