Ahern explained that aspiring electricians, plumbers, or other tradespeople must first secure a four-year apprenticeship with an employer, which is a task that has grown significantly harder in recent years.
“The construction industry has moved on from what it was 20 years ago,” he said.
“There are very few builders now.”
Many contractors cannot guarantee work for the full duration of an apprenticeship, prompting Ahern to develop the Trade Path model.
Trade Path allows subcontractors to take on apprentices for short periods, typically six months, and then rotate them to other employers.
“We’re trying to get this going at the lower levels so that more young people can access smaller builders, smaller subcontractors, and get a trade,” he said.
Ahern also highlighted the need for a licensing system for tradespeople.
Unlike plumbers and electricians, who must be qualified and registered, many builders or roofers operate without oversight.
He pointed to the Australian model, where anyone undertaking work over €5,000 must hold a government-issued license, ensuring protection for homeowners and fair working conditions.
Currently, many trades, including roofing and tiling, lack formal apprenticeship pathways.
Construction workers Fixing roof tiles, with roofing tools, electric drills used on roofs in safety kits for safety.Shannon Conroy, owner of Mac An Rí, noted that since 2011, tiling has had no apprenticeship programme.
“It’s very difficult to train somebody when they’re not certified and they’re going to get nothing out of it in the end,” he said.
This gap leaves employers to bear the cost of training and fixing mistakes themselves.
Ahern emphasised that licensing is crucial not just for protecting homeowners but for creating a balanced environment for apprenticeships.
“Everyone’s on the same path, everyone’s on the same page,” he said.
He also suggested introducing a levy on the €21 billion construction industry to fund apprenticeships, ensuring smaller builders can access resources to train young workers.
Despite these challenges, Ahern remained optimistic.
“We can supply all the instructors needed,” he said, highlighting that with coordinated effort, the industry can expand apprenticeship opportunities, raise standards with licensing, and protect both workers and the public.
