4238. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans to streamline apprenticeship access and training; whether there has been engagement with ETBs and the further and higher education sector on these streamlining plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59352/26]

I remain committed strengthening and reforming the apprenticeship system.

My Department and its agencies are progressing apprenticeship reforms as committed to in the Government’s Accelerating Infrastructure Report and Action Plan. Central to this is strengthening craft apprenticeship provision by transferring curriculum development and programme validation from SOLAS and QQI to education providers. This presents an important opportunity to review and strengthen apprenticeship programmes. The engagement of Education and Training Boards and Higher Education Institutions is integral to the success of this reform, and both are represented on the project steering committee. A newsletter and FAQ are available on the apprenticeship.ie website: apprenticeship.ie/news-events/news/craft-transfer-plan

In addition, the application and assessment process for new apprenticeship programmes is currently under review by SOLAS and the HEA. This will help prioritise and streamline future programme development in both the further and higher education sectors, ensure stronger alignment with national skills and workforce needs, while also confirming that the apprenticeship model remains the most appropriate delivery mechanism.

Building on this work, the National Strategy for Apprenticeship and Work-Based Learning 2026-2030, being the successor to the Action Plan for Apprenticeship, will focus on further developing and growing Ireland's apprenticeship system across both the further and higher education sectors, working towards the Government’s commitment to increase annual apprenticeships registrations to 12,500 by 2030. I plan to publish this strategy later this year.