Toolmaking Apprentice

A Toolmaker is a skilled worker who produces and maintains precision tools used in the production of the metal, plastic and other materials of all shapes and sizes. The work of a toolmaker involves interpreting drawings and technical data to machine and assemble jigs, fixtures, moulding tools, dies and punches. Care and attention to detail and high precision are the hallmark of toolmaking.

In Dublin Aerospace, it includes activities such as dismantling, overhauling and assembly of Landing Gear, and their components.

After successful completion of this Apprenticeship the apprentice will receive a QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate Craft - Toolmaking from SOLAS.

PERSONAL QUALITIES REQUIRED TO BE A TOOLMAKING APPRENTICE

• Enjoy working with your hands
• Enjoy being physically active on your feet
• Enjoy being part of a Team
• Enjoy learning how machines function
• Enjoy learning new knowledge and craft related skills.
• Taking responsibility for your own learning, including the allocation of study time.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN AS AN TOOLMAKING APPRENTICE

• Practical skills and theoretical knowledge
• Principles of operating Machines while working in a workshop environment
• How to control and adjust equipment
• Understanding Instructional manuals including technical drawings and diagrams
• How to apply physics and mathematical principles
• How to work with control systems
• How to ensure accuracy and attention to detail in all aspects of work
• How to keeping accurate records & reports

DURATION AND STRUCTURE OF APPRENTICESHIP

The Toolmaking Apprenticeship program is a minimum of 4 years.

It consists of 7 phases:

• 3 Off-the-Job Phases with the Education & Training Boards (ETB)/ Solas/Institute of Technology (approx. 40 weeks in total)
• 4 On-the-Job Phases with Dublin Aerospace in our Landing Gear Facility, Ashbourne, Co. Meath.
• Successful completion is achieved when all the required theory and practical tests have been passed to the required standard set by Solas.

HOW DO I BECOME AN APPRENTICE?

• To become an apprentice in Ireland you must be hired by an employer. Apprenticeship employers are formally approved by SOLAS in advance of employing apprentices. Apprentices get a formal contract of employment as part of their apprenticeship.

DO I PAY ANYTHING?

•  Apprentices complete two of their three phases of off-the-job training in a higher education institution. A student contribution must be paid for this part of the training.
• The amount of the student contribution is a proportion of the annual student contribution paid by students who are attending a full-time course in higher education. The student contribution is paid directly to the higher education institution.
• The student contribution for this apprenticeship is €1,000 for Phase 4 and €1,000 for Phase 6 – this is paid by the employer.

NEXT STEP IN RECRUITMENT PROCESS?

Candidates who successfully qualify in the Aptitude & Manual Dexterity Tests, will be sent an invite to interview.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Candidates must:

• Be over 18 years of age on the 31st December, 2024
• Be permitted to live and work in Ireland without restriction;
• Be able to pass a medical assessment.

Educational Qualifications

Candidates must have obtained the following minimum educational qualifications:

Junior Certificate (Ordinary Level)

Merit or Higher (above 55%) in the Junior Certificate in one sitting in the following subjects:

1. English

2. Mathematics

Plus 3 other subjects including 1 or more of list below:

Science, Technology, Technical Graphics, Materials Technology (Wood) or Metalwork.

OR

Leaving Certificate

Grade C/O4 or higher at Ordinary Level or Grade D/H6 in the Leaving Certificate (or equivalent) in one sitting in the following subjects:

1. English

2. Mathematics

Plus 3 other subjects including 1 or more of list below:

Agricultural Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Physics and Chemistry, Applied Mathematics

Construction Studies, Design and Communication, Graphics, Engineering, Technical Drawing and Technology

OR

The Successful completion of an approved Pre-Apprenticeship Course.