Minister Marian Harkin TD Visits TU Dublin Bolton Street to Highlight Apprenticeships and Skills Development
TU Dublin welcomed Minister of State with responsibility for Further Education, Apprenticeship, Construction and Climate Skills, Marian Harkin TD, to its Bolton Street campus for a visit on Thursday, showcasing the university’s growing leadership in apprenticeship education and access pathways.
The visit comes at a significant moment for TU Dublin following a €5.73 million allocation under the national Apprenticeship Expansion Programme in 2025. This forms part of a wider €20.5 million government investment aimed at increasing apprenticeship capacity across Ireland. At TU Dublin, the funding will enable the delivery of 600 new apprenticeship training places, reinforcing its position as one of the largest providers of apprenticeship education in the country. The expansion will support 39 additional craft training blocks and major equipment upgrades across campuses in Bolton Street, Tallaght, and Blanchardstown.
Key areas of growth include the expansion of Carpentry and Joinery training to meet increasing regional demand, alongside a planned 42% increase in Electrical apprenticeship capacity by 2028 and a 75% rise in Plumbing apprenticeship provision at the Blanchardstown campus. The investment will also enable the modernisation of Motor Mechanics facilities, incorporating advanced diagnostic equipment, and support increased capacity in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning to address evolving climate and infrastructure needs.
In parallel, the University continues to play a leading role in the development and delivery of Consortia-Led Apprenticeship Programmes across key sectors such as Logistics, Laboratory Sciences, Telecommunications, and Industrial Electrical Engineering. The University has also secured approval for new programmes in BioPharma and Geospatial Science, with these set to commence in the coming academic years.
Speaking about the visit, Minister of State with responsibility for Further Education, Apprenticeship, Construction and Climate Skills, Marian Harkin TD, said:
“I was pleased to visit TU Dublin’s Bolton Street campus today, where I had the opportunity to see so many skilled apprentices in action across a wide range of programmes, including Light Vehicle Mechanics, Wood Manufacturing and Finishing and Brickwork and Stonelaying. I was particularly delighted to meet students on the Access to Apprenticeship programme. Access to education is something that is very important to me, and it is great to see this programme up and running again at TU Dublin, with 16 learners having started the programme earlier this January.”
Welcoming the investment and the Minister’s visit, TU Dublin President Dr Deirdre Lillis said:
“This investment is a significant endorsement of TU Dublin’s leadership in apprenticeship education. Expanding capacity across key craft programmes and upgrading our training facilities will ensure that apprentices develop the advanced, industry-ready skills required in a rapidly changing economy. These enhancements will not only support national skills needs and drive economic growth, but also strengthen TU Dublin’s role in providing high-quality, practice-based education across our campuses.”
Access to Apprenticeship
A central focus of the visit was TU Dublin’s Access to Apprenticeship (ATA) programme, a targeted initiative designed to support young people aged 16 to 24 from disadvantaged backgrounds in progressing into apprenticeship pathways.
Delivered by the School of Mechanical Engineering at Bolton Street, the 15-week full-time programme runs twice yearly and provides participants with a comprehensive introduction to apprenticeship careers. Students gain hands-on exposure across sectors such as construction, engineering, electrical, motor, and aviation, while also developing essential employability skills.
The programme offers work experience placements, industry site visits, and support in CV and interview preparation. Participants also gain certifications such as Safe Pass, Manual Handling, and Working at Heights, alongside opportunities to connect with Erasmus+ students.
Funded by the Higher Education Authority, the initiative plays a crucial role in widening participation and ensuring more equitable access to skilled career pathways. Applications for the next intake, beginning in September 2026, are now open. More information is available from the TU Dublin website.
