John Connolly (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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55. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to provide an update on the work within his Department to prepare a new five-year apprenticeship action plan 2026-2030. [14613/25]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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An apprenticeship system that delivers a highly skilled workforce which contributes to maintaining productivity, competitiveness and sustainable growth in the economy is a priority for government.

The Action Plan for Apprenticeship published in 2021 has been, and remains, a key pillar in my department's workplan to achieve this goal. Significant progress has been made since 2021. This includes the establishment of the National Apprenticeship Office (NAO) which has driven, at national level, the expansion of apprenticeship into 52 new occupations through the consortia-led model.

My department has overseen the introduction of the employer grant for consortia-led apprenticeship programmes as well as invested in a significant increase in craft apprentice numbers. Work is ongoing to promote and raise the profile of apprenticeship as a means of obtaining a valued qualification using the “earn while you learn” model. My department has also worked to remove barriers to underrepresented groups participating in apprenticeship through targeted grants.

Annual increase in new registrations and overall apprentice population over the lifetime of the Action Plan:

This Government is committed to growing apprenticeship registrations further to at least 12,500 per year by 2030 and developing and launching a new 5-year Apprenticeship Action Plan for 2026-2030 to set a strategic vision for the sector and expand the skills categories. This new Action Plan is set be developed during the course of this year with an expected launch in 2026. It will result from a collaborative and consultative process involving all stakeholders including employers who are at the heart of the apprenticeship system.