19 August 2026
By Elaine Murphy
Elaine@TheCork.ie
File photo of Deputy O Laoighaire
Over 3,017 apprentices waiting longer than 6 months for their next stage of training – Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire TD
Sinn Féin TD for Cork South Central, Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire, has today said that it is completely unacceptable that there are over 3,017 apprentices waiting for longer than 6 months for their next stage of their training. And over 454 apprentices waiting for over a year.
Teachta Ó Laoghaire said:
“For all the government’s big talk about apprenticeships, the reality is that many people who are doing apprenticeships are waiting inordinate amounts of time.
“There are over 3,017 people waiting for longer than 6 months, for the next stage of their training. And over 454 waiting for over a year.
“This is completely unacceptable. If we are trying to encourage people to take up trades, whether it’s in the traditional craft trades or in new apprenticeships, we need to ensure that they are able to progress to the next stage.
“A lot of these people are being held back from their ability to qualify to earn decent money and to get on with their occupation, whether it’s in the building line or any other line, because of delays.
“I think some of this is due to a lack of instructors in some locations, but also poor management of the system by government.
“Ensuring that we have an apprenticeship system that is fit for purpose is crucially important to us in tackling the housing crisis, as well as so many other challenges, including in terms of renewable energy and the opportunities that exist there.
“However unfortunately, the government has taken their foot off the gas in relation to this, and it is apprentices, many of whom are earning below minimum wage levels in their 1st phase or 2nd phase, who are paying the price for this, and it’s unacceptable.
“This issue very clearly needs investment and for it to be addressed by a change in policy, which needs to be brought about, which ensures that apprenticeships are taken as seriously as any other form of training.”