Apprenticeships
Subjects
Various subjects depending on one’s interests and apprenticeship area.
(For detailed explanation on apprenticeships – Click Here)
Desirable characteristics for students and people in this area
This depends very much on the kind of apprenticeship being sought. However, the following would be required … High level of interest, willingness to learn, punctual, reliable, trustworthy, and a responsible approach to the work involved.
The work of apprentices which takes place in the workplace, education and training centres, is aimed at developing skills to meet the needs of industry and the labour market. Apprentices can earn while they learn as they receive an allowance during training.
The curriculum for each apprenticeship is based on specified standards which are agreed and determined by industry. Currently, apprenticeships are divided into two main areas: ‘craft’ and ‘new’.
The passing of a Colour Vision Test is necessary for some craft areas.

Craft Apprenticeships

A craft apprenticeship is the recognised means by which people are trained to become craftspeople in this country, which generally is of 4 years duration. The main craft trades have been designated by Solas in co-operation with the Department of Education and Skills and trade unions.
Such craft skills are mainly in the areas of Construction, Electrical and Engineering. An apprenticeship provides on-the-job training with an employer. This means that in order to enter an apprenticeship, one must first obtain an employer who will sponsor a person for the specified training.
Some examples of Apprenticeships in this area include:
New Apprenticeships
Some examples of Apprenticeships in these areas include:
Accounting Technician, Commis Chef, Insurance Practitioner, Transport Operations & Commercial Driving, Recruitment Executive, Retail Supervision, Sales, Farm Technician, Beauty Therapy, Roofing & Cladding, Software Development, Data Network Technician, Arboriculture, Logistics, Auctioneering and Property Services, Laboratory Technician, Butcher.

Entry to courses
Information on levels of education and training
Education and training courses & useful links
Central Application Office – www.cao.ie
National Database of Courses – www.qualifax.ie
National Learning Network – www.rehab.ie/national-learning-network
Tertiary Education Programmes – www.nto.ie
Further Education and Upskilling Programmes – www.fetchcourses.ie
SpringBoard+ Courses – www.springboardcourses.ie
Apprenticeships – www.apprenticeship.ie
Graduate/Post Graduate Courses – www.gradireland.com (or individual colleges/training centres)
UK courses – www.ucas.com
Mainland Europe – www.eunicas.ie
- Institute of Guidance Counsellors – www.igc.ie