Expanding Apprenticeships Across Higher Education
Minister Lawless announces €20 million to expand apprenticeships across higher education
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science James Lawless TD has announced just over €20.5m in apprenticeship funding to respond to the ever-increasing demand for apprenticeships in the higher education sector.
The funding will be dispersed across four Technological Universities and one Institute of Technology (IoT) in the higher education sector to deliver in the order of an additional 99 apprenticeship craft training blocks in addition to 8 consortium led Apprenticeships (CLA) Equipment projects.
This additional capacity is required to meet the increase in apprentice registrations as indicated by SOLAS in a number of craft trades in addition to supporting 8 consortium-led apprenticeship projects (a model of apprenticeship which was initially rolled out in 2016).
Speaking today, Minister Lawless said:
“I am delighted to see this increase in investment for 2025 and 2026, particularly given the competing demands and continuing pressure on public finances.
"Today’s investment of €20.5 million will fund the delivery of 99 apprenticeship craft training blocks, as well as 8 Consortium-Led Apprenticeship (CLA) equipment projects, creating almost 1,600 additional apprenticeship places. These craft training blocks will provide extra capacity at Phase 4 and Phase 6 across four Technological Universities and one Institute of Technology, supporting the expansion of registrations in high-demand trades such as Electrical, Carpentry & Joinery, Heavy Vehicle Mechanics, Motor Mechanics, Plumbing, Mechanical Automation & Maintenance Fitting, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning and Wood Manufacturing and Finishing. This expansion responds directly to the growing demand for learning through apprenticeship.
"In addition to craft apprenticeships, funding will also provide for the replacement and purchase of specialist equipment to support eight CLA programmes in areas such as Manufacturing, Polymer Processing and Electrical. The consortia-led model has been central to the success of the 52 new apprenticeship programmes launched since 2016, expanding pathways into ICT, finance, sales and marketing, health and social care, and other sectors new to apprenticeship in Ireland. These programmes are already delivering employment, career development, and recognised qualifications across more than 40 occupations nationwide.
"This Government is committed to growing apprenticeship registrations from 10,000 per year by 2025 to at least 12,500 per year by 2030. Today’s investment reaffirms our strong commitment to enhancing and expanding the apprenticeship system, placing apprenticeships at the heart of Ireland’s education and training landscape.”
HEA Deputy CEO, Orla Nugent added:
“Today’s announcement of capital funding is a significant advancement in supporting apprenticeship growth across the Higher Education sector.
“This commitment of funding will play a key role in strengthening the talent pipeline across essential skills areas, particularly through the growth of craft apprenticeships such as electrical, carpentry and joinery, plumbing and beyond, as well as the continued delivery of consortia – led Apprenticeship programmes.
“The HEA looks forward to working closely with Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) as they advance these critical projects“.
