Solas praises 'year of growth' for apprenticeships and further educational training

Iarnród Éireann's apprenticeship programme. File Picture

One in 10 people aged 15 and over in Ireland benefitted from apprenticeships or further educational training (FET) in 2023, a new report has shown.

Solas' annual report for last year said that 2023 would be remembered as a "year of growth", with more than 400,000 people being aided by the institution.

Among them were more than 150,000 people who undertook construction safety training, while just under 5,000 people trained in essential nearly zero-energy building (NZEB) and related skills needed to retrofit 500,000 homes by 2030.

The report also stated that Ireland now has an apprenticeship population of 27,470, offering 73 different apprenticeships and a total of 9,237 employers who have apprentices working with them.

Solas chairman Seán Aylward said that there had been an increase in demand for their services in the wake of the covid pandemic.

Writing in the report, he said: "As we have emerged from the challenges and restrictions of the pandemic, we have seen a surge in demand for further educational training and apprenticeships provision, with the learner base growing by some 17% from 2022 to 2023. This shows that our important message is resonating — FET is for everyone, regardless of their level of formal education."

Solas chief executive Andrew Brownlee, added: "Solas leads the transformation and change in the FET sector, but none of this is possible without the collaboration and support that we receive from the hard-working and passionate people working across the FET system.

"Ultimately, we are all working towards a common goal, which is to ensure FET learners have a consistent and positive experience and those who need it most can access education opportunities and supports."

As part of its FET figures, Solas's post–Leaving Certificate course enrolments — a prime destination for school leavers — were up 11% year-on-year.

The sector is supporting more than 33,000 Ukrainians in English-language and other skills.

Solas is also managing the rollout of six NZEBs, including in Cork — with the Cork College of FET Bishopstown Campus's Centre of Excellence being opened last May by then-Higher Education Minister Simon Harris.