Apprenticeship Programmes

168. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his views on the record attendance at WorldSkills Ireland 2026; what this indicates about growing interest among young people in apprenticeships, further education and skills-based careers; the steps he is taking to convert that interest into additional training opportunities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71718/26]

My Department sponsors WorldSkills and the record attendance of 32,000 at this year's event is very encouraging. It reflects a growing interest in apprenticeships and skills-based careers and highlights the importance of continuing to promote these pathways. I was delighted to attend WorldSkills, along my colleague the Minister and the energy and enthusiasm that was so visibly on display in the room demonstrated to us the vital role that skills play in supporting careers and driving economic growth. This growing interest is reflected in the most recent national survey of apprentices that found 87% of apprentices enjoyed their apprenticeship experience and 94% believed it would lead to good employment opportunities. The Deputy may not be aware of this, but at this point in time there are 89 different apprenticeships available and 31,000 apprentices were in the system in 2025. As Minister of State, I am determined that we continue to build on this momentum in budget 2027. The Minister and I secured an additional €35 million for apprenticeships, bringing the total investment to €446 million, the highest level since the Department was established. This funding will progress the Government's target of 12,500 new apprentice registrations annually by 2030. Targeted supports are also in place to widen participation. For example, the access to apprenticeships initiative provides financial assistance, including a €3,000 bursary. That programme is in place for learners from disadvantaged backgrounds. We also have the Traveller apprenticeship incentivisation programme, which offers practical and financial support to improve access and retention among members of the Traveller community.

I thank the Minister of State. I might take that point up immediately. Bus Éireann, CIÉ and the ESB came before the Joint Committee on Key Issues Affecting the Traveller Community today, all of which are participating in the Traveller apprenticeship incentivisation programme. The witnesses reported increased awareness and interest among members of the Travelling community in apprenticeships that their companies are offering. The numbers are still quite small. The ESB reported today that it had 11 members of the Travelling community apply for its apprenticeship programme in 2026 but unfortunately only one was successful. The programme is now on a firm footing. I understood it was a pilot programme, but it will deliver greater benefits into the future. I acknowledge increased funding is available for it. It would be welcome if that can be put on a firm footing and got past the point of it being a pilot.

I am glad the Deputy raised this matter because I recently launched an analysis of the impact of the Traveller apprenticeship incentivisation programme. It has been very successful. He is quite right. The numbers are still small and we need to get to a critical mass whereby it is seen as a normal pathway into education and employment for members of the Traveller organisations. As the Deputy mentioned, it is a pilot programme, but it is intended that it would be delivered on a permanent basis from hereon in. It is important to point out that the bursaries offered in this specific programme are for both apprentices and their employers, because one of the issues we face is getting employers to take on apprentices. The programme has proven to be very successful, but it is always a challenge.

I welcome the commitment that we are going to make sure that this project becomes permanent into the future and we will fund it into the future. I compliment the Irish Traveller Movement, and particularly Bridget Kelly, who works in the Traveller apprenticeship incentivisation programme. As the Minister of State and I have both noted, the numbers are currently low, but after engaging with the ESB, CIÉ and Bus Éireann, they all see the potential in it. I welcome that it will become a permanent fixture. We can develop and grow it further. At the higher education committee today, SOLAS and Quality and Qualifications Ireland, QQI, discussed with us the transfer of responsibility process that is ongoing from SOLAS to the institutes of higher education. I compliment both Ministers because they are funding that extensively. I believe that will lead to better apprenticeship programmes. I believe it will lead to better work in terms of the curriculum development and the assessment process, but also in terms of the logistics around apprenticeships.

I share the sentiments that Deputy Connolly expressed about the Irish Traveller Movement and the hugely significant role it has played in promoting the Traveller apprenticeship incentivisation scheme. I have met Bridget Kelly and many others. The most recent report demonstrated the critical role that the Irish Traveller Movement was playing in encouraging Travellers, both male and female, to consider apprenticeships. It is the trust that the movement has built up between itself, Travellers and others that is really making the difference here. I could not speak highly enough about the work it has done. Regarding the transfer of responsibilities, that work is ongoing with SOLAS. It is important. There were certain issues identified. Now-----