Craft Apprenticeships

Craft apprenticeships are training programmes to become fully qualified craftsperson’s in various sectors.

Key Features of a Craft Apprenticeship

4-Year Programme
7 Training Phases
Employer pays on the Job
State pays when in college
QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate Craft

Image Description: Trade apprenticeship timeline with seven connected phases alternating between on-the-job training with an employer (pink) and off-the-job training, typically at a Training Centre, Institute of Technology, or College of Further Education (teal). On-the-job: Phase 1 (min 3 months), Phase 3 (min 6 months), Phase 5 (min 6 months), Phase 7 (min 3 months). Off-the-job: Phase 2 (22 weeks), Phase 4 (10–11 weeks), Phase 6 (10–11 weeks). Visual flow is zigzag.

Atlantic Technological University facilitates the Phase 4 and Phase 6 stages for the following craft apprenticeships:

It is important to note that for craft apprenticeships, ATU has no control over which apprentices are assigned to the university for the completion of the Phase 4 and Phase 6 elements.

What qualifications do I need to become a craft apprentice?

Minimum age -16 years of age
Minimum educational – Grade D in five subjects in Junior Certificate Examination

The successful completion of an approved Pre-Apprenticeship course

Three years’ work experience gained over sixteen years of age in a relevant designated industrial activity as SOLAS shall deem acceptable.

The applicant must be employed by a SOLAS approved employer, who then registers the apprentice with SOLAS.
Further details are available on www.apprenticeship.ie

How do I secure a craft apprenticeship?

Please note: Direct application to ATU is not possible.

The first step in securing a place on a craft apprenticeship programme is to gain employment with a SOLAS-approved employer. An applicant must be employed by a SOLAS-approved employer, who then registers the apprentice with SOLAS.

Please note: Direct application to ATU is not possible.

For many apprenticeships, especially craft apprenticeships, you will be expected to source employment yourself.

Finding an Employer

Below is information on how to find SOLAS-approved employers for craft apprenticeships:

1. Generation Apprenticeship website (www.apprenticeship.ie)

Visit the Generation Apprenticeship website to find apprenticeship opportunities. Companies recruiting apprentices will advertise positions in the ‘Find Apprenticeship Jobs’ section of the website. You can filter your search by the type of apprenticeship you are interested in and your location.

2. Approach SOLAS-Approved Apprenticeship Employers Directly

Research Companies: A current list of all SOLAS-approved employers broken down by type of apprenticeship and county can be found here. Research these companies and create a list of firms in your area that interest you.
Visit Company Websites: Go to the careers or jobs section of their websites to check for apprenticeship vacancies. Express your interest in an apprenticeship and enquire if they are accepting applications or would be willing to take you on.

3. Prepare a Strong CV and Cover Letter

When applying to a company, ensure your CV and cover letter are tailored to highlight your interest in the craft apprenticeship, any relevant skills, qualifications or work experience, and your enthusiasm for the apprenticeship program.

4. Monitor Job Portals

Search for vacancies on jobs portals including:

For example search vacancies for ‘Electrical Apprentice’. For further information on craft apprenticeships, please visit www.apprenticeship.ie