Trades and Apprenticeships
Apprenticeship is a demand-driven, workplace and classroom, educational and training programme for employed people aimed at developing the skills of the apprentice to meet the needs of industry and the labour market.
Overview
Apprenticeship is the recognised means by which people are trained to become craftspeople in Ireland. The main craft trades have been designated by SOLAS and come within the scope of the Statutory Apprenticeship system, which is organised in Ireland by SOLAS in co-operation with the Department of Education and Skills, employers and unions.
Trades and Apprenticeship Courses
How it Works
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.
| Phase | Type | Location | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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) |
Student Stories
Emma Crimmins
