Over the last three to four years there has been an expansion in apprenticeships, with new ones coming on stream in areas like insurance and property. The number of participants has also grown, with an estimated 17,500 apprentices currently enrolled. This is 35% more than the number of individuals in apprenticeship programmes in 2017. There are over 50 different apprenticeships available (see table 1).
Over the last three to four years there has been an expansion in apprenticeships, with new ones coming on stream in areas like insurance and property. The number of participants has also grown, with an estimated 17,500 apprentices currently enrolled. This is 35% more than the number of individuals in apprenticeship programmes in 2017. There are over 50 different apprenticeships available (see table 1).
Apprenticeships 2019
In 2019 alone, there were 1,477 registrations for construction apprenticeships such as carpentry, plastering and plumbing. There were 2,360 registrations for electrical apprenticeships and some of these such as aircraft mechanics and the ESB apprenticeship programme are currently open for registration. Meanwhile, there were 684 registrations for engineering apprenticeships in 2019, including areas like welding, farriery and toolmaking. There were 750 motor-based apprenticeships registrations.
Advantageous route
Those that do apprenticeships are able to “earn while you learn”, which is an advantage for young people saving up to buy a house for example.
“As an apprentice, you are employed under a formal contract of apprenticeship that is between two to four years in duration with a minimum 50% on-the-job learning,” said president of the Institute of Guidance Counsellors Beatrice Dooley. “The application process is different from higher education as there is not one central application system. Many apprenticeship programmes have deadlines for applications from March to May, but this is different for every apprenticeship.”
Development
A review of apprenticeships was carried out in 2015 that flagged the need for new programme areas. The development of these new apprenticeships and their subsequent roll-out is overseen by industry-led groups (consortia), working with education and training providers and other partners.
There was a call for idea proposals and bodies like Teagasc, for example, made submissions. Once approved for development, funding is released to do that. Some of the apprenticeships still in development include horticulture, farm technician, farm manager and sportsturf management.
The more traditional “craft” apprenticeships such as carpentry and construction are continuing with the four-year programme that is completed in seven stages. However, some of the new ones developed since 2016 don’t have that structure. These new-style apprenticeships can lead to an award ranging between level 5 and level 10 on the National Framework of Qualifications. The student contribution varies for the different programmes, but is no more than €3,000/annum. Often it is closer to €1,000/annum.
For apprenticeships developed before 2016, the employer pays the apprentice while they are being trained on the job. A training allowance is paid by the local Education Training Board (ETB) while the apprentice is attending the off-the-job training.
For apprenticeships developed in 2016 and after, the employer pays the apprentice for the duration of the apprenticeship. The salary is agreed between the employer and the apprentice. For more information on this and entry requirements for each apprenticeship it is best to research the one you are particularly interested in by visiting www.apprenticeship.ie .
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