Statutory Apprenticeship Training

Information

If you have completed your secondary school education, you may be interested in taking part in a statutory apprenticeship, which will offer you the opportunity to train both on the job and in the classroom. Apprenticeships are available in trades such as engineering, construction, motor, electrical, printing and furniture. You can find information about apprenticeships and the trades covered by the scheme on the FÁS website or you can check with your local FÁS office for up-to-date information.

Your apprenticeship will alternate between off-the-job training and on-the-job training at your employer's workplace. An apprenticeship generally lasts for 4 years, during which time you will spend 3 different periods in off-the-job training, totalling 40 weeks in all. This training will take place in a FÁS Training Centre or in an educational college.

The skills you develop will be assessed through on-the-job competence testing as well as off-the-job modular assessment and examinations and, if you complete these assessments successfully, you will be awarded a FETAC Advanced Certificate.

Redundant apprentices

If you are made redundant as your employer does not have enough work for you as an apprentice you should contact your local FÁS Services to Business office as listed in the information for redundant apprentices on the FÁS website. During 2009 under the Employer Based Redundant Apprentice Rotation Scheme (pdf) FÁS will place certain redundant apprentices with eligible employers and will assist the employers with the employment costs of these apprentices. The scheme applies to apprentices in the following trades:

• Carpentry and joinery
• Electrical
• Plastering
• Plumbing
• Bricklaying

Rules

In order to be eligible, you must be at least 16 years of age and you are expected to have a minimum of grade D in 5 subjects in the Junior Certificate or equivalent exam.

However, if you don't have these qualifications, you can still register as an apprentice with an employer if you:

• Complete an approved preparatory training course followed by an assessment interview. There is a specific preparatory training course available for people with disabilities
• 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 approved by FÁS for some apprenticeships.

Rates

While you are training on-the-job, your employer will pay you a recommended apprenticeship wage.

While you are training off-the-job, FÁS will pay you a weekly allowance equivalent to that wage if you are in any of the following sectors:

• Construction
• Motor
• Printing and Paper
• Engineering
• Electrical

You will also receive a contribution towards any travel and accommodation that you need during the off-the-job training period.

In all other industrial sectors, your off-the-job payments will be the responsibility of your employer, although FÁS will contribute to any necessary travel and accommodation costs.

How to apply

You should contact your local FÁS office for further information and to submit an application. 

Where to apply