Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris TD has today announced the roll-out of up to 10 new apprenticeship programmes in 2023.
These 10 programmes are on top of a further 11 which are currently in development, and will add significantly to the 66 programmes already available nationwide.
Speaking today, Minister Harris said: “Creating parity of esteem for apprenticeships has been a central part of my Department’s agenda, and I’m delighted to say real progress is being made across the sector.
“The new apprenticeship programmes being announced today are across tech, engineering, farming, horticulture and hospitality, and will go a long way towards delivering the skills and talent these sectors are crying out for.
“I genuinely believe the reform we have been driving over the past two years in the area of apprenticeship has already helped the option become front and central in discussions round the dinner table when people are talking about options for learning, upskilling or reskilling.”
Minister of State for Skills and Further Education Niall Collins said: “Everyone is aware that the country is facing a major challenge in terms of skills shortages.
“We urgently need people in a variety of different industries to help employers, and society as a whole.
“That’s why we have put such an emphasis on apprenticeships, and I’m delighted to see the number of registrations remaining high, as well as so many new programmes coming down the line.”
The Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021-2025 contained ambitious targets to reform the system, including a target to reach 10,000 new registrations every year by 2025 and new financial supports for employers.
Apprenticeship registrations in 2021 were the highest they have been since 2007, with 8,607 apprentices employed on 62 programmes.
Separately, it is anticipated that the confirmed end of year population for 2022 will be more than 26,000 apprentices, an increase of some 45% over the apprenticeship population in 2019 (17,829).
ENDS
Notes to the Editor:
New apprenticeships due for launch* in 2023
1 | Farm Manager NFQ Level 7 | Q3 2023 |
2 | Advanced Quantity Surveyor NFQ Level 9 | Q3 2023 |
3 | Farm Technician NFQ Level 6 | Q3 2023 |
4 | Executive Chef NFQ Level 9 | Q4 2023 |
5 | Horticulture NFQ Level 6 | Q3 2023 |
6 | Precision Machinist & Quality Control NFQ Level 6 | Q3 2023 |
7 | Sports Turf Management NFQ Level 6 | Q2 2023 |
8 | Civil Engineering NFQ Level 6 | Q3 2023 |
9 | Civil Engineering NFQ Level 7 (levels 8 and 9 progs deleted as are 2024 delivery) | Q3 2023 |
10 | Digital Marketing & Media NFQ Level 6 added | Q4 2023 |
* Launch date: this is when the apprenticeship programme is due to open (live on systems) to allow for approval of employers to recruit apprentices and apprentice registrations. This can happen several weeks prior to the actual programme start date to allow sufficient time for the aforementioned to take place.