From:Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science James Lawless TD has informed Government of the significant progress made in expanding apprenticeship opportunities across the public service.

The Public Service Apprenticeship Plan (PSAP) 2023–2025, a joint initiative between the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science and the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation has driven substantial growth in public service apprenticeships and helped to address critical skills needs across the workforce.

The number of apprentices employed across the public sector increased by approximately 50%, rising from 373 in 2022 to 566 by the end of 2025, while annual registrations increased more than fourfold from 67 to 286, reflecting a growing demand and a transition from a largely craft-based apprenticeship system towards programmes that support a broader range of public service professions.

Building on this momentum, three priority public service apprenticeship programmes have been launched in 2026. Following the introduction of the Level 6 Business and Operations Apprenticeship and the Level 8 Social Care Apprenticeship earlier this year, Minister Lawless today officially launched the new Paramedicine Apprenticeship.

Developed in partnership with University College Cork and aligned to Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council standards, the Paramedicine Apprenticeship is a four-year Level 8 programme that combines paid employment with academic learning and clinical training. The programme broadens access to the profession while supporting the continued expansion of Ireland's paramedic workforce.

An initial cohort of 32 apprentices will commence in September, employed by the HSE and ambulance service providers. The apprenticeship has been developed in response to growing workforce demand and will provide a new pathway into a profession that plays a vital role in delivering frontline emergency healthcare services.

The three new apprenticeship programmes launched this year demonstrate how apprenticeships are becoming an increasingly important component of workforce development across the public service. They provide paid, work-based routes into rewarding careers while enabling employers to recruit and develop talent in areas of strategic importance.

Public service apprenticeship objectives will continue under the forthcoming Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2026-2030, ensuring that apprenticeships remain a key driver of talent development, workforce renewal and public service reform.

"The growth we have seen in public service apprenticeships over recent years is a real success story. More people than ever are choosing to earn while they learn, gaining the skills, qualifications and experience needed to build rewarding careers that make a real difference in communities across Ireland.

"We've increased apprentice numbers by 50% since 2022, while annual registrations have risen more than fourfold. That growth is helping us attract and develop talented people for professions that are essential to the delivery of public services.

"The new Paramedicine Apprenticeship is a great example of what apprenticeships can achieve in practice. It opens up a new route into a highly skilled and respected profession while helping to build the workforce needed to deliver frontline emergency care. By creating pathways like this, we are investing in people's futures and strengthening the public services that communities rely on every day."

Minister of State for Further Education, Apprenticeship, Construction and Climate Skills Marian Harkin TD welcomed the new apprenticeship:

"Public service apprenticeships are building talent, supporting skills needs and workforce renewal. Through the forthcoming Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2026-2030, we will continue to strengthen and expand apprenticeship opportunities helping to deliver the skilled public service workforce Ireland needs for the future."