The Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD, and Minister of State Marian Harkin TD, have welcomed a significant update to the entry criteria for craft apprenticeship programmes in Ireland.

Under the new guidelines issued by SOLAS, applicants will no longer be required to undergo or pass mandatory colour vision testing for the vast majority of craft apprenticeships. This requirement will now be restricted exclusively to the Electrical and Electrical Instrumentation programmes, where colour differentiation remains a critical safety factor.

The decision follows comprehensive independent research carried out by Professor Roger S. Anderson at Ulster University's Centre for Optometry and Vision Science. The findings suggested that removing these barriers would align Irish standards with best practices across Europe without compromising the integrity of the trades.

Highlighting the importance of these changes in meeting national targets, Minister Lawless, said: "Supporting and growing the apprenticeship system is a key priority for Government. Ensuring a strong pipeline of skilled workers is essential to delivering our housing and infrastructure goals. Investment in apprenticeship delivery has more than doubled since my Department was established in 2020, reaching over €410 million in 2026. While this investment is necessary and welcome, it is equally important that Ireland's apprenticeship system is modern, fit for purpose, and aligned with best practice. I am pleased that these changes bring Ireland's approach to apprenticeship entry in line with leading European standards, opening up apprenticeships to more learners, while maintaining the high levels of safety and quality that underpin our programmes."

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Minister Harkin emphasised that the move is a vital step toward a more inclusive workforce: "Making apprenticeships more accessible is a key priority for me. These welcome changes mark a significant step forward in making craft apprenticeships available to a wider and more diverse group of learners, ensuring that more people have the opportunity to develop valuable skills and pursue rewarding careers. They also strengthen fairness and inclusion, helping our apprenticeship system better reflect the diversity, needs and talents of today's society."

Nessa White, Interim CEO at SOLAS, reiterated the organisation's commitment to modernisation and diversity within the sector: "The changes to entry requirements for craft apprenticeship programmes, specifically relating to colour vision represent a significant step towards making apprenticeship entry more inclusive and accessible than ever before. By aligning Ireland's apprenticeship entry requirements with leading European practices, we are opening opportunities to a wider and more diverse range of learners. SOLAS remains fully committed to collaborating with our industry led apprenticeship partners to ensure that our apprenticeship programmes equip Ireland's workforce with the skills needed both now and into the future."