2026 Call for Proposals for Consortia-Led Apprenticeships

Posted: 6 October, 2026

SOLAS, the Further Education and Training Authority and the Higher Education Authority (HEA) today launched a call for proposals for new apprenticeship programmes, in line with a new process to develop apprenticeships.

The new approach is focused on ensuring that the apprenticeship system is responsive to the current and emerging skills needs of learners and industry across the country, and that it is recognised as a pathway of choice for thousands of people towards a successful career.

This new competitive call for proposals for new apprenticeships, together with a streamlined five-step development process, will replace the previous ten step model. Apprenticeships selected through the call will progress through the new process, which includes guiding timelines for development.

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD said:

“Apprenticeships play a vital role in helping people build rewarding careers while giving employers access to the skills they need to grow. These reforms to the consortia-led apprenticeship model will help ensure the system remains responsive to the needs of both learners and industry. By improving governance, introducing a competitive process and targeting areas of greatest skills demand, we can support the development of high-quality programmes that deliver real value. Just as importantly, the streamlined approach will help bring new apprenticeship opportunities to learners and employers more quickly.”

Minister of State, with special responsibility for Further Education, Apprenticeship, Construction and Climate Skills, Marian Harkin, concluded:

“As the economy continues to evolve, it is essential that people have access to flexible and relevant pathways into employment. These reforms will help ensure apprenticeships continue to provide valuable opportunities for learners to develop in-demand skills and build rewarding careers. By strengthening employer engagement and focusing on priority sectors, we can better support workforce development, economic growth and access to high-quality opportunities across the country.”

The call for proposals is designed to support apprenticeship proposals that demonstrate current or future labour market need, align with national priorities and show strong employer commitment and capacity. Proposals should also address accessibility, quality assurance, progression opportunities, flexible programme design, inclusion and appropriate system governance.

Eligible applicants include designated higher education institutions, SOLAS-funded further education and training providers, and eligible privately funded further and higher education providers with approved quality assurance arrangements under the relevant statutory framework.

For more information on key dates and documentation, visit our page 2026 Call for Proposals for Consortia-Led Apprenticeships.

Important dates

• Call opens: 12.30pm, Tuesday, 6 October 2026

• Deadline: for questions and clarifications: 5.00pm, Tuesday, 13 October 2026

• Call closes: 12.30pm, Tuesday, 24 November 2026

• Notification of outcomes: Quarter 1, 2027

More Information

About the Higher Education Authority (HEA)

The Higher Education Authority (HEA) supports, funds, and oversees apprenticeship programmes delivered through Ireland’s higher education system in partnership with SOLAS and the National Apprenticeship Alliance. Find out more on the HEA website.

About SOLAS

SOLAS is the Further Education and Training Authority in Ireland. It is the regulatory authority for apprenticeship. SOLAS funds the provision of apprenticeships in the further education and training sector through the 16 Education and Training Boards as well as three non-ETB agencies. Find out more on the SOLAS website.

The New Approach to Apprenticeships

This new approach follows a review initiated in March by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, SOLAS and the Higher Education Authority (HEA). This review focused on the process employed to develop and approve new consortia-led apprenticeships since their launch in 2016.

The new process is informed by significant stakeholder engagement through stakeholder consultation events, individual feedback and feedback gathered through other forums relevant to apprenticeship.

It aims to support growth in the apprenticeship system towards a target of 12,500 new apprentices registered annually by 2030 as set out in the Programme for Government with two-thirds of these in the construction and craft areas.

About Consortia-led apprenticeships

Consortia-led apprenticeships are industry-led programmes developed by consortia of employers and education and training partners. They lead to awards at Levels 5 to 10 on the National Framework of Qualifications, normally run for between two and four years and provide a minimum of 50 per cent on-the-job learning. Apprentices are employed under a formal contract of apprenticeship and are paid by their employer for the duration of the programme.

There are currently 89 national apprenticeships in Ireland, 25 of these are traditional craft apprenticeships coordinated by SOLAS with the remaining 64 apprenticeships across 17 sectors in the consortia-led model initiated in 2016 and coordinated by further and higher education institutions.

Apprenticeship consortia are industry-led groups that come together to develop and, if approved, launch a new apprenticeship programme. The consortium typically consists of seven – twelve members including employers, education and training providers and other relevant partners. The consortium will oversee the development and rollout of the proposed apprenticeship and ensure that it remains industry-led, responsive to occupational change and aligned with labour market needs.

The Government allocated a record €415 million for apprenticeship delivery in 2026.