Information For Apprentices

 

As part of the national apprenticeship system, there are formal requirements for approval of an employer's suitability to train apprentices and for registration of apprentices. SOLAS is responsible for delivering on these requirements and draws on a network of 'Authorised Officers' (AOs) located in the Education and Training Boards (ETBs) around the country to do this.

Apprentice Registration

To begin an apprenticeship, an applicant must be employed by an approved employer. To be eligible, the applicant 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. However, higher educational qualifications and other requirements may be sought by employers. Click for further information on  individual apprenticeships.  

For entry to some apprenticeships, applicants are required to undergo a SOLAS-approved colour vision test.

Student Contribution

Apprentices pay a pro-rata registration fee if their off-the-job training takes place within a Higher Education Institute. The registration fee will generally equate to the amount of time the apprentice spends in the Higher Education Institute. The payment of the pro-rata registration fee is made by the apprentice directly to the Higher Education Institute. For further information, see below. Ask the relevant institute about contribution rate and payment options.

Student Contribution 2019 -2020 - Apprenticeships developed before 2016

* All other occupations: Heavy Vehicle Mechanics, Motor Mechanic, Plumbing, Carpentry and Joinery, Construction Plant Fitter, Electrical, Mechanical Automation and Maintenance Fitting, Metal Fabrication, Plastering, Brick and Stonelaying, Painting and Decorating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, Vehicle Body Repair, Wood Manufacturing and Finishing, Electronic Security Systems, Sheet-Metal Working, Instrumentation, Toolmaking, Agricultural Mechanic, Industrial Insulation.

Student Contribution 2016-2020 - Apprenticeships developed in 2016 and after

Apprentice Salary

For apprenticeships developed before 2016, the employer pays the apprentice while s/he is being trained on-the-job. A training allowance is paid by the local ETB while the apprentice is attending the off-the-job training.

For apprenticeships developed in 2016 and after, the employer pays the apprentice for the duration of the apprenticeship. In all cases, the rate of pay is agreed between the employer and the apprentice.

Click for further information on individual apprenticeships.

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Training Allowance

For apprenticeships developed before 2016, a training allowance is paid to apprentices while attending off-the-job training. In some cases, a contribution towards travel or accommodation costs may be paid if deemed eligible. The sector the apprentice's employer is engaged in will determine the allowance payable.

These allowances are calculated on the gross wages paid by industry in each sector. The weekly gross wage norms for different industries are listed below.

For more information on taxation of off the job payments click here.

Engineering

Effective: 1 July 2016

Mechanical Engineering Building Services Contracting Sector

Note: Mechanical Engineering Building Services Contracting Sector rates - Effective: 06 March 2018

This rate applies to all Pipefitters. It also applies to Plumbers whose companies are designated under Construction

Construction

 Construction rates advised by C.I.F. – Effective: 01 October 2019

Motor

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

Printing and Paper

Three-year cycle

Four-year cycle

Note: Printing rates advised by IMPA. - Effective: 1 November 2007

Electrical industry (Trade 46)

•  Electrician rates advised by Connect Trade Union - Effective: 01 September 2019

Colour Vision Test

To become an apprentice in one of the crafts marked with an asterisk (*) applicants must pass the Ishihara Colour Vision Test (24 Plate Edition). For further information, contact the Apprenticeship section in your local Education and Training Board.

Code of Practice

The Apprenticership Code of Practice  sets out participating employers' and apprentices' duties and responsibilities. Apprentices and employers sign up to the Code of Practice as part of the statutory apprenticeship process.

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Results Calculator

Click here for the Results Calculator for apprenticeships developed prior to 2016.

Assistance for Redundant Apprentices

If an employer cannot keep the apprentice on for whatever reason, the apprentice should:

• Immediately tell the ETB Training Advisor
• Register with the local INTREO Office
  
  Redundant apprentices can:

• Enrol in other training courses to improve their skills
• Enrol in a range of night courses run in ETB training centres
  

QQI Certification: Advanced Certificate - Craft

For apprenticeships developed before 2016, apprentices who successfully complete the apprenticeship programme are awarded a QQI Advanced Certificate - Craft.

QQI is unable to replace lost Advanced Certificate Craft with a duplicate certificate but can issue a Record of Award which will validate the authenticity of the lost certificate.  QQI charges a fee for Record of Award requests.  For further information regarding lost certificates for QQI Advanced Certificate - Craft contact QQI by calling (01) 905 8100.

Craft Card

For apprenticeships developed before 2016, SOLAS issues a SOLAS Craft Card to the apprentice when s/he qualifies. SOLAS can provide replacement Craft Cards for lost cards. SOLAS charges a fee for all replacement requests. For further information regarding the replacement of SOLAS Craft Cards contact Apprenticeship Services by calling (01) 533 2500.

Further Information

For more information on apprenticeships contact the apprenticeship section in your local Education and Training Board. For contact details of your local ETB see Contact.

Further information is also available from the lead for certain apprenticeships.