Apprenticeship is a traditional formal education where the student does a portion of their learning in the workplace and a portion in an educational institute or training centre. Apprenticeship is an essential part of a learner’s qualification in several areas including medical, legal, financial and technical careers.
Traditional Craft Apprenticeships in Ireland, lead to the learner becoming a fully qualified craftsperson. Training for craft apprenticeships generally takes a minimum of four years. With some exceptions, craft apprentices in Ireland complete a seven-phases of training programme. The exceptions to this are Aircraft Mechanic Apprentices and Print Media Apprentices, each of which have a slightly different structure.
- Phases 1, 3, 5 & 7 involve on-the-job training
- Phases 2,4 & 6 involve off-the-job training.
On successful completion of their training, apprentices become recognised craftspeople in Ireland. The apprentices are registered as qualified craftsperson by SOLAS, the Further Education and Training Authority. During all phases of their training, Apprentices are paid a wage which is defined at the discretion of SOLAS.
To begin a craft apprenticeship, you must be employed in your chosen craft by an approved employer. 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. In practice, most Craft Apprentices have a Leaving Certificate and may be required by some employers.
TU Dublin does not recruit Craft Apprentices directly. The Apprentice starts his or her journey by identifying an area in which they would like to work, and by securing employment with an appropriate employer.
World Skills 2023
We are delighted to announce that TU Dublin will be attending Worldskills Ireland 2023, which is running concurrently with Higher Options at the RDS on the 20th – 22nd September 2023. Worldskills Ireland is a partnership between enterprise, industry, education, training, and government that raises the profile and recognition of skills and apprenticeships and prepares the talent of today for the careers of the future. Taking place over three days, Worldskills Ireland will facilitate an atmosphere of experimentation and discovery through live competitions, interactive try-a-skill areas, VR demonstrations, and inspirational talks.
Register here for Worldskills Ireland