Funding of more than €7.5 million has been announced to support craft apprenticeship provision across Ireland.

The funds will be administered to nine Institutes of Technology and the Technological University (TU) Dublin to increase investment in higher and further education and training and to modernise craft equipment.

Announcing the fund, Education Minister Joe McHugh TD said: "The Government is deeply committed to expanding the apprenticeship system and this investment reaffirms that. Ensuring that our young people and those retraining have access to cutting edge equipment and the latest thinking on sustainability is key to further developing this increasingly-popular option for training and progression.

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"There was an 80% increase in apprenticeship registrations between 2015 and 2018. This €7.5m funding will enable Institutes of Technology and TU Dublin to purchase new equipment and update their infrastructure.

"Apprenticeships offer fantastic opportunities and I would encourage any person looking at their career options, especially students preparing to sit exams this week, to strongly consider the many benefits of apprenticeship."

This funding will support the roll-out of new syllabi for apprenticeships in Plumbing, Carpentry, Electrical, Brickwork, Motor Painting and Decorating, Vehicle Body Repair, Fitting, Toolmaking and Wood Manufacturing and Finishing.

It will enable Institutes of Technology and TU Dublin to provide apprentices with training in the most up to date techniques, including sustainable and renewable technologies such as solar and wind energy and energy efficient construction methods and materials.

Around 6,500 apprentices are expected to undertake training in an Institute of Technology or TU Dublin in 2019. 

(CM/JG)