Apprenticeships 2023

Apprenticeships are a wonderful opportunity to Earn and Learn and are available to candidates from 16 years of age in some cases.

What is an apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship is how people are trained in a craft trade or profession. You can get training in a traditional craft apprenticeship such as plumbing or carpentry or new apprenticeships such as accounting technician and IT.

An apprenticeship programme provides on-the-job training with an employer, along with off-the-job training in an education centre. An apprenticeship can last 2 to 4 years, during which time you will train off the job in a college setting.

When you complete an apprenticeship programme, you will get a recognised qualification at Level 5 or above on the NFQ framework.

You can start an apprenticeship from age 16 to 18 years. depending on the apprenticeship programme.

Types of apprenticeships

A craft apprenticeship will generally last for 4 years, during which time you will spend 3 different periods in off-the-job training.

Generally, the first off-the-job training phase will take place in an Education and Training Board (ETB) while the subsequent off-the-job training phases will be in a Technological University or Institute of Technology.

The skills you develop will be assessed through on-the-job competence testing as well as off-the-job modular assessment and examinations and if you complete these assessments successfully, you will be awarded an Advanced Certificate – Craft (level 6 on the National Framework of Qualifications).

Craft apprenticeships include carpentry, plumbing, motor mechanics and electrical apprenticeships.

New apprenticeships in other areas of industry

Apprenticeships introduced from 2016 on lead to an award between Levels 5-10 on the National Framework of Qualifications. Each apprenticeship programme is between 2 and 4 years.

There are a number of models of on-the-job and off-the-job training, as well as different models of delivery and different target groups (including people already in employment). Industry-led groups (consortia), work with education and training providers and other partners, to oversee the development and roll-out of new apprenticeships.

New apprenticeships in ICT, finance and hospitality include software development, accounting technician and commis chef.

Apprenticeship fees

Generally, an apprentice does not pay fees. However, apprentices pay a pro-rata registration fee (student contribution) if their off-the-job training takes place within a college such as an Institute of Technology or Technological University. The registration fee is generally based on the amount of time the apprentice spends in the college. You can find information about the pro-rata registration fee on apprenticeship.ie.

Apprenticeship wages and allowances

Rates of apprenticeship wages and allowances can vary depending on the type of apprenticeship and the industry you have chosen:

Apprenticeships developed before 2016: While you are training on the job, your employer will pay you a recommended apprenticeship wage. The ETB pay a weekly allowance equivalent to that wage while you are training off the job. In some cases, the ETB will contribute to your travel and accommodation costs. You can get information about off-the-job training payments and allowances for craft apprentices.

Apprenticeships developed in 2016 and after: Your employer will pay you for the duration of the apprenticeship. The rate of pay is agreed between you and your employer.

Annual leave: Your statutory holiday entitlements continue to accrue during the off-the-job phases, but must be taken during the on-the-job phases at times agreed with your employer.

Apprentices who have children: Working Family Payment (WFP) is a weekly tax-free payment for employees with children. If you are an apprentice and you have at least one child you may qualify for WFP, if you meet the conditions for WFP.

Other allowances

You should check with your employer or local ETB if you are entitled to any allowances such as a tool allowance. You should also check if you qualify for employment tax credits and reliefs.

How to qualify for an apprenticeship

To be eligible for an apprenticeship, you must be at least 16 years of age and have a minimum of grade D in 5 subjects in the Junior Cycle or equivalent exam. However, higher educational qualifications and other requirements may be required by employers.

If you don't have these qualifications, you may still register as an apprentice with an employer if you:

- Complete an approved preparatory training course followed by an assessment interview.

- Are over 18 years of age and have at least 3 years of relevant work experience, in which case you will also be asked to do an assessment interview.

💻 You can view some Apprentice Opportunities on the Generation Apprenticeship website HERE

You should also research yourself for opportunities in your local area by googling "Apprentice Motor Mechanic", "Apprentice Electrician" etc and by checking the careers pages on large companies in your area that normally have trades people employed. You should also ask friends and family to look out for opportunities as your network can really help! Your career guidance teacher may also be able to help, or your local employment services office.

HERE IS A LIST OF ALL APPRENTICESHIPS AVAILABLE IN IRELAND

Accounting Technician

Advanced Healthcare Assistant Practitioner

Advanced Quantity Surveyor

Agricultural Mechanic

Aircraft Mechanic

Applied Horticulture

Arboriculture

Auctioneering and Property Services

Bar Manager

Bricklayer / Stonelaying

Butcher

Carpenter / Joinery

CGI Technical Artist

Chef de Partie

Civil Engineering 6 - Launching in 2023

Civil Engineering 7 - Launching in 2023

Commis Chef

Construction Plant Fitting

Cyber Security Practitioner

Cybersecurity Associate

Digital Marketing and Media- Launching in 2023

Electrical

Electrical Instrumentation

Electronic Security Systems

Engineering Services Management

Equipment Systems Engineer

Executive Chef - Launching in 2023

Farm Management - Launching in 2023

Farm Technician - Launching in 2023

Farrier

Geo-Driller

Hairdressing

Heavy Vehicle Mechanic

Industrial Electrical Engineering

Industrial Insulator

Instrumentation Craftsperson

Insurance Practitioner

International Financial Services Advanced Specialist - In Development

International Financial Services Associate

International Financial Services Specialist

Laboratory Analyst

Laboratory Technician

Lean Sigma Manager

Logistics Associate/Logistician

Manufacturing Data Integration Engineer - In Development

Manufacturing Engineer

Manufacturing Technology

Mechanical Automation and Maintenance Fitter - MAMF

Metal Fabrication

Motor Mechanic

Network Engineer Associate

OEM Engineering Technician

Painter / Decorator

Pipe Fitter

Plastering

Plumbing

Polymer Processing Technology

Precision Machinist & Quality Control- Launching in 2023

Principal Engineer

Recruitment Executive

Refrigeration and Air Conditioning

Retail Supervision

Roofing & Cladding- In Development

Sales

Scaffolding

Sheet Metal Working

Software Developer Associate

Software Solutions Architect- In Development

Sous Chef

Sports Turf Management - Launching in 2023

Stonecutting & Stonemasonry

Stud Farm Assistant Manager - In Development

Supply Chain Associate

Supply Chain Manager

Supply Chain Specialist

Telecommunications and Data Network Technician

Toolmaker

Transport Operations and Commercial Driver

Vehicle Body Repairer

Wind Turbine Maintenance Technician

Wood Manufacturing & Finishing

More Information on all these Apprenticeships can be found HERE

Other Useful websites:

Apprenticeship.ie

Woking Family Payment

Generation Apprenticeship