Tony McCormack (Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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234. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the progress made in expanding apprenticeship programmes beyond traditional sectors; the targets set for new apprenticeship registrations over the next three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22107/26]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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I am firmly committed to expanding apprenticeship opportunities, and I am supporting that expansion with significant investment. Having secured an additional €79 million in Budget 2026 the total apprenticeship budget is now over €410 million - more than double the level in 2020.

A key focus over recent years has been the development of apprenticeships in new occupations. In addition to 25 traditional craft and construction apprenticeships, the consortia-led model was introduced in 2016 and has expanded to 56 programmes across a wide range of new and emerging sectors ranging from ICT to Social Work.

To date in 2026, three new apprenticeships have been launched in Software Testing, Road Surfacing Technology, and Business and Operations which I launched earlier this week with Ministers Chambers, Calleary and Harkin. Further programmes, including Paramedicine and Social Care, are scheduled to launch later this year.

The Government has been clear that momentum to grow apprenticeships must continue. Annual apprenticeship registrations are targeted to rise from 9,461 in 2025 to 12,500 by 2030, with at least two-thirds in traditional craft and construction sectors and the remainder in new and emerging fields.

The 2026-2030 Apprenticeship Action Plan will be launched this year, and this provides a valuable opportunity to refine and strengthen the consortia-led model. State agencies are reviewing the consortia-led model to support alignment with national skills needs, complement existing education routes, streamline processes and deliver value for money.

Together, these efforts will ensure that Ireland’s apprenticeship system remains responsive and equipped to meet the skills needs of a modern and growing economy.