Learners across Ireland are being encouraged to explore the unprecedented number of education and training pathways now available, as the Government highlights major investment in apprenticeships, further education, higher education and new tertiary degree routes. The Department of Further and Higher Education said the expanded options mean the CAO points system is now only one of many viable routes into skills development and careers.
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science James Lawless TD said the Government is investing “more than ever before” in people, noting that opportunities now span apprenticeships, further education and higher education. He said the growing range of pathways allows learners to pursue areas such as green technologies, digital skills and modern construction methods through routes tailored to their strengths and ambitions.
Minister of State for Further Education, Apprenticeship, Construction and Climate Skills Marian Harkin TD added that learning “is no longer about a single route,” emphasising that the Government is committed to supporting people to build skills throughout their lives. She said apprenticeships, further education and strong progression routes into higher education are creating practical pathways that lead to sustainable careers.
The call comes after 2025 recorded the largest ever cohort applying to higher education through the CAO, rising 7.4% on the previous year. More than 59,000 applicants received a round one offer, with over half securing their first preference. Despite this, Minister Lawless said CAO offers represent “only one part of a much wider system,” urging students preparing for 2026 applications to look beyond points and consider the full range of alternatives.
Further Education and Training (FET) continues to expand as a key access route, offering courses from levels 1 to 6 across business, healthcare, digital skills and more. Programmes such as PLC courses and Youthreach provide structured pathways into higher education, apprenticeships and employment. Many FET options are free or heavily subsidised, with allowances and grants available for eligible learners.
Apprenticeships have also grown significantly, offering paid, practical training across sectors including ICT, engineering, logistics, construction and healthcare. The recently launched Accounting Technologist apprenticeship became the first all‑island programme, marking a milestone in the system’s expansion. As of November 2025, more than 31,000 apprentices are in training, earning qualifications from Level 5 to Level 10.
Tertiary degree programmes—introduced in 2023—allow students to begin their degree in further education before completing it in higher education. Entry is outside the CAO system, providing an alternative route for learners who may not have achieved the required points. The Department said these programmes are expanding rapidly, with 438 students now enrolled across 38 courses for the 2025/26 academic year, including new offerings in nursing, occupational therapy, social care and the creative arts.
Health and social care remain the most in‑demand tertiary pathways, and the National Tertiary Office is working with the HSE to expand provision in these areas.
