Expand+Under the present scheme an apprenticeship lasts 4 years and is divided into 7 distinct phases.

The duration of each phase varies from trade to trade. However, in almost all trades, apprentices attend an Institute of Technology for Phases 4 and 6...

Hide-Under the present scheme an apprenticeship lasts 4 years and is divided into 7 distinct phases.

The duration of each phase varies from trade to trade. However, in almost all trades, apprentices attend an Institute of Technology for Phases 4 and 6.

PHASE 1
On-the-Job training while working with your employer

PHASE 2
Off-the-Job training in a SOLAS training centre

PHASE 3
On-the-Job training while working with your employer

PHASE 4
Off-the-Job training in an Institute of Technology

PHASE 5
On-the-Job training while working with your employer

PHASE 6
Off-the-Job training in an Institute of Technology

PHASE 7
On-the-Job training while working with your employer

Expand+HOW TO BECOME AN APPRENTICE
• To become an apprentice and participate in the Apprenticeship Training Scheme, apprentices must be registered with SOLAS.

• To become a registered apprentice, individuals must first find employment with a compa...

Hide-HOW TO BECOME AN APPRENTICE
• To become an apprentice and participate in the Apprenticeship Training Scheme, apprentices must be registered with SOLAS.

• To become a registered apprentice, individuals must first find employment with a company. The company then registers the individual with SOLAS.

• As a registered apprentice, SOLAS allocates the individual to a training centre and an Institute of Technology to complete Phases 2, 4 and 6 of the training. Phases 1, 3, 5 and 7 are completed with the employer.

Expand+ELECTRICIAN
The aim of this trade is to produce qualified electricians.

Electricians are typically employed in three main areas:
Electrical generation and distribution:
Responsible for the operation and management of national power stations...

Hide-ELECTRICIAN
The aim of this trade is to produce qualified electricians.

Electricians are typically employed in three main areas:
Electrical generation and distribution:
Responsible for the operation and management of national power stations and power distribution networks.

Contracting:
Responsible for the installation of power, computer and security cabling systems in homes and businesses.

Electrical maintenance:
Responsible for the maintenance of electrical services, motors and automation equipment within a company.

What is an Electrician?
The Electrician is involved in the installation, commissioning, testing and maintenance of various wiring systems and services in domestic, commercial and industrial applications. Work ranges from wiring of domestic houses and retail units to more complex systems involving process control and maintenance in industrial plants, hospitals and power stations. Electricians also service, maintain and repair electrical equipment, both domestic and industrial.

Electricians employed by the Electricity Supply Board (ESB) engage in electrical power supply and distribution.

Electricians employed by electrical contractors are usually engaged in the installation of lighting, heating and power equipment and the repair of existing equipment and appliances.

Those in industrial employment are generally engaged in the maintenance and repair of factory plant, machinery and generating equipment.

Electricians require many skills including:
• Knowledge of scientific principles
• Performing general electrical installations
• Interpreting technical drawings and specifications
• Planning and organising the installation of electrical systems
• Inspecting and testing of electrical systems and fault diagnosis
• Performing routine maintenance and repairs on electrical systems
• Knowledge and application of Health and Safety Procedures

Personal Qualities and Skills
As an Electrician you will need to be physically active and to be able to work with your hands. An awareness of health and safety and good housekeeping is essential as well as attention to detail and an eye for the aesthetic.

Aspects of work
- Learning and developing new practical craft-related skills, knowledge and competence

- Working with and learning from experienced Craftspersons

- Seeing a job through from start to finish

- Comply with Health and Safety requirements

- Understanding and using physics

- Working with electricity or electronics

- Being accurate with numbers in counting, measuring and arithmetic

- Completing detailed tasks that requires accuracy and careful handling

- Working with technical drawings and diagrams

- Working with a variety of specialised hand tools, power tools and equipment

- Being well organised and careful with practical tasks

- Lifting or carrying heavy items

- Taking responsibility for their own learning, including the allocation of study time

- Being physically active

- Bending and Kneeling

- Passing all your phase exams (theory, practicals skills demonstration)

- Earning as you learn

The Electrician must have the ability to:
• Plan and organise
• Communicate effectively
• Solve problems
• Work independently and as part of a team
• Show a positive attitude
• Recognise the need for good customer relations
• Demonstrate good work practices including time keeping, tidiness, responsibility, quality awareness and safety awareness