Apprenticeships in Ireland
In Ireland, apprenticeships are becoming an increasingly popular route to kick-start a successful career.
I applaud the fact that more educators, employers, state agencies and the public in general are catching on to the fact that university is the NOT the only pathway to professional success.
Today, apprenticeships offer a hands-on approach to learning, combining practical experience with academic study to provide individuals with valuable skills and qualifications.
Wherever your career interests lie, there is likely to be an apprenticeship in Ireland which will open doors to a wide range of industries, allowing you to earn while you learn.
In this blog, we’ll explore what industry sectors facilitate apprenticeships (some might surprise you!) how they work, and why they’re a fantastic option for both the apprentice and the employer of the apprentice!
I have to admit that I’m probably a little biased on this topic as I started my own accountancy career through the apprenticeship route – straight from school, having just completed my Leaving Cert and so I am a huge advocate for this avenue to learning.
The apprenticeship route gave me a huge advantage as I was a qualified accountant at age 23 with 5 years of experience already tucked under my belt, giving me a head start on many of my peers who were leaving university at the same age! Yes, they had their college degree but absolutely no practical experience!
Allowing people to ‘learn and earn’ removes so many barriers to education, such as affordability and make it accessible to everyone!
What is an apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is a structured training program that combines on-the-job learning with formal education. It’s designed to give individuals hands-on experience in a specific trade or profession while also providing them with the theoretical knowledge they need to succeed in that field.
During an apprenticeship, you’ll typically work alongside experienced professionals, learning the skills and techniques required for the job. You’ll also attend classes or training sessions (either in-person or online) to learn the theory behind your work. This blend of practical experience and education allows apprentices to gain industry-specific qualifications while earning a wage.
The duration of an apprenticeship can vary, but it usually lasts between one and four years, depending on the industry and the level of qualification being pursued. At the end of the program, apprentices often receive a nationally recognised certification or qualification that helps open doors to full-time employment.
What makes apprenticeships unique is the opportunity to learn by doing, which gives apprentices a head start in their careers while avoiding the financial burden often associated with traditional education routes.
Types of apprenticeships
1. Traditional Craft apprenticeships
A craft apprenticeship typically lasts four years, during which you will undergo three distinct phases of off-the-job training.
In the beginning, your off-the-job training will usually take place at an Education and Training Board (ETB). As you progress, your off-the-job training will shift to a Technological University or Institute of Technology.
Throughout your apprenticeship, your skills will be assessed both on the job, through practical competence tests, and off the job, through modular assessments and exams. Successfully completing these assessments will earn you an Advanced Certificate in Craft (Level 6 on the National Framework of Qualifications).
Craft apprenticeships cover a range of trades, including carpentry, plumbing, motor mechanics, and electrical work.
2. New apprenticeships in other industries
Since 2016, a range of new apprenticeships have been introduced across various industries, offering qualifications from Levels 5 to 10 on the National Framework of Qualifications. These programs typically last between 2 and 4 years.
The apprenticeships follow different models of on-the-job and off-the-job training, catering to various delivery methods and target groups, including individuals who are already employed.
Industry-led groups, or consortia, collaborate with education and training providers, as well as other partners, to oversee the development and implementation of these new apprenticeship programs.
Some of the emerging fields for apprenticeships include Information & Communications Technology (ICT), finance, hospitality, farming, and the public service, with roles available in software development, accounting technician, commis chef, farm management, and digital marketing.
You can explore available apprenticeship opportunities at www.apprenticeship.ie.
Specifically, what types of apprenticeships are there?
These are the categories of apprenticeship programmes which are currently listed on the Generation Apprenticeship website – over 100 apprenticeships in total – some may surprise you!
- Agriculture & Horticulture Apprenticeships eg. Sportsturf management (maintaining sports grounds)
- Biopharma Apprenticeships (eg. lab technician)
- Construction Apprenticeships (eg. builders, plumbers, carpenters)
- Electrical Apprenticeships (eg. aircraft mechanics)
- Engineering Apprenticeships (eg. wind turbine maintenance)
- Finance Apprenticeships eg. Accounting Technician
- Hairdressing Apprenticeships
- Health & Social Apprenticeships eg. Social Work
- Hospitality & Food Apprenticeships (eg. Bar Manager)
- Information & Communications Technology Apprenticeships (eg. CGI Technical Artist – Animation, Games, VFX)
- Insurance Apprenticeships
- Logistics Apprenticeships (eg. Transport operations & Commercial Driving
- Motor Apprenticeships
- Property Services Apprenticeships (eg. Auctioneering & Property Services)
- Recruitment Apprenticeships
- Sales & Marketing Apprenticeships (eg. Digital Marketing)
I’ve tried to provide an example of an apprenticeship from each category above, but check out the full list of possible apprenticeships currently listed on the Generation Apprenticeship List of Apprenticeships
Funding supports for apprenticeships
Apprentice supports
There are financial supports to help young people from under-represented groups, those leaving care and the Travelling community to access apprenticeships.
- The Access and Inclusion bursary supports young people from under-represented groups into national apprenticeships.
- The Traveller Apprenticeship Incentivisation Programme (TAIP) offers a limited number of bursaries to members of the Traveller community.
- The Apprenticeship Bursary for Care Leavers support care leavers to take up an apprenticeship.
The bursaries can provide up to €3,000. You can request an application form and information from apprenticeship@nao.ie
Employer supports
There are two main types of supports currently available for employers, the Employer Grant and the Gender Bursary. Some information on these is set out below:
1. Employer Grant
The Employer Grant was announced by Government as part of the Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021-2025. The grant provides financial support from the State to apprenticeship employers who employ apprentices on one of the 40 apprenticeships which have been established since 2016 and which do not attract payment of off-the-job training allowances. Apprenticeship employers are eligible to receive a €2,000 grant annually for each registered apprentice, effective from 01 January 2022. More details & how to apply >
2. Gender Bursary
The gender-based bursary is available to employers who employ apprentices on any national apprenticeship programme with greater than 80% representation of a single gender. The new bursary is being implemented with effect from 01 January 2022 and eligible employers will receive a €2,666 bursary for each registered apprentice from the minority gender. It covers all new apprentice registrations from that date on eligible national apprenticeship programmes. More details & how to apply >
How to qualify for an apprenticeship?
To be eligible for an apprenticeship, you must be at least 16 years of age and have a minimum of grade D in 5 subjects in the Junior Cycle or equivalent exam. However, higher educational qualifications and other requirements may be required by employers.
If you don’t have these qualifications, you may still register as an apprentice with an employer if you:
- Complete an approved preparatory training course followed by an assessment interview.
- Are over 18 years of age and have at least 3 years of relevant work experience, in which case you will also be asked to do an assessment interview.
You will be asked to pass a colour-vision test for some apprenticeships.
You can find the qualifications needed in the programme information for each apprenticeship programme.
How to apply for an apprenticeship?
There are several different routes which can lead to an apprenticeship:
Access to Apprenticeship Programme
You can apply for an Access to Apprenticeship Programme. The programme supports people aged 16 to 24 years from under-represented groups into national apprenticeships. The 12-week programme is currently provided by TU Dublin and TU Shannon.
Pre-Apprenticeship course
If you don’t have the minimum entry requirements, you can take a pre-Apprenticeship course. For information, you can contact SOLAS or your local Youthreach.
You can also prepare for an apprenticeship by doing a Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) course in a related topic such as construction. Contact your local Education and Training Board.
Apply directly to an employer
You can find apprenticeship jobs for craft and new apprenticeships on apprenticeship.ie. Apply directly to the employer before the closing date.
You can also approach an employer to ask if they will consider taking you as an apprentice.
All employers must be approved by SOLAS before they can hire an apprentice. Employers can find information about how to become an apprentice employer.
Employers and apprentices must sign a formal contract agreeing they will meet certain conditions and that the employer will pay you for the length of the apprenticeship.
Craft apprenticeship
If you are interested in a craft apprenticeship, you can also contact the Apprenticeship Section of your local ETB for details about applying.
Apprenticeships in other areas of industry
Apply to the industry lead or co-ordinating provider for the apprenticeship you are interested in. You can also contact the Apprenticeship Section of your local ETB for information.
What can an apprentice expect to earn?
Rates of apprenticeship wages and allowances can vary depending on the type of apprenticeship and the industry you have chosen:
- Apprenticeships developed before 2016: While you are training on the job, your employer will pay you a recommended apprenticeship wage. The ETB pay a weekly allowance equivalent to that wage while you are training off the job. In some cases, the ETB will contribute to your travel and accommodation costs. You can get information about off-the-job training payments and allowances for craft apprentices.
- Apprenticeships developed from 2016: Your employer will pay you for the duration of the apprenticeship. The rate of pay is agreed between you and your employer.
Useful Resources for Apprenticeships
Generation Apprenticeship – for both employers and apprentices
