Written answer
Apprenticeship Programmes
Ireland has 87 apprenticeships, nine launched in 2026; Louth gained Robotics and Automation, with further expansion planned under the 2026–2030 action plan.
4236. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans for new apprenticeships; when they will be operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59350/26]
Comment on this
4237. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans for new apprenticeships to be offered in County Louth; when they will be operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59351/26]
Comment on this
I propose to take Questions Nos. 4236 and 4237 together.
Apprenticeship programmes in Ireland operate as part of a national system 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 including construction, ICT and hospitality.
To date in 2026, nine new apprenticeship programmes have been launched, including Software Testing Associate, Road Surfacing Technology, Business and Operations, Social Care and Paramedicine. Additional apprenticeship programmes are currently under development including Spatial Planning which demonstrates the continued growth of the apprenticeship system and its capacity to support emerging skills needs across a range of sectors.
In County Louth, Dundalk Institute of Technology and Louth and Meath Education and Training Board deliver apprenticeship programmes across a range of sectors, including Accounting Technician, Sales, and Cybersecurity alongside a range of established craft apprenticeships.
I also launched a new Robotics and Automation Apprenticeship at Louth and Meath Education and Training Board earlier this year. The two-year, National Framework of Qualifications level 6 Advanced Certificate was developed in response to growing industry demand for skills in industrial robotics and automation. This programme will be delivered at the Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre of Excellence in Dundalk, County Louth.
The forthcoming Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2026 - 2030 will set out further measures to support the continued expansion of apprenticeship provision nationally.