SETU has launched its new Apprenticeship Strategic Plan 2026–2028, setting out an ambitious vision to expand high-quality, industry-responsive apprenticeship education and help address emerging skills needs across the south east and nationally.
The strategy was launched at WorldSkills Ireland 2026 at the RDS in Dublin, providing a fitting backdrop as Ireland’s next generation of skilled professionals showcase excellence across a diverse range of disciplines.
The three-year plan places apprentices at its centre and sets out how SETU will strengthen the learner experience, deepen partnerships with employers and Education and Training Boards (ETBs), invest in innovative teaching and facilities, and explore opportunities to broaden apprenticeship provision in response to changing workforce needs.
SETU already plays a significant role in Ireland’s apprenticeship system. In 2024, the University accounted for 1,657 registered apprentices, approximately 5.6% of the national total, with provision spanning traditional craft apprenticeships and newer sector-specific programmes.
Under the new strategy, future growth will be evidence-led, responding to identified skills requirements and areas where SETU can deliver sustainable, high-quality programmes. Opportunities will be explored in sectors including engineering, advanced manufacturing, science and technology, renewable energy, and the blue economy, alongside socially impactful and service-oriented disciplines.
The plan also commits SETU to strengthening progression opportunities so that apprenticeship can provide not only an entry point to employment, but a pathway to continued academic and professional development.
“I welcome SETU’s Apprenticeship Strategic Plan 2026-2028 and acknowledge the work that has gone into its development. Apprenticeships play a vital role in developing the skills our economy needs, creating career opportunities for learners and helping employers access the talent required to grow and innovate. By strengthening its apprenticeship provision, SETU will create new opportunities for learners, support regional development, and help meet future workforce skills needs.”
James Lawless Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
"SETU’s Apprenticeship Strategic Plan 2026-2028 demonstrates a strong commitment to its region and to the future of apprenticeship in Ireland. By investing in people and responding to emerging workforce needs, SETU is creating opportunities that will benefit learners, employers and communities for many years to come. I warmly welcome this strategy and commend everyone involved in its development. Apprenticeships change lives by opening doors to education, skills and meaningful employment, while also helping employers access the talent they need to grow and innovate."
Marian Harkin Minister of State with special responsibility for Further Education, Apprenticeship, Construction and Climate Skills
Dr Frances Hardiman, Head (Carlow) of Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment at SETU, said the strategy reflects the changing role of apprenticeship education in Ireland and its importance to both learners and employers.
“Apprenticeships bring together the very best of education and the workplace. They give learners the opportunity to develop deep technical knowledge while applying that learning in real industry environments, and they provide employers with a direct role in developing the skills their sectors need. This strategy is about building on SETU’s strong foundations while looking firmly to the future.
We want to create clear and ambitious pathways for our apprentices, strengthen our partnerships with employers and ETBs, and respond intelligently to emerging skills needs across the south east and beyond. Ultimately, our ambition is that apprenticeship is recognised as a first-choice pathway to a rewarding career, continued education and lifelong learning.”
Dr Frances Hardiman Head (Carlow) of Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, SETU
SETU will also establish an Apprenticeship Advisory Board to provide a structured mechanism to guide future development. Investment in digital and hybrid learning, staff professional development and modern industry-standard facilities will support the quality and scalability of provision.
WorldSkills has an important place within the strategy, with SETU viewing the competition as both a benchmark for training excellence and an opportunity to strengthen connections between education and industry. SETU apprentices have achieved recent national successes across mechanical CAD, digital construction, plumbing and bricklaying.
Through the strategy, SETU aims to contribute to a more integrated, inclusive and responsive national apprenticeship system while ensuring its programmes continue to reflect the economic and workforce priorities of the south east.