Expand+How do I obtain an Apprenticeship?
Apprentices 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. However, employers may require additional minimum qualifications.

Where in...

Hide-How do I obtain an Apprenticeship?
Apprentices 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. However, employers may require additional minimum qualifications.

Where individuals do not meet the minimum requirements they may be registered as an apprentice by an employer if:

* They satisfactorily complete an approved preparatory training course and assessment interview. For information on these courses please contact your local Employment Services Office;

Or

* Over 16 years of age with a minimum of three years relevant work experience. This work experience must be in a relevant designated industrial activity as SOLAS shall deem acceptable

Apprentices must be employed in their chosen occupation by an employer who has been approved by SOLAS. The employer must register the apprentice with SOLAS within 2 weeks of recruitment.

In certain occupations, a vision test is required.

Expand+Apprentice Student Contribution
The Annual Student Contribution is levied on students attending Higher Education.

Institutions including Institutes of Technology. As part of changes included in Budget 2014, apprentices now pay the same contribut...

Hide-Apprentice Student Contribution
The Annual Student Contribution is levied on students attending Higher Education.

Institutions including Institutes of Technology. As part of changes included in Budget 2014, apprentices now pay the same contribution as full-time students, but their contribution will be based on the time they spend in the Institutes.

This is typically one third of the Annual Student Contribution paid by students attending for the full academic year but it can be greater for certain trades where longer periods are spent in Institutes of Technology. The amount due for full-time students for the academic year 2016/2017 which ends in June 2017 is €3,000. The Student Contribution is payable on the date of registration for the training phase.

Please note, a percentage of the Facilities Contribution Fee may also be applicable.

Expand+Do I get paid as an Apprentice?
Apprentices are paid the agreed Industrial Apprentice Wage Rate by the employer (the actual rate paid may vary depending on the occupation and employer). Generally, rates are based on the year and increase during the...

Hide-Do I get paid as an Apprentice?
Apprentices are paid the agreed Industrial Apprentice Wage Rate by the employer (the actual rate paid may vary depending on the occupation and employer). Generally, rates are based on the year and increase during the apprenticeship; details should be checked with the prospective employer.

During off-the-job training, all apprentices are paid an Apprentice Allowance and, where appropriate, a contribution towards travel or accommodation costs. There are also grants to encourage employers to recruit and register Female Apprentices.

Expand+About this Programme
Apprenticeship is the recognised means by which people are trained to become craftspeople in Ireland. The main craft trades have been designated by SOLAS and come within the scope of the Statutory Apprenticeship system, which i...

Hide-About this Programme
Apprenticeship is the recognised means by which people are trained to become craftspeople in Ireland. The main craft trades have been designated by SOLAS and come within the scope of the Statutory Apprenticeship system, which is organised in Ireland by SOLAS in co-operation with the Department of Education and Skills, employers and unions. Apprenticeship is a demand-driven, workplace and classroom, educational and training programme for employed people aimed at developing the skills of the apprentice to meet the needs of industry and the labour market.

The apprenticeship system is a modular standards-based system generally comprising of 7 alternating phases of on-the-job and off-the-job training and development. These alternating phases of training consist of 3 off-the-job and 4 on-the-job phases. The duration of the 3 off-the-job training phases does not normally exceed 40 weeks.

The off-the-job phases are delivered by a Training Centre, an Institute of Technology or another approved training provider. The key factor in delivery of an off-the-job training phase is that it is delivered in a single training environment to ensure the integration of practical training with the necessary theoretical and personal skills.

What Apprenticeships can I do in Dundalk Institute of Technology?
Dundalk Institute of Technology provides the educational service for Phase 4 and Phase 6 of the Standards Based Apprenticeship system in the following Trade/Crafts:
* Electrical
* Carpentry & Joinery
* Motor Mechanics
* Plumbing

When do I study at Dundalk Institute of Technology?
You will attended Dundalk Institute of Technology for Phase 4 and Phase 6 of the Standards Based Apprenticeship. Both phases last between 10 and 11 weeks.

On-the-Job / Off-the-Job
PHASE 1
On-the-Job with the Employer (Minimum 3 months)

PHASE 2
Off-the-Job with Training Centre (Up to 20 Weeks)

PHASE 3
On-the-Job with the Employer (Minimum 6 months)

PHASE 4
Off-the-Job Institute of Technology (10 - 11 Weeks)

PHASE 5
On-the-Job with the Employer (Minimum 6 months)

PHASE 6
Off-the-Job Institute of Technology (10 or 11 Weeks)

PHASE 7
On-the-Job with the Employer (Minimum 3 months).

Plumbing:
About this Programme
Plumbers install, maintain and repair the water supply, drainage and central heating in houses and other locations. Installation work includes central heating systems and their controls, pipe-work, sanitary systems, drainage systems, guttering and rainwater systems and large refrigeration systems for industry. Maintenance and repair work includes routine servicing and emergency repairs, which involves finding faults, replacing or repairing damaged parts, carrying out tests and ensuring that the system works properly.

Expand+Subjects:
Phase 4 consists of 4 Modules (11 Weeks in total):
Module 1 Thermal Processes and Mild Steel Pipefitting
Module 2 Advanced Copper and Plastic Pipework
Module 3 Oil Fired Boilers and Heating Systems
Module 4 Pipework Systems

Assessme...

Hide-Subjects:
Phase 4 consists of 4 Modules (11 Weeks in total):
Module 1 Thermal Processes and Mild Steel Pipefitting
Module 2 Advanced Copper and Plastic Pipework
Module 3 Oil Fired Boilers and Heating Systems
Module 4 Pipework Systems

Assessment at Phase 4 is conducted at the end-of-term.
P1 to P4 Practical’s
T2 Theory Test
T3 Theory Test
D1 Drawing Test
CW1 Course Work

Phase 6 consists of 5 Modules (11 Weeks):
Module 1 Thermal Processes and Pipefitting
Module 2 Advanced Pipework, Water and Waste Water Systems
Module 3 Heating and Air Conditioning
Module 4 Gas Installation Safety
Module 5 Plant and Process Systems

Assessment at Phase 6 is conducted at the end-of-term.
P1 to P6 and TI Theory Test
T2 Theory Test
P1 to P6 Practical’s
TI Theory Test
T2 Theory Test

Expand+What are my career prospects?
You will be qualified to work within your chosen apprenticeship filed are you may decide to further develop your career i.e. company-based, cross-skilling, up-skilling, management or self-employment.

Further Study ...

Hide-What are my career prospects?
You will be qualified to work within your chosen apprenticeship filed are you may decide to further develop your career i.e. company-based, cross-skilling, up-skilling, management or self-employment.

Further Study – Progression?
On successful completion of your apprenticeship you are eligible for consideration for entry into related degree programmes provided by various Institutes of Technologies including DkIT, provided you also meet other special entry requirements. Further information on progression from Advanced Certificate - Craft to levels 7 and 8 are available on the QQI website: www.qqi.ie