We have highlighted the extensive work done to promote, improve and transform the further education and training, FET, and apprenticeship sectors. This is a considerable priority for our Department. I assure the House that these actions are only beginning. The Department will continue to drive these reforms through engagement with our partners.
At the heart of our Department's work in developing our apprenticeship, further and higher education and research systems is the goal of ensuring that everyone, regardless of background, age, gender, ability or address, realises his or her full potential. I thank my colleagues in the Chamber for taking the time to share their support and perspectives. The Department's goal is one that we share and can agree upon.
FET, along with apprenticeships, provides opportunities for career progression, educational development and personal satisfaction. These are actions that are for everyone. Not only do they boost opportunities for individuals, but these sectors are key enablers in the Government's response across economic, societal and environmental priorities. My ministerial colleague, Deputy Harris, provided an overview of some of the key achievements in progressing some of the fundamental changes in these sectors. I will take a moment to reiterate some of those.
The uptake in apprenticeship registration has been significant. This year, we are on track to have 9,000 apprentices registered across 67 apprenticeships, ranging from wind turbine maintenance to sports turf management to insurance. The strong growth in apprenticeship training is not only welcome but essential in meeting priority skill needs. The apprenticeship system has been engaging in meeting this greatly increased demand while recovering from the impact of the extended closures of the training system during Covid. This has been facilitated by significant Government investment to allow for additional capacity across the system, ensuring that the remainder of the Covid-19 backlog is cleared and the system has the capacity to meet the training needs of a rapidly increasing number of apprentices. Work continues to develop additional capacity allocation across further and higher education. These places will continue to come on stream in 2023 through targeted measures and investment to expand capacity in the system and scheduling additional intakes into the existing system.
While we continue to expand the capacity of apprenticeships, we are also expanding the supports available to learners and employers who take up this opportunity. Awareness-raising campaigns, particularly through the National Apprenticeship Office's "Generation Apprenticeship", will continue to promote the message that apprenticeship provides many opportunities across many levels of the national framework of qualifications. The Minister, Deputy Harris, noted a number of bursaries that are available to learners. The "One More Job" initiative provides supports to micro and small enterprises that work with apprentices. The Minister raised the issue of apprenticeship pay. The Department will, in consultation with stakeholders, examine the implications for recruiting and retaining apprentices, particularly in light of the scale of the demand for key craft workers in the construction sector under Housing for All.
We want apprenticeship to be at the heart of the conversation when employers are looking at ways to recruit staff and meet their skill needs. We want apprenticeship to be at the heart of the conversation when someone is in employment and considering how to upskill or reskill. We want apprenticeship to be at the heart of the conversation when school leavers are considering their options with the support of their families.
The Government and the Department's commitment to the FET sector could not be stronger. That commitment is evident not only in the establishment of our Department but also in the significant investment made by the Government. This year, we are investing just over €1 billion through the Exchequer and the National Training Fund to progress the vision in our FET strategy. In Future FET: Transforming Learning, we have an ambitious strategy that guides our work and we are already seeing positive outcomes. Real progress has been made in delivering the strategic objectives reflected in the strategic performance agreements agreed between SOLAS and the 16 education and training boards, ETBs, to provide for the reform and realisation of the ambition in the FET strategy at regional level.
Some significant work is being undertaken in terms of capital investment programmes and initiatives that will support the delivery of a number of key capital projects across the FET sector. The FET college of the future major projects programme will play a key role in supporting projects that drive reform of the FET sector.
On 9 May, the Minister and I launched the European Year of Skills in this Chamber. Through that initiative, we are asking everyone in Ireland to pick up a new skill this year. The FET sector will be key in making that a reality, particularly in terms of adult literacy, life strategy and digital literacy.
There has already been a positive shift among students and employers when it comes to the perception of apprenticeships and FET, but there is still more to do.
The provision of information on further education and training along with apprenticeship options on the CAO website is a hugely positive development in ensuring that further education and training is seen as a viable and appropriate alternative to higher education for many students. We need to continue to advance the visibility of further education and training and apprenticeship options for school leavers.
I thank Deputies for their time, passion and contributions today. Apprenticeships and the further and higher education sectors are a priority for our Department and the Government and are crucial in delivering the skills our country needs. I urge Deputies to take the messages that we shared here today to their constituents. There is an incredible number of opportunities through apprenticeships and the further education and training sector. Not only do they provide students with an opportunity for advancement, but they also provide them with the flexibility to learn in a way that is right for them.