Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris has announced the roll-out of up to 10 new apprenticeship programmes in 2023.
The minister said a further 11 apprenticeship programmes are currently in development, and that 66 programmes are already active.
Minister Harris commented: “Creating parity of esteem for apprenticeships has been a central part of my department’s agenda, and I’m delighted to say real progress is being made across the sector.
“The new apprenticeship programmes being announced today are across tech, engineering, farming, horticulture and hospitality, and will go a long way towards delivering the skills and talent these sectors are crying out for.
“I genuinely believe the reform we have been driving over the past two years in the area of apprenticeship has already helped the option become front and central in discussions when people are talking about options for learning, upskilling or reskilling.”
In Association with
Niall Collins, Minister of State for Skills and Further Education, added: “Everyone is aware that the country is facing a major challenge in terms of skills shortages. We urgently need people in a variety of different industries to help employers, and society as a whole.
“That’s why we have put such an emphasis on apprenticeships, and I’m delighted to see the number of registrations remaining high, as well as so many new programmes coming down the line.”
The Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021 to 2025 sets targets to reform the apprenticeship system, including a target to reach 10,000 new registrations every year by 2025 and new financial supports for employers.
Harris said he anticipates that the end of year apprentice total will be c.26,000, an increase of 45% on the apprenticeship number in 2019.
New apprenticeships launching in 2023
Farm Manager NFQ Level 7 Launch date: July to September 2023
Advanced Quantity Surveyor Level 9 July to September
Farm Technician Level 6 July to September
Executive Chef Level 9 October to December
Horticulture Level 6 July to September
Precision Machinist and Quality Control Level 6 July to September
Sports Turf Management Level 6 April to June
Civil Engineering Level 6 July to September
Civil Engineering Level 7 July to September
Digital Marketing and Media Level 6 October to December
The launch date is when the apprenticeship programme is due to be live on systems, for apprentice registrations and for employers to be approved to recruit apprentices. This can happen several weeks prior to the programme's start date, to allow time for the registrations and approvals.
