Secondary school curriculum 'should include access to apprenticeships'

Ibec senior policy executive Meadhbh Costello told TDs and senators that the number of apprentices in Ireland has grown by 10,000 since 2021 to almost 30,000. Picture: iStock

Second-level students should have the chance to access apprenticeships as part of the school curriculum, an Oireachtas education committee has heard.

The joint committee on further and higher education met with representatives from employers' body Ibec as well Chambers Ireland to discuss apprenticeships.

The number of apprentices has grown from almost 20,000 in 2021 to just under 30,000, the committee heard.

Meadhbh Costello, senior policy executive with Ibec, said there remains “significant scope for improvement” when it comes to apprenticeships, particularly around the the lack of adequate funding for the system.

“One area where Ireland is a real outlier compared to every other apprenticeship system is the ability to access apprenticeship and vocational education at second level,” Ms Costello said.

We would like to see more opportunities for learners in schools today to actually be able to experience some part of an apprenticeship as part of the senior cycle curriculum,” she added. 

"This could be during transition year, for example.

“There are very good pilots, things like the Stem Passport for Inclusion, which operated alongside the traditional Leaving Cert and allowed learners to access an additional credential in the stem area.” 

A “pre-apprenticeship programme" as part of the senior cycle would not only promote apprenticeships among learners in second level "but also give them more direct routes into apprenticeships too”, she added.

'Persistent barriers'

Chambers Ireland chief executive Ian Talbot said the group's members consistently highlight the value of apprenticeships. 

"Yet, they also identify persistent barriers that must be addressed if apprenticeships are to reach their full potential." 

Many SMEs face significant administrative and practical challenges, he added.

Formalising the administrative transfer option, which allows companies to share apprentices and better manage curriculum requirements, would make apprenticeships more workable for smaller businesses. 

The process for developing new apprenticeship programmes remains "too slow and inflexible", Mr Talbot added. 

"Businesses need a more agile system that can respond quickly to evolving market needs." 

Female participation in apprenticeships remains low, and targeted outreach is needed, he said. "Childcare also has a key role to play here." 

People entering the workforce today are likely to have to change career multiple times due to rapid advances in artificial intelligence, Mr Talbot also told the committee. 

"We don't know what's ahead. The speed at which things are moving is just phenomenal. 

"We're going to have to get better and better at lifelong learning and advertising to people as well that you may need to or you're going to have to look at potentially multiple careers and prepare yourself for that as well."