Apprentices entitled to one-third fees reduction

The measure is part of the Budget for 2024, following on from the delivery of a similar measure in 2023, which has benefitted up to 9,831 apprentices nationwide attending nine higher education institutions across the country.

The measure will be applied directly for those apprentices who have not yet paid their student contribution fee, whilst those who have paid it are to be reimbursed.

Speaking about the initiative, Minister Harris said: “The cuts in apprenticeship fees are real and practical measures that will help apprentices with the challenges and costs associated with attending college.

“This funding is in addition to other access and inclusion measures introduced, including increased funding for bursaries, to ensure that our apprenticeship population is more representative of the national population.

“Apprenticeships provide young people with so many opportunities and crucially contribute to achieving so many important social goals and meeting the Government’s key targets, such as Housing for All and climate action.

“I am determined to continue to open up access to these opportunities and I am particularly delighted to be able to introduce this measure for so many apprentices.”

Minister for State Niall Collins said: “We recognise the vital role the apprentice plays in our society, we want to put money back in their pockets to address the immediate issues they are facing, so I am delighted to announce this fee reduction.

“I am committed to investing in our apprentices nationwide who will be key to meeting the challenges of today and those that lie ahead.”