Time for us to change the negative view of apprenticeships

The word ‘apprentice’ prompts negative connotations in Irish minds, but our EU neighbours consider this trainee structure equal to academic qualifications.

“With so many chasing masters and PhDs, who will be available to fix my TV set or service my car”? an old professor of mine often remarked at the start of the new academic year.

While Ireland has 27 craft apprenticeships, in areas such as construction, engineering, and car mechanics, it lags behind other countries.