Minority of apprentices would challenge sexist jokes and language, study finds

Over 720 craft apprentices in Ireland participated in a study examining their attitudes toward consent, sexual violence, and bystander intervention as part of the Active* Consent programme’s outreach efforts. The survey, led by Waterford Wexford Education and Training Board and the University of Galway, found that 95% of apprentices believed they were prepared to act if they witnessed sexual violence or harassment. However, fewer were willing to intervene in everyday problematic behaviors: only 36% said they would challenge sexist language, and just 21% would confront sexist jokes. The study also uncovered communication challenges, with half of the apprentices reporting that verbally asking for consent felt awkward. Additionally, only 51% had discussed consent with a friend, despite 76% expressing satisfaction with their prior sex education in school or earlier courses. Professor Pádraig MacNeela from the University of Galway noted that the findings reflect broader trends among young men in society, emphasizing the need for more open conversations about consent. The Active* Consent programme’s further education lead, Sinead McGrath, highlighted a positive approach to addressing consent behaviors, citing that nearly all apprentices agreed on the importance of discussing consent before intimacy. The collaboration between WWETB and the university aims to integrate consent education into apprenticeship training nationwide, fostering a more proactive dialogue on these issues. The survey results suggest that while apprenticeship programs may provide foundational awareness, practical engagement and comfort with consent-related discussions remain areas for improvement. The findings underscore the necessity for targeted interventions to encourage intervention in everyday sexist behaviors and improve communication around consent.