Apprenticeship Information

 

I want to become a Craft Apprentice

​Apprentices work and train at the same time so that they can learn the skills and expertise needed for their chosen craft.

The training takes place both on the job, in the workplace, and also off the job, in a designated education facility.

Training for craft apprenticeships generally takes a minimum of four years. It is divided into seven phases – four in the workplace and three at an education facility.

There are some exceptions. Training for floor/wall tiling is shorter, with a minimum of three years. These courses have only five phases – three in the workplace and two in an education facility.

Craft apprenticeships begin with a Phase 1 in the workplace and then after a period of time you move to a Phase 2 in an education facility. Training alternates between the workplace and an education facility.

Employers are responsible for the workplace training phases.

Off-the-job training starts with a phase in an Education and Training Board (ETB) Training Centre, while the remaining phases are generally held in an Institute of Technology or a college of further education.

Types of Craft Apprenticeships 

You can choose from a number of different craft apprenticeships. For more information  click here

Qualifications

The curriculum for each apprenticeship programme is based on standards that have been agreed and determined by industry. The standards are uniform and pre-specified.

Once you successfully complete your apprenticeship, you will be awarded a QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate – Craft.

This is recognised nationally and internationally as the requirement for craftsperson status.

What do I Need to be Accepted as an Apprentice?

To begin a craft apprenticeship, you must be employed in your chosen craft by an approved employer.

For more information on finding an apprenticeship, see Finding an Apprenticeship

To be accepted, you must be at least 16 years of age and have a minimum of grade D in any five subjects in the Junior Certificate or equivalent.

Higher educational qualifications may be required by some employers.

What can I do if I don't Meet the Requirements?

If you don't have the required grades, you can still be registered by an employer as a craft apprentice if:

• You satisfactorily complete an approved pre-apprentice course

              (For more information on these courses, contact your local ETB training centre)

               or

• You have three years' work experience in a relevant, designated industrial activity recognised by SOLAS. You must have gained that experience over 16 years of age.

For some craft apprentice courses, you have to pass the Ishihara Colour Vision Test (24 Plate Edition).

These apprenticeships are marked with an asterisk (*) on the Types of Apprenticeship page.

Training Allowances for Craft Apprentices

Craft ​apprentices get paid during their training. The rates of pay can vary, depending on the apprenticeship and on your employer.

Generally, rates will rise as you gain more skills. Ask your prospective employer about these rates of pay.

A craft apprentice allowance is paid during off-the-job training. Sometimes, you will also get a contribution towards travel or accommodation costs if appropriate.

A special bursary is also paid to employers who recruit and register women in designated apprenticeships. This is to encourage more women to apply.

Craft apprentices are paid an allowance when they are training off the job.

These allowances are calculated on the gross wages paid by industry in each trade sector. The amount you get will generally be less than that, as it is based on the net take-home pay of the relevant sector.

The weekly gross wage norms for different industries are listed below.

Engineering industry

Effective: 1 April 2007

Construction industry

 Construction rates advised by C.I.F. – Effective: 04 February 2011

Motor industry

Motor rates advised by S.I.M.I. - Effective: 01 May 2008

Printing and paper industry

Three-year cycle

Four-year cycle

Electrical industry (Trade 46)

Electrician rates advised by T.E.E.U. - Effective: 01 January 2017

Employed by Electrical Contracting Firms (Industry 04/01/016) and electrical apprentices in ESB 

Only these apprentices are entitled to the electrician apprentice rates.