Apprenticeship Programmes
Dail Éireann — 2026-07-02
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James Lawless (FF), Kildare North

As I said to Deputy Eoghan Kenny a few moments ago, craft and construction apprenticeships are central to delivering vital infrastructure, including housing, and sustaining economic growth. As Minister, I have prioritised annual investment in apprenticeship delivery, which has more than doubled since my Department was established, going from €184 million in 2020 to over €415 million in 2026. Our apprenticeship system has, accordingly, continued to grow. Overall registrations increased by 78%, from just under 5,500 five years ago to just under 10,000 today, with craft registrations in particular rising significantly in that period.
We have a programme for Government target of 12,500 new registrations by 2030, with two thirds in craft and construction-related areas. I have recently secured Cabinet approval for a new action plan for apprenticeships to support further growth in the apprenticeship sector, attract more young people into careers through apprenticeships, and pivot more people towards the apprenticeship route as an equal alternative to the CAO path and the traditional higher educational route, one that can lead to a very satisfying, rewarding career in many ways.
On the Deputy's particular point about the wage of an apprentice, I take the point on board that is often raised. It is significantly more than any student will receive, which is zero. A student does not get paid at all and an apprentice does get paid as they progress through. It is not unique among occupations to receive no or little funding by way of payment during training. When I trained as a barrister - as a devil - we were not paid either. It is not unique to apprentices. There are many professions where this happens to people who go in at the early stages.
Typically, it begins to surpass the minimum wage after second year. By the time someone is out working in the economy post qualification, the median wage is about €915 within two years of qualification, which compares very favourably with alternative pathways that other students and young people might follow. I would again stress to anyone thinking about it that it is a very attractive and rewarding career option for many to go into.

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Retrieved: 2026-08-27T06:52:14+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-07-02