Sharon Keogan urges national push to boost apprenticeships
Sharon Keogan criticised the slow uptake of apprenticeships and urged the government to implement concrete measures to increase participation in technical and industrial sectors. She praised recent progress in a new department that has created 566 apprenticeships but warned that only about 5% or fewer of school leavers enter apprenticeships compared with around 10% in England and 45% in Germany.
Department progress
Sharon Keogan acknowledged the work of the newly established department, noting it is only five years old and has helped create 566 apprenticeships. She said the department's initiatives—prompted after she encouraged the minister to set up public service apprenticeships—represent pockets of innovation.
Uptake and international comparison
Keogan emphasised that uptake remains low nationally, estimating only 5% or fewer school leavers enter apprenticeships. She contrasted that with an estimated 10% in England and about 45% in Germany, saying the comparison should set an alarm bell ringing.
Sectors that need apprenticeships
She called for a strategic plan to integrate apprenticeships into tech, advanced manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, the semiconductor sector, engineering and biotech. Keogan argued these industries rely on precision skills and a workforce trained in practical as well as theoretical skills.
Cultural shift and personal example
Keogan said there needs to be a national cultural shift in how apprenticeships are valued and welcomed Caitlin, who champions women in apprenticeships. She told the story of a young man who left school after the junior certificate, did well in maths, and by 22 had bought his own house—an example she used to highlight apprenticeships offering dignity and lifetime careers.
Call for government action
Keogan pressed the government for concrete measures and a stronger national message to boost uptake, saying without such action thousands of talented young people will be underserved. She concluded that Ireland must match rhetoric with ambition so young people can thrive in apprenticeship pathways.
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You better welcome the guests from Calvin here this evening, you're all very welcome. So, I have to say, this department is doing marvellous work. It's a brand new department, it's only five years old, we have to remember that. I remember when Minister Harris came in here first, when he first started the department back in July 2020. And I said to him, with a stroke of a pen, Minister, you can create thousands of jobs. And I encouraged him to go out and set up apprenticeships within the public service. And that's exactly what he's done. And I'm glad today we have 566 apprenticeships because of that idea. So, there has been progress made, but, you know, these are pockets of innovation. The reality on the ground is that momentum elsewhere remains quite slow. Uptake has increased, and that is welcome. But let's be honest with ourselves, only an estimated 5% or fewer of our school leavers entered apprenticeships, while England is already about 10% and Germany stands at an extraordinary 45%. That comparison alone should set an alarm bell ringing. Lots done, but we have a lot more to do. So, I asked the government directly, what concrete measures, actions can be taken to boost uptake? What is the strategic plan to integrate apprenticeships into sectors where Ireland should already be leading? Our tech industry, advanced manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, semiconductor sector, engineering and biotech. These areas rely on precision skills. And they rely on a workforce trained not only in theory, but in practice. Industrial development is not solely a question of tax incentives or attracting foreign capital. It is fundamentally about building technical capacity within our own population, ensuring that the Irish workers, our young people, have the skills to shape and sustain the industries we hope to grow. More broadly, we already need a national cultural shift in how we speak about the value of apprenticeships. The government has a significant role to play here. And I'm delighted to see Caitlin here today to champion women in apprenticeships. But there's many, many young people around this country today that are doing so well in apprenticeships. I remember one young man in my town who left school after doing the junior certificate, got a great result in his maths certificate, in his maths. And he left school, and a number of people did at the time, qualified. And now, at 22 years of age, he bought his house. At 22 years of age, left at 16. And I want to give him a big shout out here today. So I would personally encourage every opportunity to encourage young people, and men and women, to explore apprenticeships. They offer dignity, experience and lifetime careers. But without a strong national message and without strong government action, we'll continue to underserve thousands of talented young people. who would thrive in these pathways. It is time for Ireland to match its rhetoric with ambition. Our young people deserve nothing less. So go on, I'm a good.
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