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

The minimum educational requirements are:

Grade D or "Achieved" in five subjects in the Department of Education & Skills Junior Certificate Examination 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 must obtain a job as an apprentice in your chosen occupation. Your employer must be approved to train apprentices and must register you as an apprentice within 2 weeks of recruitment.

In this apprenticeship, applicants are required to pass a colour vision test approved by SOLAS.

Note: The following are the current approved minimum educational requirements for apprenticeship programmes. While not essential, prior experience in the subjects listed below would be an advantage.

• Mathematics
• Technical Drawing/Graphics
• Metalwork
• Technology
• Physics

Phase 1: With Employer 

• Induction Training
• Introduction to Health & Safety
• Introduction to Tools & Equipment
• Introduction to Basic Skills

Phase 2: Delivered in Training Centre (20 weeks) 

Course Content: 

• Induction
• Engines
• Transmissions
• Plant Electrics
• Hydraulics
• Plant Vehicles
• Small Plant
• Related Theory

Phase 3: With Employer 

• Work Based Training and Assessments 

Phase 4: Delivered in Educational Colleges (10 weeks) 

Course Content:

• Engines
• Transmissions
• Plant Electrics
• Hydraulics
• Plant Vehicles
• Small Plant
• Related Theory

Phase 5: With Employer 

• Work Based Training and Assessments 

Phase 6: Delivered in Educational Colleges (10 weeks) 

Course Content:

• Engines
• Transmissions
• Plant Electrics
• Hydraulics
• Wheeled and Tracked Plant
• Related Theory

Phase 7: With Employer 

• Work Based Training and Assessments 

The overall duration of this apprenticeship is a minimum of four years, assuming all phases are successfully completed.

The learner is awarded a Level 6 Advanced Certificate Craft - Construction Plant Fitting on successful completion of the programme. 

For more information contact your local Education & Training Board:

• Donegal ETB    
• City of Dublin ETB    
• Cavan & Monaghan ETB    
• Limerick & Clare ETB    
• Kilkenny & Carlow ETB    
• Dublin & Dun Laoghaire ETB    
• Longford & Westmeath ETB    
• Cork ETB    
• Mayo, Sligo & Leitrim ETB    
• Laois & Offaly ETB    
• Kildare & Wicklow ETB
• Kerry ETB    
• Galway & Roscommon ETB    
• Waterford & Wexford ETB    
• Tipperary ETB    
• Louth & Meath ETB    

Search all Education and Training Boards (ETBs) here
Your local ETB may offer apprenticeship training.

As a Construction Plant Fitter, you need to be physically active and skilled at working with your hands.

Awareness of health and safety, good housekeeping, and attention to detail are all essential. 

The Construction Plant Fitter 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.

Note: A person wishing to become an apprentice Construction Plant Fitter must pass a colour–vision test approved by SOLAS.

At the end of the apprenticeship, the craftsperson will be able to demonstrate competence in the following skills:

Core Skills

Procedures for:

• Disassembling and assembling
• F-gas: Describe the overall aim of Regulation No. 842/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 of May 2006 in relation to the air conditioning systems of automotive vehicles (MACs).
  
  
• List the dangers to personal health and related safety regulations related to the refrigerant gas contained in mobile air conditioning (MAC) systems.
• Describe the location of possible leaks of refrigerant gas from an automotive air con unit.

• Fault finding and diagnosing
• Inspecting and repairing
• Servicing and maintaining
• Overhauling
• Computer operating

Specialist Skills

Repair and maintenance of:

• Tracked vehicles
• Small two-stroke engines
• Mobile hydraulic systems
• Single cylinder diesel engines
• Mobile air compressors
• Power-shift transmissions
• Torque-converters 
• Mobile Air Conditioning (MAC) systems.
  
  
• Discuss and demonstrate best practice for handling of F-gases storage cylinders, the safe recovery and disposal of F-gas.
• Perform full servicing of an air conditioning system of an automotive vehicle to include: leak detection, recovery, vacuum and refill.

Common Skills

Servicing, repair and overhaul of:

• Electrical systems
• Brake systems
• Transmissions
• Suspension systems
• Diesel fuel systems
• Petrol fuel systems 
• Steering
• Engines 
• Safety procedures

Personal Skills

• Communication
• Customer relations
• Adaptability
• Ability to work as a team member
• Ability to work independently
• Problem solving
• Planning and organisation
• Information gathering
• Report writing
• Interpretation and application of data

NOTE: Integrated curriculum includes maths, science, and theory.

• Perform routine service procedures as recommended by manufacturers.
• Diagnose and resolve issues in mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical systems.
• Work on machines and equipment such as tracked excavators, forklifts, and cranes.
• Follow all manufacturer-recommended procedures.
  
  
• Learn and develop new skills, knowledge, and craft-related competencies.
• Work alongside and learn from experienced craftspersons.
• Comply with all health and safety regulations.
• Use special tools, materials, and equipment correctly and safely.
  
  
• Read and interpret technical instructions and diagrams.
• Dismantle, examine, and reassemble mechanical systems and components.
• Test and repair mechanical, electrical, and electronic systems.

• Maintain accurate work records and communicate effectively.
• Take responsibility for the quality of your own work.
• Take ownership of your learning, including managing study time.
• Control and adjust equipment operations as needed.
  
  
• Drive machines or vehicles when required.
• Be prepared to work evenings or weekends.
• Be physically active and capable of hands-on work.

• Successfully pass all phase exams (theory, practical, and skills demonstrations).
• Earn while you learn.

On successful completion of the apprenticeship programme, apprentices are qualified to work within the recognised trade or profession. 

Opportunities may arise for promotion to supervisor level. Many craftspersons use their apprenticeship qualification as a foundation to build careers as engineers, managers, business owners, teachers, instructors, and more.

Where apprentices and craftspersons have the necessary ability, initiative, and basic qualifications, opportunities are available for advancement. These include advanced technological and management courses which are available in technological universities, colleges, professional institutes, etc. 

People in employment have a number of options for both educational and career progression.

It may be possible to gain promotion within your existing company. By using your existing qualifications and your experience, you may be able to secure an alternative position in a more senior role in another company.

It may also be possible to set up your own company based on your existing qualifications and experience.  Whatever route you decide to take, remember, education is a lifelong pursuit and you can always continue to up skill and/or retrain, whatever your age.

Career Progression Useful Links

Educational Supports: Upon completing an apprenticeship, you may have the opportunity to progress to full awards on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) at Levels 7 to 10.

You may also decide to embark on a partial award or upskill in a particular area by undertaking a short specialised course. Depending on your skills, knowledge, and experience, some of the opportunities below might be appropriate to help develop your career pathway.    

• Springboard & conversion courses      
• Skillnet Sector learning network courses    
• Skills to advance Local ETB Board    
• Further education training centres Fetchcourses
• Post graduate education Search Post Graduate options

Enterprise and Self-Employment Support:

Upon completing an apprenticeship, if you feel you have the necessary knowledge, skills, and experience, you may choose to start your own business.

The links below may be helpful in supporting you on this journey.

• Local Enterprise Offices    For profit Local enterprise support
• Local Area partnerships     For profit enterprise support
• Social entrepreneurs     Not-for-profit enterprise support
• Franchising     Developing your business under an established franchise

To become an apprentice in Ireland you must be hired by an employer. Apprenticeship employers are formally approved by SOLAS     in advance of employing apprentices. Apprentices get a formal contract of employment as part of their apprenticeship.

Opportunities for this apprenticeship arise on an ongoing basis throughout the year. To secure an apprenticeship contract of employment, you should apply directly to companies where you would like to complete your apprenticeship.

Full eligibility criteria for this apprenticeship are available in the Construction Plant Fitter brochure.    

To find an apprenticeship, you can search apprenticeship vacancies and a list of currently approved apprentice employers on the Generation Apprenticeship Portal.     You can search for vacancies by location, and employers in each apprenticeship.

View Approved Employers by Region and by Apprenticeship type here.    

Colour vision requirements

Construction and Plant Fitter Apprenticeship applicants may be required to pass a colour vision test approved by SOLAS.

Finding an Employer

Finding an employer or registering your interest with an official Coordinating Provider is one of the first things you need to do to start an apprenticeship.

To find an apprenticeship and secure an apprenticeship work contract you can search apprenticeship vacancies on the Apprenticeship Jobs Portal . You can search for vacancies by location and by apprenticeship type.

Your local Education and Training Board may also hold details of employers seeking to employ an apprentice.

You should also directly connect with local employers who might be interested in taking on an apprentice. It is a great idea to get a part time job with a local employer who might be more inclined to take you on as an apprentice following a successful work experience placement or a part time job contract.

Further information about this apprenticeship may be available from the following organisations on this website:

Organisations supporting this apprenticeship

Where we know of supporting organisations we list these below:

Online Job Sites

Here are some direct links to employment websites that frequently list apprenticeship vacancies.

Note: These websites may include vacancies that are not QQI accredited Apprenticeships.

As an apprentice, you earn while you learn.

Employment Salary (On-the-job)

The employer pays you a salary while you are being trained on-the-job. The rate of pay is agreed between you and your employer.

Training Allowance (Off-the-job)
A training allowance is paid by the local Education and Training Board (ETB) while you are attending the off-the-job training. In some cases, a contribution towards travel or accommodation costs may be paid.

The sector the apprentice's employer is engaged in will determine the allowance payable. These allowances are calculated on the gross wages paid by industry in each sector. The weekly gross wage norms for different industries are listed below.

The weekly gross wage norms are listed below. 

Apprentices Rates of Pay for the Construction Sector 

(Per Construction SEO Order SI 620 of 2024)

From 1st August 2025 to 31st July 2026 

• 1st Year.     33.33%.    €7.67
• 2nd year.    50%.        €11.50
• 3rd Year.     75%.        €17.25 
• 4th Year.     90%.        €20.70 

From 1st August 2026 

• 1st Year.    33.33%.       €7.91
• 2nd year.    50%.          €11.87
• 3rd Year.     75%.          €17.81 
• 4th Year.     90%           €21.37 

View more details on rates of pay at Connect Trade Union.     

(Connect is the largest trade union representing construction, electrical, and technical workers in Ireland.)

View Information on taxation for off-the-job payments here.    

For information on how to access payslips via PEOPLEXD, see out the Apprentice Payee PeopleXD for Payees User Reference Guide    . 

FEES

Apprentices complete two of their three phases of off-the-job training in a higher education institution. A student contribution must be paid for this part of the training.

The amount of the student contribution is a proportion of the annual student contribution paid by students who are attending a full-time course in higher education. The student contribution is paid directly to the higher education institution.

The student contribution for this apprenticeship is €1,000 for Phase 4 and €1,000 for Phase 6.