There has never been a better time to consider undertaking an apprenticeship. Under a new Apprenticeship Action Plan being finalised by the Department of Further and Higher Education it is planned to increase annual apprenticeship registrations from approximately 6,000 in 2019 up to 10,000 by 2025. A budget has been allocated to provide an extra 1,450 places in 2021.

Apprenticeships are open to school leavers, older learners, career changers, women and men with diverse backgrounds, talents, skills and abilities. They are available across multiple sectors and because they are industry-led, you will be gaining the most up to date and relevant skills for the jobs market. A new integrated credit system, which is due to be finalised by 2022, will mean that anyone who completes their apprenticeship will be able to build on their qualification and progress in education if they wish to do so. The training model in delivery of apprenticeships means that a minimum of 50% is delivered on the job which differs significantly from college courses.

Types of Apprenticeships

Most people are familiar with the craft apprenticeships often referred to as the ‘trades’. There are 25 of them categorised under motor, electrical, construction and engineering. In each case they last approximately four years and are made up of seven phases which alternate between on-the-job training with the employer and off-the-job training which generally takes place in an Education and Training Board (ETB) Training Centre or an Institute of Technology. Unlike full-time college courses, apprentices are paid a training allowance which increases each year from first to fourth year. Typically the minimum entry requirements are that you must be over 16 and have achieved five passes in the Junior Cert, but some do look for Leaving Cert or equivalent.
In 2016 a number of ‘new’ apprenticeships were developed across 15 different industry sectors including finance, ICT, biopharma, arboriculture, hairdressing, hospitality and food, insurance, logistics, property services, recruitment and sales. Apprenticeships being offered in each sector are varied and more are being developed each year. They last for between two and four years and the ‘off-the-job’ aspect of training can vary between day/block releases, online and blended learning. Salaries for those starting off in these apprenticeships begin at approximately €18,000.

Where to find out more

Applicants often ask where to find out about what apprenticeships are available and there are a number of sources that are useful. At the moment www.apprenticeship.ie will give you all the specific details of each apprenticeship including who you should contact for further details. It is really useful to link in with your local ETB. Follow them on social media along with @apprenticesirl as they regularly post adverts from companies and organisations that are recruiting apprentices. Check vacancies on www.apprenticeshipjobs.ie. Keep an eye on career websites such as www.careersportal.ie, jobs boards, and media outlets locally and nationally. Think about your own network – lots of people hear about apprenticeships from friends, family, colleagues, neighbours and acquaintances. Let people know that you are interested in an apprenticeship and you may just link up with an employer who is in the market for someone who is hardworking, practical, can think independently and eager to develop workplace skills. The bonus is that by choosing apprenticeships, you will be earning while learning!