Written answer
Further and Higher Education
SOLAS’s independent review found issues with Theory Paper 1 in the June Phase 4 and 6 electrical apprenticeship exams that may have affected apprentices’ performance. A post-mark adjustment was applied, the sitting will not count as an attempt, and repeat exams and preparation workshops were arranged.
4075. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will review the issues raised in correspondence (details supplied); if he will revert directly to the person raising these issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62226/26]
Comment on this
SOLAS is the state agency with responsibility for further education and training and is aware of concerns raised in the correspondence forwarded by the Deputy concerning the high failure rate of apprentices in Phase 4 and Phase 6 electrical theory assessments this June and other matters. I will be happy to respond directly to your correspondent.
Both Minister Harkin and I have been actively engaging with SOLAS, the relevant higher education institutions, and other stakeholders to assess the impact of these matters. Throughout these discussions, ensuring fairness, maintaining the integrity of the assessment process and supporting the welfare of apprentices have been the priority.
QQI published a Focused Review of SOLAS's quality assurance of the craft electrical apprenticeship in November 2025. The review highlighted that the reuse of a limited number of exam papers for the theory elements of phases 4 & 6 was leading to predictability around what was to be examined. As part of SOLAS's Quality Improvement Plan in response to the Focused Review a bank of new questions was developed by subject matter experts from the TU sector from which future exams were to be drawn. These new questions were used in the exams which took place in June.
Higher than expected failure rates led to concerns being raised by apprentices. An independent review was commissioned by SOLAS which found that the assessment content reflected the approved curriculum however it found a number of issues with Theory Paper 1 in both phase 4 & 6 which may have impacted the ability of apprentices to demonstrate their knowledge fully.
In response to these findings SOLAS took the decision to apply a post-mark adjustment (PMA) to Theory Paper 1 results. The PMA was applied using a recognised statistical model to all results including to those who passed the exam. No PMA was applied for Theory Paper 2 results.
Apprentices have a limited number of times they are allowed sit an exam, however the June sitting will not be considered as one of these attempts.
Repeat exams have been arranged for the 15th and 16th. September with further sittings to be arranged for November. Training providers will hold assessment preparation workshops during the week of Monday 7 – 11 September. Apprentices who passed the June exams may attempt to improve their mark in the resits if they so wish and the higher of the two attempts will be noted in their student record.
During this process SOLAS has updated learners regularly through direct communications and published notices on the apprentieship.ie website on the following dates: 16 July 2026, 24 July 2026, 21 August 2026 and 27 August 2026.