Ahead of the upcoming CAO deadline, ministers have said there are now more choices than ever, for prospective students looking to continue their education.
The deadline for CAO applications is approaching (1 February). In advance of that the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science James Lawless, TD and the Minister of State for Further Education, Apprenticeship, Construction and Green Skills Marian Harkin, TD, encourage potential applicants to consider all of their options, such as apprenticeships.
Lawless explained, applicants now have “more choices than ever before” and whether they are considering a university degree, an apprenticeship, a Further Education and Training (FET) course or a new tertiary degree programmes, there are a wide range of routes available. He encouraged young people to take the time to explore their options and find the route that best suits their interests and ambitions.
He said, “In recent years, approximately 1,000 additional permanent places have been created in high‑demand CAO courses in the health and social care disciplines. In 2026, further places will be added, across existing programmes such as medicine, nursing, dentistry, physiotherapy and pharmacy while new courses will be launched, including veterinary medicine in SETU and ATU, as well as pharmacy in SETU.”
Outside of the CAO system, there are several opportunities for students looking to avail of apprenticeships in traditional, skilled fields, for example in the electrical and plumbing space, as well as areas such as cybersecurity, software development, engineering and new programmes such as accounting technologist.
There are now 78 apprenticeship programmes available, covering levels five to 10 on the National Framework of Qualifications and a range of free and subsidised Further Education and Training courses offering practical, hands-on learning that builds real-world skills. One-year PLC courses also provide an opportunity to learn and gain experience ahead of future employment.
Tertiary degree programmes, where students start in an Education and Training Board programme (ETB) and progress to a higher education institution enable applicants to complete their bachelor’s degree. Additionally, the Part-Time Fee Scheme for Specified Undergraduate Courses, which was launched in 2024, covers the fees of eligible part-time students attending specified undergraduate courses. The strategy was designed to support underrepresented or disadvantaged groups in accessing higher education opportunities.
Harkin said, “I would encourage students to be aware of the broad range of pathways and alternative routes available. Through an ever-growing further education and skills training system, there are many ways to follow your passion. From apprenticeships to Further Education courses and Tertiary degrees, the right path for you is out there.”
In November of last year, the Irish Government announced funding of €20.5m to be awarded to four technological universities and one institute of technology, with the aim of tackling the ever-increasing demand for apprenticeships in the higher education sector.
The funds will enable the creation of an additional 99 apprenticeship craft training blocks and eight consortium led apprenticeship equipment projects.
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