Cowen welcomes development of 17 new apprenticeship programmes in 2022

Fianna Fáil TD for Laois-Offaly, Barry Cowen, has welcomed the announcement that 17 new apprenticeship programmes will be developed during 2022.

The development of the new programmes are intended to help deliver on the commitments made under the Programme for Government to support and drive the economy, while addressing the skills requirements identified across society.

Deputy Cowen said: “I’m delighted to see the development of these new programmes today, which are a vital step towards increasing annual apprenticeship registrations to 10,000 by 2025.

“In order to meet our targets we require an apprenticeship system that is flexible and responsive, providing a strong value proposition for employers and potential apprentices, is attractive and easy to engage with, and which delivers high standards and sought after qualifications, therefore embedding apprenticeship as a preferred route to skills development. Across 2022, we will expand the system further, to create even more employment and learning opportunities for people.”

Under the Action Plan for Apprenticeships, the number of new apprentice registrations is to grow to 10,000 per year by 2025.

The 17 new courses being developed over the coming year are in the areas of agriculture, engineering, construction, equine, finance, hospitality and food, ICT and logistics.

Deputy Cowen added, “Legislation will be brought forward to allow for the delivery of apprenticeships in agriculture, where we will seek to develop apprenticeships in farm manager and farm technician roles.

“In construction, you will also be able to access a master’s level qualification in Quantity Surveying through the apprenticeship route.

“An apprenticeship in Commercial Driving is being developed. And this is key as there is a real labour and skill shortage emerging in the transport and haulage sector. These will complement the existing logistics apprenticeships.”