Apprenticeships in Ireland: Myths, Benefits and Opportunities

For many years, there were plenty of myths and misconceptions out there about apprenticeships such as:

• “There is limited potential to progress after an apprenticeship”
• “Apprentices are a form of cheap labour for employers”
• “The standard of education is at a basic level and I won’t be able to apply for further qualifications”
• “I’ll miss out on student life”
• “Apprentices are only an option if I’m not academically inclined”
• “It is predominantly men who do apprenticeships”
• “Apprenticeships are only available for technical, practical type jobs”

Times have changed and many of these myths no longer hold true. 

With a total of 77 apprenticeship programmes now available in Ireland, with many more under development, there is a strong drive to further develop the range of apprenticeships which makes them an increasingly attractive alternative to the higher education route for many young people.

Traditionally, apprentices were only available in the craft sector, such as construction, mechanics and engineering.  Following much evidence of the success of the apprenticeship model in other European countries; employers, education providers and the government, are now collaborating to provide a broader range of apprenticeship opportunities.

Some of the new industries and professions include:

• Financial Services
• Science
• IT
• Logistics
• Beauty & Hairdressing
• Agriculture & Arboriculture
• Healthcare   
• Hospitality
• Environmental 

Apprenticeship programmes are able to respond quicker and tailor training faster, in order to reflect technological advances and changes in the workplace due to much stronger engagement between employers and the training institutions.

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Patrick O’Donovan stated that there were more than 9,000 new apprentices registered in 2024 with a goal of 10,000 new apprentices for the year 2025.  This showcases the demand and interest for apprenticeships.

So, let’s delve a little deeper into Apprenticeships in Ireland to understand their attractiveness.

WHAT IS AN APPRENTICESHIP?

In Ireland, an apprenticeship provides an opportunity to earn, while you learn the relevant skills required to succeed in a career. Most programmes have a duration of two to four years where an apprentice can earn a wage (and in some cases, a full suite of employee benefits) for the work that they do.

Each apprenticeship programme is based on the development of specific skills, competencies and standards required for success in the chosen field. In order to pass and apprenticeship, the apprentice must meet these standards in the workplace, in addition to passing all module examinations and completing project assessments to a required standard.

This dual mode of learning provides the opportunity for the learning acquired off‐the‐job, to be applied and further developed with support and mentorship in the workplace.

Within the apprenticeship model, there is a strong focus on integrating the application of the concepts, tools and techniques in the participants’ organisation during the course of the programme, which results in learning embedded much quicker than the more traditional university education pathway.

Upon completion of the apprenticeship programme, graduates can walk away with substantial work experience which is another unique advantage over the more traditional, university graduate programs.  They may also contiunue to work towards full accreditation from the relevant professional bodies, such as the Insurance Institute of Ireland.

HOW IS THE APPRENTICESHIP TRAINING DELIVERED?

Off-the-job training may take the form of day release , with the apprentice attending a local ETB, Institute of Technology or University. 

Alternatively, apprentices may learn through block release where they are immersed in the learning environment for 4-12 weeks at a time.

Online learning is also increasingly used therefore providing opportunities for an increased number of apprentices to be located in more remote working locations, or in regions where the apprenticeship is not delivered locally. 

And for some apprenticeship programs, a blended learning approach is adopted where there is a mixture of workshops, lectures and online learning.

For most programmes, there is an emphasis on directed assignment work to allow apprentices spend more time applying the concepts in the context of their own work setting.

In some of the University and Institute of Technology led programmes, a community is established (using technologies such as Slack and similar applications) for the apprentice group to enable them to interact and engage in peer‐to‐peer learning activities around the academic content and on‐the‐job learning.

Typically the student will spend 70% to 80% of time working and the remainder of the time learning. For some apprentices, additional study time may be required outside of the normal working day to ensure you successfully complete all modules and exams.

WHAT APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES ARE ON OFFER?

The range of roles available as an Apprenticeship has grown dramatically in the last number of years in Ireland. The government has committed to growing the range of apprentices available to incorporate a greater number of career fields and skills specialties.

These include the more traditional Engineering, Electrical, Motor, Hospitality and Construction as well as the more recent additions of Insurance, Auctioneering, Biopharmchem, Finance, ICT, Logistics, Sales and many more.

The complete listing of all Apprenticeship programs, as of August 2024 can be accessed here.

The National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) is a system of ten levels. Each level is based on nationally agreed standards of knowledge, skill and competence.  Some apprenticeships provide a stepping stone option for progression onto more advanced programmes upon successful completion:

• The IFS Associate is a two year apprenticeship program and the apprentice will complete the program with a Certificate in Financial Services (NFQ 6).
• Apprentices may then be considered for the IFS Specialist program, which will see them graduate with an Honours Degree in IFS (NFQ 8).

WHAT ARE APPRENTICES PAID?

Depending on the type of apprenticeship and industry chosen, wages and allowances may vary.

For apprenticeships established pre 2016 (traditional trades such as electrician, plumber and others), each apprenticeship program agrees a minimum rate of pay applicable, which are stated on the information pages of that apprenticeship offering. The employer and apprentice should also clearly agree time off for learning, additional study and any contributions towards the payment of the tuition fees, student contribution, off the job elements, etc.  Detailed information on payment of craft apprenticeships can be found here. 

For apprenticeships established post 2016, each apprenticeship program agrees a minimum rate of pay applicable, which are stated on the information pages of that apprenticeship offering. However some employers are open to negotiating on pay especially where the apprentice is starting with valued transferable skills.  

The employer and apprentice should also clearly agree time off for learning, additional study and any contributions towards the payment of the tuition fees, student contribution, off the job elements, etc. 

In addition, some employers offer very attractive benefits to the apprentice such as additional holidays, health insurance, etc. This is particularly so with the apprenticeships in larger, corporate workplaces.

TOP TIP: Be sure to verify with your employer who pays the college fees and student contributions. These can be a grey areas, so it’s important to clarify this with your employer at contract negotiation stage.

HOW CAN I FIND AN APPRENTICESHIP JOB?

With the increased attractiveness of apprenticeships, places are becoming more competitive so it’s important that potential apprentices be prepared and ready to sell themselves well. An apprenticeship is based with an employer and they are responsible for hiring directly.

Apprenticeship opportunities can appear at any time of the year.  All apprenticeship employers are encouraged to advertise opportunities on Apprenticeship.ie however some also advertise on their company careers pages and other job portals, such as jobs.ie, irishjobs.ie, etc.  Many of these job sites have email and text alert options, so it's worth registering to keep up to date on new opportunities e.g. Laboratory Technician.  

For some of the larger, established programmes, they hold dedicated recruitment campaigns. For example the ESB usually open up the Apprenticeship campaign in Spring, with the intention to start successful applicants in September.  In some of these, applicants are required to go though in-depth recruitment process which may include detailed application forms, personal statements, online assessments, video interviews, psychometric / assessment testing and interviews.

If you seeking an apprenticeship in a smaller company, workplace or with a sole trader; you may have to take the initiative and find an apprenticeship directly.  It’s worth making a speculative enquiry to an employer in your preferred career area to see if there is a potential to do an apprenticeship with them. Use your network, and that of your parents’ and friends, to see if they know of any prospective, local employer that may be willing to take you on.  

For pre-2016 developed apprenticeships, when you find an employer willing to take you on as an apprentice, be sure that they either on, or apply to be on, the register to employ apprentices. This should be done, in advance of starting the apprenticeship position.  The date your apprenticeship application is signed by the Regional Apprenticeship Manager is the date that your four year apprenticeship journey commences.  

TOP TIP: When considering an apprenticeship, the apprentice needs to be very clear on why they are pursuing that particular job. Employers are investing in the your future, providing you with a job and facilitating your continuous education. You may also be engaging with customers directly, so they will adopt many of their standard selection processes. Therefore, you will need to clearly articulate why you are interested in this particular apprenticeship; be able to highlight any studies or work experience completed which show your interest in this field or occupation. In some ways, career planning needs to be even more advanced than someone applying for college.

WHAT ARE THE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS?

As apprenticeships are now a proven strategy in todays’ labour market to develop talent pools in companies and specific industry sectors, many organisations, who traditionally required new recruits to have a university degree, are now opening their doors to a much broader range of backgrounds and applicants

Successful applicants may be school leavers, further education, university graduates or mature applicants looking to pivot in their careers. They may also have a number of years’ experience in a similar role but without any recognisable qualifications so the apprenticeship programmes allow them to continue earning while they learn.

For traditional apprentices (typically in operation before 2016), such as motor mechanics, electrical, etc., you must be at least 16 years of age; have a minimum five D grades in the Junior Cert and ensure your apprenticeship be registered with a person or company who is a SOLAS approved employer.  However some employers require more than the basic minimum. You can find more on entry requirements  at Apprenticeships.ie

For apprenticeship programmes post 2016, a greater number of employers are now are using the ‘earn while you learn’ concept to open up opportunities to people with a multitude of backgrounds and skillsets. In some industry sectors, employers are also providing their current employee base with an apprenticeship opportunity so that they can up-skill and acquire advanced qualifications to support their future growth and development.  Therefore, many programmes have broader entry requirements which may include minimum grades on certain Leaving Certificate subjects, specific competencies or skills, etc.    Check out the entry requirements as they vary greatly between each apprenticeship program.  

WHAT DO I NEED TO GET AN APPRENTICESHIP?

Being well prepared is essential to landing any apprenticeship. Therefore, ensure you have:

• A well prepared cv
• Clarity on why this apprenticeship interests you
• Have work experiences, projects, that relate to the key skills and behaviours required in the role
• Proven examples and stories about why you are a great candidate.

Successful apprentices tend to display the following characteristics so be sure to show how you match up with these:

• Enthusiastic and willingness to learn
• Determined, focused
• Prepared (and has some experience in the area or similar fields)
• Mature and responsible
• Team player

It’s worth checking out too what courses in your local community colleges, ETB’s, etc. can further prepare you for your dream apprenticeship. Not only does this provide you with a back-up plan but at interview stage, you can show your commitment to the particular career field.   Check these out on FETCH.  

So if you are interested in studying an apprenticeship; it’s worth starting the research process early.  

Talk to employers, or contacts in companies, that hire apprentices.  

Seek out work experience opportunities.   

Attend college and careers fairs where many apprenticeship employers take stands.

And contact your local ETB office to find out more about apprenticeships in your area.  

If you need assistance in finding your best career path and determining your first, or next steps, in your career; send me a question or give me a call. I support students, and others, to identify and plan their best career and study possibilities.