2026 Call for Proposals for Consortia-Led Apprenticeships

Description of the Call for Proposals for Consortia-Led Apprenticeships

Industry in collaboration with Further and Higher Education Institutions across Ireland are being invited to submit proposals for new Consortia-Led Apprenticeships (CLA’s).

This Call for proposals arises from a review earlier this year by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, SOLAS, The Further Education and Training Authority and the Higher Education Authority (HEA). The previous ten-step development process has been replaced with a competitive call for proposals for new CLA apprenticeships and a streamlined five-step development process, with guideline timings, for apprenticeships selected to progress to development. The new process is informed by significant stakeholder engagement through stakeholder consultation events, individual feedback and feedback gathered through other forums relevant to apprenticeship.

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

The call for proposals is designed to support CLA proposals which 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 whose quality assurance procedures have been approved under the relevant statutory arrangements.

Applicants are strongly advised to refer to the call documentation on this webpage. All sections of the online proposal form must be completed, and applications must be signed and dated by an authorised consortium representative. Incomplete or late submissions will not be accepted.

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

Questions and clarifications on the Call process should be made via the online form. FAQs will be accepted until 5pm on Tuesday 13 October 2026. FAQs will be responded to with answers published to this webpage.