How do I become a Craft Apprentice?
To be eligible for a Craft Apprenticeship, the applicant must be at least 16 years of age and must be employed by an approved employer, who then registers the apprentice with SOLAS. As a registered apprentice, SOLAS allocates the individual to a training centre and a higher education institution to complete Phases 2, 4 and 6 of the training. Phases 1, 3, 5 and 7 are completed with the approved employer. For further information on apprenticeships go to www.apprenticeship.ie.
Details of current apprenticeship opportunities are advertised locally and nationally by many employers and are often uploaded onto the apprenticeship jobs portal www.apprenticeshipjobs.ie.
How long is an apprenticeship?
Under the present scheme an apprenticeship lasts 4 years and is divided into 7 distinct phases:
- Phase 1: On-the-Job training while working with your employer.
- Phase 2: Off-the-Job training in a SOLAS training centre.*
- Phase 3: On-the-Job training while working with your employer.
- Phase 4: Off-the-Job training in a higher education institution.
- Phase 5: On-the-Job training while working with your employer.
- Phase 6: Off-the-Job training in a higher education institution.
- Phase 7: On-the-Job training while working with your employer.
*In January 2024 off-the-job training for both Electrical and Plumbing Phase 2, and Carpentry and Joinery Phase 2 took place in SETU
The duration of each phase varies from trade to trade. However, in almost all trades, apprentices attend a higher education institution for Phases 4 and 6.
What award will I get?
The skills you develop will be assessed through on-the-job competence testing as well as off-the-job modular assessment and examination. If you complete these assessments successfully, you will be awarded an Advanced Certificate – Craft which is a Level 6 on the National Framework of Qualifications.
Holders of a Level 6 Advanced Certificate - Craft may be eligible for advanced entry to related SETU.
