Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North-West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

243. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the measures being taken to address the ongoing apprenticeship in-class training delays; the number of dropout rates in apprenticeship programmes at phases 2, 4 and 6 for the years 2024, 2025 and 2026 to date, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22105/26]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

SOLAS is the State agency with responsibility for further education and training, including apprenticeships.

An apprentice may decide to stop progressing in their apprenticeship programme for many reasons, including a change in personal circumstances or a desire to change employer. In the last National Survey of Apprentices, 87% reported that they are enjoying their apprenticeship experience and 94% of apprentices believe their apprenticeship will lead to good employment opportunities. This positive experience is reflected in SOLAS data which shows that on average between 90% and 92% of first year apprentices progress to their second year, figures that compare positively to other tertiary education options. SOLAS has advised that progression data for craft apprenticeship by phase by year is not available.

As Minister, I have prioritised investment for apprenticeship delivery. In Budget 2026 I secured investment of €79 million, bringing total annual funding for apprenticeship delivery to over €410 million in 2026, more than double the €184 million invested in 2020, the year which my department was established. This continued investment and commitment to apprenticeships has delivered clear results. Annual apprenticeship registrations have grown by 78% in recent years, rising from 5,326 in 2020 to 9,461 in 2025.

The mandatory duration for a four year craft apprenticeship, from commencement of training to completion, is a minimum of 208 weeks, with a period of up to 12 weeks required for validation of craft certification. The median time to certification across the craft apprenticeship system was 239 weeks in 2024. This decreased to 227 weeks in 2025, indicating that the majority of apprentices are completing their apprenticeship programme in a timely fashion.