Written answer
Apprenticeship Programmes
Clare offers several apprenticeships, with TUS’s new Spatial Planning Level 8 programme expected by year-end and further expansion outlined in the 2026–2030 action plan.
4200. Deputy Joe Cooney asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans for new apprenticeships to be offered in County Clare; the timeframe to have them up and running.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56579/26]
Comment on this
Apprenticeships are national programmes and are developed through collaboration between industry and education and training providers to support current and future workforce requirements. There are currently 87 apprenticeship programmes available nationally, across a broad range of sectors from construction, ICT, and hospitality, with further programmes continuing to be developed.
In County Clare, Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) and Limerick Clare ETB deliver apprenticeship programmes including: Industrial Electrical Engineer, Carpentry and Joinery, as well as new apprenticeships launched earlier in 2026 at TUS including Software Testing and Road Surface Technology.
In addition, a new Level 8 apprenticeship in Spatial Planning is under development and will be delivered by TUS, supporting the establishment of a sustainable pipeline of planning resources to meet national targets on housing, retrofit, and other infrastructure delivery and expected to launch by the end of this year.
The forthcoming Action Plan on Apprenticeship 2026 - 2030 will set out further measures to support the continued expansion of apprenticeship provision nationally.