Work-integrated learning remains a cornerstone of Ireland's tertiary education system, supporting both apprenticeships and traineeships.

Apprenticeships provide structured, hands-on routes into employment, while traineeships offer more flexible, shorter-term options.

Budget 2026 includes €79 million for apprenticeships, bringing total funding to over €410 million and expanding programmes nationwide.

Speaking in the Dáil, Minister Marian Harkin wants the Government to remain fully committed to investing in apprentices and trainees in the North West.