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Course Overview
The craft of carpentry and joinery is varied and wide. The occupation includes the setting out, production and assembly of joinery, which includes stairs, doors, windows, floors and built-in furniture. Site work includes the construction of buildings and houses which require first and second fixing, including roofing. This course is ONLY available to current SOLAS registered apprentices.
The place of work may vary, depending on the type of work done. It could be on site, in a workshop or in a private dwelling. Apprentices who successfully complete all 7 phases are conferred with Level 6 Advanced Craft Certificate.
Only holders of a Craft Certificate can be registered as qualified craftsperson. This award is recognised nationally and internationally.
Career Opportunities
You will be qualified to work within your chosen apprenticeship field or you may decide to further develop your career i.e. company-based, cross-skilling, up-skilling, management or self-employment.
Course Delivery and Modules
The apprenticeship system is a modular standards based system generally comprising of 7 alternating phases of on-the-job and off-the-job training and development. These alternating phases of training consist of 3 off-the-job and 4 on-the-job phases.
The duration of the 3 off the-job training phases does not normally exceed 40 weeks.
The off-the-job phases are delivered by a training centre, an institute of technology or another approved training provider.
The key factor in delivery of an off-the-job training phase is that it is delivered in a single training environment to ensure the integration of practical training with the necessary theoretical and personal skills.
You will attend Dundalk Institute of Technology for Phase 4 and Phase 6 of the Standards Based Apprenticeship. Both phases last between 10 and 11 weeks.
On-the-Job / Off-the-Job:;
PHASE 1: On-the-Job with the Employer (Minimum 3 months)
PHASE 2: Off-the-Job with Training Centre (Up to 20 Weeks)
PHASE 3: On-the-Job with the Employer (Minimum 6 months)
PHASE 4: Off-the-Job Institute of Technology (10 - 11 Weeks)
PHASE 5: On-the-Job with the Employer (Minimum 6 months)
PHASE 6: Off-the-Job Institute of Technology (10 or 11 Weeks)
PHASE 7: On-the-Job with the Employer (Minimum 3 months);
Education Progression
On successful completion of your apprenticeship you are eligible for consideration for entry into related degree courses provided by various institutes of technologies including DkIT, provided you also meet other special entry requirements.
Further information on progression from Advanced Certificate - Craft to levels 7 and 8 are available on the QQI website.
Fees and Funding
The annual student contribution is levied on students attending higher education institutions including Institutes of Technology. As part of changes included in Budget 2014, apprentices now pay the same contribution as full-time students but their contribution will be based on the time they spend in the institute.
This is typically one third of the annual student contribution paid by students attending for the full academic year but it can be greater for certain trades were longer periods are spent in institutes of technology.
The amount due for full-time students for the academic year is €3,000. The student contribution fee is payable on the date of registration for the training phase.
Please note, a percentage of the facilities contribution fee may also be applicable.
Entry requirements
Apprentices must be employed in their chosen occupation by an employer who has been approved by SOLAS. The employer must register the apprentice with SOLAS within 2 weeks of recruitment.
Apprentices 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, employers may require additional minimum qualifications.
Where individuals do not meet the minimum requirements they may be registered as an apprentice by an employer if:
- They satisfactorily complete an approved preparatory training course and assessment interview. For information on these courses please contact your local Employment Services Office
OR
- Over 16 years of age with a minimum of three years relevant work experience. This work experience must be in a relevant designated industrial activity as SOLAS shall deem acceptable.
In certain occupations, a vision test is required.
How to apply
This course is only available to current SOLAS registered apprentices. Find out more by visiting Generation Apprenticeship.
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