Deputy Erin McGreehan Launches Report on the Future of Apprenticeships
Published on: 25 February 2026
Calls for reform of school guidance to put apprenticeships on equal footing with CAO courses
Deputy Erin McGreehan, Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, has today launched a policy report examining the future of apprenticeships in Ireland.
It outlines a series of practical recommendations aimed at strengthening apprenticeship pathways and supporting Ireland’s future skills needs.
Key measures recommended in the report include:
- The introduction of a minimum wage floor for trainee apprentices to help attract more entrants to the sector.
- Reform of guidance counselling provision in schools, including increased hours for students and enhanced supports for counsellors to keep pace with expanding apprenticeship. opportunities.
- Stronger promotion of apprenticeships in schools, including the creation of a centralised application system similar to the CAO to help students identify and apply for apprenticeships.
- The introduction of an ‘SME test’ to ensure that any potential impacts on SMEs are fully considered, and mitigations are applied to reduce any impact these recommendations would have on businesses.
Speaking at the launch, Deputy McGreehan said:
“For too long apprenticeships have been overlooked in favour of encouraging students to pursue university degrees after school. We are now seeing the consequences of that approach, with a shortage of essential skills needed to drive Ireland’s future. That must change.
“Apprenticeships offer a passport of opportunity.
“I am the daughter of a plumber and come from a family of apprentices. Apprenticeships open doors for young people leaving school by providing strong career pathways and transferrable skills.
“We need to think differently about the skills required to build Ireland’s future, and this report is designed to support that shift.”
Deputy McGreehan added that attitudes towards apprenticeships are beginning to change, with growing recognition of their value and the diverse opportunities they provide.
“Apprenticeships are becoming the new norm. It is vital that we professionalise how they are delivered, make them more accessible and ensure participants are trained to the highest standards.
“This is a cross-party report with contributions from industry and representatives across the political spectrum. The next step is to engage with the Department and the relevant Minister to turn these proposals into reality.”
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