Skills shortages in languages and apprenticeships highlighted 

Welding and other trades have had difficulty attracting apprentices, with red tape blamed for some of the issues involved.

Ireland is facing skills shortages in both modern languages which many employers are looking for, and craft apprenticeships, which are needed to address the housing and climate crisis.

The Oireachtas education committee met on Tuesday to continue its discussion on Leaving Cert reform, hearing from employers’ groups and policy experts.