In 2020, there were 5,326 people registered for apprenticeship programmes. While 2023 saw a 54% increase, with 8,199 registrations.
Fine Gael TD Alan Farrell called this a “major success,” highlighting a significant demand for apprenticeships.
“The success of apprenticeships means that students have many more options with regard to their education, businesses will see more skilled workers in the labour market; and consumers will benefit as key industries see more people employed, meaning less waiting time for goods and services,” Mr Farrell said.
A total of €550 million has been provided in core funding for apprenticeship programmes between 2021 and 2023, with a further €254 million allocated for 2024.
Among some of the notable and diverse areas that students are registering for are:
Deputy Farrell said: “We’ve also seen an increase in the number of Institutes of Technology and Colleges of Further Education and Training around the country. Fundamentally, this means that more people have more educational options in their own communities.
“We must ensure that schools and parents are also encouraged to get on board with apprenticeship programmes and not see it as a lesser option, as has been the case in the past.
“Apprenticeships are a key method of modernising our higher education system and benefits the whole of society.
“This significant increase in apprenticeships, especially in the craft sector, will help us meet our Housing for All targets and help us take further action on housing.”
