Thursday, 04.01.2007
Apprenticeships

Although lots of attention is concentrated on the points race every year, the FÁS apprenticeship programme continues to be very popular - there are currently over 15,000 registered apprentices in the country.

An apprenticeship gives you the chance to train to become anything from an aircraft mechanic to a bookbinder, although the traditional professions of electrician, carpenter, fitter, and plumber are still very popular. After completing their training, apprentices receive a FETAC Advanced Certificate, which is recognised in Ireland, as well as in other EU and non-EU countries, as the accepted standard for craftsperson status.

An apprenticeship is a mix of classroom-based training in FÁS centres or approved colleges, as well as on-the-job training with an employer. The apprenticeship takes four years in total to complete. The course curriculum is designed with advice from employers, trade unions, FÁS and the Department of Education and Science. This means that the skills and training that apprentices receive will be useful for finding continued employment in the future.

The initial off-the-job training introduces apprenticeship, safety, the world of work and to the basic skills of the trade. The on-the-job training applies what has been learned in the classroom to a workplace situation and gives the apprentice the chance to both practice and improve their skills in the real world, not to mention also earning some money. While attending off-the-job phases, all apprentices are paid a training allowance by FÁS. During on-the-job training phases, apprentices are paid the normal apprentice wage rate by the employer.

Those interested usually approach an employer, who will set up a registry for apprenticeship with FÁS upon acceptance. Students need to be at least 16 years old and have at least a grade D in any 5 subjects in the Junior Certificate to register for an apprenticeship. In cases where these minimum requirements are not met, applications may be accepted from individuals if they have satisfactorily completed an approved preparatory training course and assessment interview, or are over 18 years of age, have a minimum of three years relevant work experience and have satisfactorily undergone an assessment interview.

If you are interested, we recommend doing some research before committing to an apprenticeship. The scheme takes four years to complete, so it shouldn’t be rushed into. You should get to know the type of work done in the occupation of interest and ask employers, qualified craftspeople, or apprentices about both the job and career opportunities available. You should also seek advice from parents or guardians and career guidance counsellors or teachers. If you decide you want to become an apprentice you should investigate apprenticeship opportunities with local employers and look for apprentice job advertisements in local and national newspapers. Some employers also contact local schools to find interested students.

Females who are interested in applying for a FAS apprenticeship should be aware of a special bursary FAS offer to employers, in the public and private sectors, who take on female apprentices. The bursary provides a grant of €2,667 for every female apprentice an employer takes on, to help with wages and other costs. So be sure to remind employers of this opportunity when applying ladies!

More information about gaining an apprenticeship, including the many different trades and occupations available, can be found on the apprenticeship page of the FAS website.