Know Your Rights has been compiled by Kerry Citizens Information Service which provides a free and confidential service to the public…
Know Your Rights has been compiled by Kerry Citizens Information Service which provides a free and confidential service to the public…I’m nearly finished school and I want to learn a trade. What are my options?
You could consider doing an apprenticeship. An apprenticeship programme combines on-the-job training with an employer, with off-the-job training in an education centre.
You can do an apprenticeship in a traditional craft, such as carpentry, plumbing, motor mechanics and electrical apprenticeships. Or, in areas such as accounting or Information and Communications Technology (ICT). You can start an apprenticeship from age 16 to 18 years depending on the apprenticeship programme. There is no upper age limit.
Your apprenticeship can last between 2 and 4 years.
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Do I qualify?
To be eligible, you must be at least 16 years old and have a minimum of grade D in 5 subjects in the Junior Cycle or equivalent. Some employers may have additional requirements.
If you don’t have these qualifications, you can still register as an apprentice if you either:
• Complete an approved preparatory training course and assessment interview
• Are aged 18 or over and have at least 3 years of relevant work experience. You’ll also have to do an assessment interview.
You will be asked to pass a colour-vision test for some apprenticeships.
How do I apply?
You can find apprenticeship jobs on apprenticeship.ie and apply directly to the employer before the closing date.
You can also ask an employer if they will take you on as an apprentice. All employers must be approved by SOLAS before they can hire an apprentice. Employers and apprentices must sign a formal contract agreeing they will meet certain conditions and that the employer will pay you for the length of the apprenticeship.
If you’re interested in a craft apprenticeship, you can also contact the Apprenticeship Section of your local Education and Training Board (ETB).
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Do I get paid?
Yes. The amount you get paid can vary depending on the type of apprenticeship and the industry you choose.
If your apprenticeship was developed before 2016, your employer pays you a recommended apprenticeship wage. While you’re training off-the-job, the ETB pays you an allowance. In some cases, you may get a contribution for your travel and accommodation costs from the ETB.
If your apprenticeship was developed after 2016, your employer pays you for the duration of your apprenticeship. You agree the rate of pay with your employer.
Do apprentices have to pay fees?
Generally, an apprentice does not pay fees. However, apprentices pay a pro-rata registration fee (student contribution) if their off-the-job training takes place within a college such as an Institute of Technology or Technological University. The registration fee is generally based on the amount of time the apprentice spends in the college. You can find information about the pro-rata registration fee on apprenticeship.ie. Apprentices are not eligible for the student grant.
If you need further information about any of the issues raised here or you have other questions, you can drop-in to your local Citizens Information Service in Bantry. They will be happy to assist you and meet with you.
• For anyone needing information, advice or have an advocacy issue, you can call a member of the local Citizens Information team in Kerry on 0818 07 7860, they will be happy to assist and make an appointment if necessary.
The offices are staffed from Monday to Friday from 10am to 4pm. Alternatively you can email on tralee@citinfo.ie or log on to www.citizensinformation.ie for further information.
