What is an Apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is a dual programme made up of combines learning in an education and training institution and with work-based learning in a company. Apprentices 'earn while they learn' – they have an employment contract and are paid a salary for the duration of their apprenticeship training. Apprenticeship programmes will vary in duration depending on the apprenticeship and can be from two and four years and lead to nationally recognised qualifications. Apprenticeships vary from traditional craft apprenticeships such as Electrician, Mechanic to the new apprenticeships in Auctioneering and Property Services, Health Care and Insurance.
The website www.apprenticeship.ie should be visited for more information.
SOLAS manages a range of Further Education and Training programmes including apprenticeships. Guidance is available on apprenticeship options and a Freephone Helpline 1800 794 487 is available for advice and support on apprenticeship options. (Open 12pm-6pm Monday-Friday).
Click here for a list of Apprenticeships programmes currently listed on Qualifax
Find an Apprenticeship - Apprenticeship Jobs Connect with SOLAS-approved employers who are currently seeking to hire apprentices. Click on a job to see details and to apply directly to the employer. All national apprenticeships lead to an award on the National Framework of Qualifications..
Find an apprenticeship programme that suits you here
Download the Apprenticeship Brochure here
To find out more about the growing number of apprenticeship options click here for a list of current apprenticeships and new apprenticeships in development
For FAQ's click here
Download the Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021 - 2025 here (pdf)
Further information on the Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021 - 2025 - FAQ's here (pdf)
Minister Harris announces more than 1,000 extra college places and development of new apprenticeship programmes (28 June 2022)
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris, has today announced the expansion of third-level including targeted college places and new apprenticeship programmes.
An extra 1,056 targeted college places will be offered through the CAO for the 2022/2023 academic year, while 16 new apprenticeship programmes are being developed, and the Post-Leaving Cert course levy of €200 will be abolished in September.
The expansion of third level will include additional apprenticeship programmes too. Over the next number of months, an additional 16 will commence this year.
This will include Roofing and Cladding, Robotics and Automation, and a degree programme in Cybersecurity.
For the full press release go to www.gov.ie
Minister Harris announces new gender-based funding for apprenticeship employers (14 April 2022)
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris has today announced a new gender-based bursary for apprenticeship employers.
The bursary, which is worth €2,666, is available to employers who employ apprentices on any national apprenticeship programme with greater than 80% representation of a single gender.
The new gender-based bursary is being implemented with effect from 1 January 2022. It covers all new apprentice registrations from that date on eligible national apprenticeship programmes.
For the full press release go to gov.ie
Minister Harris announces new €2,000 support for apprenticeship employers (19 December 2021)
The Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris, has today (Sunday) announced the introduction of an annual grant of €2,000 for employers who employ apprentices in one of the 37 apprenticeships which have been established since 2016.
This extends financial support to all apprentice employers for the first time, addressing a key barrier to employer participation in apprenticeship.
For the full press release go to gov.ie
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