Secondary school students should be given access to apprenticeships within the school curriculum, an Oireachtas education committee has been told.
Representatives from employers’ organization Ibec and Chambers Ireland appeared before the Joint Committee on Further and Higher Education to discuss the future of apprenticeship programmes in Ireland.
The proposal would integrate vocational training pathways directly into second-level education, allowing students to begin apprenticeships while still in school rather than waiting until after completion of their Leaving Certificate.
Currently, most apprenticeships in Ireland are pursued after students finish secondary education, though there has been growing debate about providing earlier access to vocational and technical training routes.
The suggestion reflects broader concerns about ensuring students have diverse educational pathways beyond traditional academic routes to third-level institutions. Advocates argue that earlier exposure to apprenticeships could help address skills shortages in various sectors while providing students with practical career options suited to their interests and abilities.
Both Ibec and Chambers Ireland have been vocal proponents of expanding apprenticeship opportunities in Ireland, emphasizing the need for a stronger pipeline of skilled workers across industries including construction, technology, manufacturing and healthcare.
The committee’s discussions come as the government continues to review how best to promote vocational education and address workforce needs in an evolving economy.