Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 June 2022
167. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of apprenticeship applications that are outstanding; the number of apprenticeship applications in the construction sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31056/22]
View answerApprenticeship is a demand driven, employer-led offering based on a contract of employment between the apprentice and their respective employer. Therefor the number of apprentices in any specific sector is determined directly by employer provision.
In 2021, a record 8,607 new apprentices were registered in the apprenticeship system. This is an increase of over 38% in comparison to 2020. 6,955 registrations were in craft apprenticeships, and largely in the construction sector. There were 1,652 registrations on the newer, post-2016 programmes. At the end of 2021, the overall apprentice population was 24,212.
Regarding the deputy’s question on the number of apprenticeship applications that are outstanding, and specifically in construction, the attached table shows yearly registrations in all craft apprenticeships, including all construction apprenticeships both craft and consortia led, as well as current apprentice waiting lists for off the job training as of May 2022.
It is important to state that this list does not distinguish between those who have been newly added to the list and those who have been waiting for more than one teaching term to be offered a place.
