Ministers Lawless and Chambers bring memo to Government to update on the Public Service Apprenticeship Plan
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Ó: An Roinn Breisoideachais agus Ardoideachais, Taighde, Nuálaíochta agus Eolaíochta
- Foilsithe:
- An t-eolas is déanaí: 24 Meitheamh 2025
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless, and Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, Jack Chambers, today provided an update on the Public Service Apprenticeship Plan (PSAP) to Government.
The PSAP is an ambitious plan to expand apprenticeship opportunities across the Civil and Public Service published jointly by DFHERIS and DPER in August 2023. A commitment under the Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021-2025, it provides civil and public service bodies with a roadmap for engaging with existing apprenticeship programmes and establishing new apprenticeship programmes in line with identified skills needs.
Minister Lawless said:
"I was pleased to update the government today on the progress of the Public Service Apprenticeship Plan. This Plan sets out a clear and ambitious path to expand apprenticeship opportunities across the Civil and Public Service, with a target of 750 new registrations each year.
“We’ve seen real momentum since its launch. The number of apprentices in the public service rose by 20% in 2024 to 451, and annual registrations increased from just 67 in 2022 to 165 last year. That includes new apprenticeships like the Level 8 programme in Social Work and the Level 6 in Digital Marketing one of which is already represented in my own department.
"While there are still challenges in reaching the 750 target, sectors have responded positively, aiming to grow annual registrations to 554 in 2025. That’s a near 240% increase from last year and a strong indication of how far we’ve come.”
Minister Chambers added:
“Developing apprenticeships as an even more attractive and enticing option, particularly for young people, working in our economy is a key aim for my department under the Better Public Services 2030 Transformation Strategy, which sets out our vision for a skilled, motivated, and inclusive workforce of the future, supported by dynamic career development and inclusive workplace cultures.
“I very much welcome the significant progress that has been made across the Public Service to strive to meet our ambitious targets for apprenticeships. More and more people are seeing the huge benefits and opportunities that come with pursuing apprenticeships within our public services.
“Meeting our ambition requires continued commitment and leadership and I encourage all Public Service employers to embrace the opportunity and to ensure apprenticeships are a key part of recruitment and development strategies.”
Minister Lawless concluded saying:
“Collective and continued leadership is required across all Civil and Public Service organisations to reach the ascribed target in the plan. That’s why, together with DPER, my department has worked closely with public sector employers to build awareness, provide practical supports, and ensure apprenticeship becomes a central part of workforce planning.”