Senator Harmon calls for greater supports for apprentices.
Senator Harmon calls for greater supports for apprentices. - The Labour Party
Labour’s Further and Higher Education Spokesperson Senator Laura Harmon has said that Budget 2026 was a missed opportunity to fully abolish apprenticeship fees and tackle the crisis facing apprentices across Ireland. Speaking after today’s meeting of the Oireachtas Committee on Further and Higher Education, Senator Harmon said the Government must do more to make apprenticeships viable at a time when we need skilled workers to address the housing emergency.
Senator Harmon said:
“Budget 2026 was a missed opportunity to stand up for apprentices. We need apprentices more than ever if we are to build the homes this country so desperately needs, yet Government continues to make it unaffordable for many to pursue these careers. It is not enough to talk about skills shortages while doing nothing to support the people who want to fill those gaps.
“There has been a 20% dropout rate for apprentices over a three-year period — a shocking figure that shows how the system is failing. Low pay is the main driver of this, and it is unacceptable that in 2025 an apprentice can earn as little as €7.16 an hour. At today’s committee, student representatives told us that craft apprentices would have to work 140 hours just to afford a basic electrician’s toolkit. That is outrageous and emblematic of the barriers facing those trying to enter the trades.
“These conditions are driving interested people away from this line of work. We must see apprentices paid in line with the national living wage. It is appalling that this is something we have to call for, but the current situation is unsustainable. If we are serious about solving the housing crisis, then we must be serious about valuing and retaining our apprentices.
“Many barriers remain for apprentices across the board. Although there is no gender pay gap in the sector — something I commend — we know that inequalities persist for women undertaking childcare roles. Expanding the scope of apprenticeships and introducing bursaries for women and for parents would be a strong step towards genuine parity.
“At today’s committee, AMLÉ (formerly USI) told us that some degree apprenticeships require students to pay €1,000 per college block. Many of these people are already paying high fees to complete apprenticeships while earning wages that barely cover their costs. On top of this, they are expected to pay universities they have minimal contact with. We need to see real changes to include apprentices in on-campus activities and offer meaningful supports during their training.
“It is clear that this Government has no plan to make apprenticeships a viable route for young people or career changers. Labour is calling for the full abolition of apprenticeship fees, a living wage for all apprentices, and proper financial supports to make these vital pathways accessible. We cannot continue to ignore the people who build our homes, power our infrastructure, and keep our economy running. The time for action is now.”