Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships
An Apprenticeship is the recognised means by which people are trained to become skilled craftspeople in Ireland. SOLAS has statutory responsibility for the management of the Apprenticeship programmes nationally. Cavan and Monaghan Education and Training Board is responsible for the day-to-day management of statutory apprenticeship programmes at a regional level.
Key Features of an Apprenticeship
- An Apprenticeship is a programme of structured education and training, which formally combines and alternates learning in the workplace with learning in an education or training centre.
- Traditional Apprenticeships comprise seven phases: 4 phases on the job with the employer and 3 phases in a Training Centre/College.
- New Apprenticeships developed since 2016, vary in entry requirements, duration and on and off-the-job phases. For example, some are block-release for college attendance and some are day release (where you go to college one or two days a week and spend the remainder of the week on-the-job). The structure of each programme, as well as the occupational profile is available on the Generation Apprenticeship website at www.apprenticeship.ie.
Benefits of an Apprenticeship
Apprentices earn while they learn and build valuable work-ready skills in a chosen occupation. Apprenticeships open up exciting and rewarding careers, with learning grounded in the practical experience of undertaking a real job. Full details of all Apprenticeship programmes are available here
Entry Requirements
Minimum entry requirements vary depending on the profession/career you are interested in. For Traditional Craft Apprenticeships, you must be at least 16 years of age and have a minimum of grade D in any five subjects in the Junior Certificate or equivalent level of formal education. This can include a full level 3 award or GCSEs. For new Apprenticeships, the minimum entry level of education varies. Please check individual programme requirements.
Becoming an Apprentice
Becoming an Apprentice
To become an Apprentice you must find an employer SOLAS approved to train apprentices in your chosen trade. Cavan and Monaghan Education and Training Board Apprenticeship Services unit is responsible for Registering Employers and Apprentices in counties Cavan and Monaghan. (You can check if your prospective employer is registered by contacting Apprenticeship Services, FET Campus, Cavan).
SOLAS now have a website dedicated to job opportunities available to apprentices that can be access here: www.apprenticeshipjobs.ie.
Many employers don’t post vacancies as there are approached directly by applicants in their local area, however some do advertise posts in the local press and on dedicated recruitment websites such as Indeed.com and jobs.ie
Once an apprentice meets the qualifying educational criteria, the employer will initiate the registration process with Apprenticeship Services. For some trades applicants must pass the Ishihara Colour Vision Test.
Apprenticeship Training Delivered Locally
Apprenticeship Training Delivered Locally
In addition to managing National Apprenticeships, Cavan and Monaghan Education and Training Board also deliver the training for a number of Statutory Apprenticeships locally in Cavan and Monaghan:
Image of Electrical Apprentices
Cavan and Monaghan Education and Training Board currently run Phase 2 training for electrical apprentices at Cavan Further Education and Training Campus and Monaghan Institute. Please note you must be a registered apprentice with a SOLAS registered employer to participate in the Phase 2 training.
Image of Accounting Apprentices
This is a two-year apprenticeship programme comprising 1 day in college at Monaghan Institute and 4 days working with the employer. Interested applicants need to complete an expression of Interest Form in the first instance available here On completion the learner can achieve a QQI level 6 Advanced Certificate in Accounting.
Image of OEM Apprentices
Delivered in Monaghan Institute, the OEM Engineering Apprenticeship is targeted at engineering companies that manufacture, install, commission and/or service equipment, plant or machinery. It is a national programme open to employers and apprentices from all over the country.
The OEM Engineering Apprenticeship empowers future Engineering Technicians to excel in diverse industries, ranging from agriculture to automation. The apprentice will gain hands-on experience and comprehensive training in manufacturing, assembly, testing, servicing, and maintenance. Being a multidisciplinary programme, the apprentice is highly competent in areas such as mechanical and electronic systems that include, hydraulics, pneumatics, robotics, and automation.
Please visit www.oemapprenticeship.ie for further information.
Image of Commis Chef Apprentices
Delivered in Cavan Institute, this is a two-year apprenticeship comprising of 2 days a week in college (September to June) and 3 days working with the employer. (Note for July and August, college is 1 day a week and 4 days working on-the-job). Upon completion the learner can achieve a QQI Level 6 Major Award – Advanced Certificate in Culinary Arts. For further information contact the Apprenticeship office on 049 4353922 or click on this link.
