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.
SOLAS
A new
further education and training authority called SOLAS (Seirbhísí
Oideachais Leanúnaigh agus Scileanna) is being set up. FÁS will be disbanded.
Participants on current FÁS and further education courses will not be affected
by the establishment of SOLAS and will continue their courses under the new
authority.
Redundant apprentices
If you are made redundant because 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. Under the Redundant Apprentice Placement Scheme 2011 (pdf) FÁS can place certain redundant apprentices with eligible employers and assist the employers with the employment costs of these apprentices. The scheme applies to apprentices in certain trades in the following sectors:
- Construction
- Electrical
- Engineering
- Motor
- Printing and paper
Changes in 2011
The Redundant Apprentice Placement Scheme has been
expanded in 2011 to provide on-the-job training for up to 1,000
apprentices. It was also announced that there would be up to 700 places in the
Institutes of Technology for redundant apprentices and craftspersons.
Rules
In order to be eligible for an apprenticeship, 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
Contact your local FÁS office.
Language
Related Documents
- FÁS training courses
Information about FÁS training courses, who is eligible for them and the allowances for participants - Continuing education and training
Find out about the various ways of continuing your education, furthering your training and acquiring new skills. - Safe Pass programme for the construction industry
Safe Pass is a health and safety programme run that aims to ensure that all construction workers know how to work safely on construction sites in Ireland.
Contact Us
If you have a question relating to this topic you can contact the Citizens Information Phone Service on 0761 07 4000 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 9pm) or you can visit your local Citizens Information Centre.