Far more attention needs to be given to apprenticeships

Sixty two per cent of Irish people aged between 30 and 34 have a third level qualification, which is the highest percentage in Europe.

But what’s happened our trades and apprenticeships? Or is the above figure including apprenticeships in third level qualifications?

Continental Europe has always put great importance into its apprenticeship programmes.

Unfortunately, in Ireland working in an office has always been seen a step up on being an electrician, a mechanic or fitter/turner.

But fortunately, that does seem to be changing now.