Steps to Apprenticeship

Deciding to take on an apprenticeship is an important decision. Is it especially important if you intend to leave school before your Leaving Certificate to pursue an apprenticeship.
Discussions must be had with your parents/guardians and meetings must be arranged with your Careers teacher so you can be fully informed of what is involved and what it means for your education options and life beyond school. 

• The minimum age at which the employment of an apprentice may commence is 16 years of age.
  
  

• The minimum educational requirements are:

Grade D in five subjects in the Junior Certificate or an approved equivalent,

or

The successful completion of an approved Pre-Apprenticeship course

or

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

You should speak with your careers teacher if you're not sure about these requirements or you want more information.

• Each apprenticeship has different entry criteria. These may include minimum educational qualifications (e.g. Leaving Certificate), specific subjects, or aptitude tests. You'll find this information on Apprenticeship.ie or by speaking with your careers teacher. 

A great starting point is the Generation Apprenticeship website. This official resource provides detailed information on all available apprenticeships in Ireland, including entry requirements, how the courses are structured and possible career pathways. Use the website's search filters to narrow down options based on your interests and location. 

Here's a sample information leaflet from the website for an apprenticeship in Painting and Decorating. 

You can also explore CareersPortal.ie, which offers comprehensive information on apprenticeships and further education options. Talking to your Guidance teachers is crucial, as they can provide personalised advice and resources tailored to your needs. 

Don't forget to leverage your network! Speak to family, friends, or teachers who may have knowledge of apprenticeships or connections to relevant industries. Finally, consider attending apprenticeship open days and events to learn firsthand from employers and current apprentices.

You should consider putting together a Portfolio to enable you to find an employer which is the key requirement in applying for an apprenticeship. 

Your portfolio should be a folder which contains poly pockets which you can use to highlight your relevant qualifications and achievements to a potential employer.

Here are some items you could include:

• Cover Letter - stating what apprenticeship you are interested in and why. See our Cover Letters advice.
  
  

• Your Curriculum Vitae (CV). See our CV advice.
  
  

• A copy of an Apprenticeship Brochure - you can obtain this in the careers office.
  
  

• A copy of the specific trade information leaflet - Electrical, Plumbing, Carpentry & Joinery, Mechanics etc.
  You can obtain this in the careers office.
  
  

• Manual Handling Certificate (Complete in TY / LCA).
  
  

• Safe Pass Certificate (if completed).
  
  

• Certificates from any other completed courses such as First Aid, Food Safety, Welding, Barbering etc.
  
  

• Copy of your Junior Certificate Results.
  
  

• Copy of your Provisional/Full Driver’s License (if obtained).
  
  

• Reference letter(s) from part-time job(s).
  
  

• Reference letter from sports manager(s).
  
  

• Photographs of work or examples of work from applicable subjects such as Construction Studies, DCG, Art, Computer Science etc. (project work showing drawings, initial stages, trial & error, progress, completion etc.).
  
  

• Photographs of work outside of school which shows your ability in your chosen area, for example, wooden benches or other furniture you have made or put together, tractor engines or any machinery you have restored, stone walls you have built etc.
  
  

• Any other materials you think may be relevant to a potential employer

• This is key: Most apprenticeships require you to secure employment with an approved employer before you can formally register. The employer must be registered and approved to accept apprenticeships through SOLAS. 

• This PDF from Generation Apprenticeship gives a list of approved Apprenticeship employers in Donegal (Current to November 2024)

• Search actively: Use resources like Apprenticeship.ie, CareersPortal.ie, and company websites to identify potential employers. Network with people in your field of interest.

• Direct applications: Don't hesitate to contact companies directly, even if they haven't advertised vacancies. Express your interest and highlight your enthusiasm.

• Tailor your applications: Treat apprenticeship applications like job applications. Submit a strong CV and cover letter highlighting your relevant skills and passion.

• Prepare for interviews: Research the company and the apprenticeship. Practice answering common interview questions and be ready to demonstrate your enthusiasm and commitment.

• SOLAS is the Further Education and Training Authority in Ireland who are responsible for apprenticeships. 

• Employer involvement: Once you have secured employment, your employer will register you with SOLAS.

• This registration officially starts your apprenticeship and allows you to combine on-the-job training with off-the-job learning at an ETB or other training provider.