On Wednesday 25 February, Dearbháil Lawless, CEO of AONTAS, and Rebecca Jackson, Policy and Advocacy Officer, attended the launch of the Joint Committee’s Report on Apprenticeships at Leinster House. 

Launching the report Deputy Erin McGeehan said: 

“Apprenticeships are becoming the new norm. It is vital that we professionalise how they are delivered, make them more accessible and ensure participants are trained to the highest standards” 

This important report sets out a series of thoughtful, evidence-based recommendations to realise this ambition. It is informed by engagement with a wide range of stakeholders, advocacy organisations and business representatives, including AONTAS, who made a submission before the Committee in November 2025. We are delighted to see many of our recommendations reflected in the final report, including responses to key issues raised by apprentices through the National FET Learners Forum. 

The recommendations span meaningful improvements to the apprenticeship model and key supports for apprentices. These include proposals to update curricula to reflect evolving industry needs and to expand access through the provision of local pre-apprenticeship programmes. A particularly welcome recommendation is the call to ensure parity of esteem for apprenticeships, including the proposal to increase the NFQ level of craft apprenticeships to Level 7 in recognition of the complexity and depth of skills apprentices achieve. 

Crucially, the report outlines significant measures to enhance support for apprentices from diverse backgrounds, including older learners, those with financial dependents, people with disabilities, and individuals seeking to upskill or change career. Targeted financial supports are proposed to address the real costs of participation in apprenticeship programmes. These include grants for equipment, supports for placement-related expenses, and targeted measures to assist underrepresented groups. Importantly, supports for employers are also recognised as necessary to widen participation and ensure sustainable delivery. 

Accessibility is further strengthened through recommendations relating to employer matching processes and the allocation of apprentice places at a local level, particularly for apprentices who may otherwise face barriers to participation. The report’s recognition of universal design principles and the co-production of programme development is especially significant. As champions of learner voice and inclusive education, AONTAS warmly welcomes this affirmation of the importance of putting learner perspectives at the heart of apprenticeship programme development.  

At the launch, Dearbháil Lawless welcomed the report’s vision for a more diverse and inclusive apprenticeship model. Highlighting that recommendations not only addressed operational and employer needs but importantly it focussed on improving the experience, accessibility, and opportunities for apprentices including Travellers, women, and people with disabilities. She emphasised that realising these recommendations will require continued collaboration across Government, education providers, employers, and learner representatives. 

This report provides a clear roadmap. The next step is collective action to bring these recommendations into policy and practice. By working together, we can ensure that apprenticeships are accessible, valued, and responsive, opening meaningful pathways for learners of all backgrounds and strengthening communities and workplaces across Ireland. 

You can find further details on the committee, contributors, and the full report here.