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

Minimum educational requirements:

  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 two weeks of recruitment.

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

Note: These are the current approved minimum educational requirements for apprenticeship programmes, however, previous experience of the following subjects would be an advantage but not essential:

• Mathematics
• Technical Drawing/Graphics
• Construction Studies
• Technology
• Physics

Note: To become a electronic security systems apprentice, you must pass the Ishihara Colour Vision Test (24 Plate Edition).

For further information, contact your local Education and Training Board    

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)

• Induction
• Electrical Principles
• Intruder Alarms
• CCTV (Closed Circuit Television)
• Fire Alarms
• Access Control

• Work Based Training and Assessments

Phase 4 Delivered in Educational College (10 weeks)

• Customer Communications
• Electrical and Electronic Systems
• Intruder Alarms
• CCTV
• Fire Alarms
• Access Control 

Phase 5 With Employer

• Work Based Training and Assessments

Phase 6 Delivered in Educational College (10 weeks)

• Data Network Systems
• Electronics Systems
• Intruder Alarms
• CCTV
• Fire Alarms
• Access Control 

Phase 7 With Employer

• Work Based Training and Assessments

The overall duration of this apprenticeship is a minimum of 4 years provided all phases are successfully completed.

On successful completion of the programme the learner is awarded a Level 6 Advanced Certificate Craft - Electronic Security Systems.

The training is provided by the following institutions:

• SETU South East Technological University     

• Further information is also available from your local Education and Training Board    

   

 

As an Electronic Security Systems craftsperson 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.

The Electronic Security Systems installer 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.

Core Skills

• Selection, procurement, safe utilisation of and storage of security installation tools, equipment and materials. 
• Assessment, interpretation and implementation of ETCI wiring regulations, installation inspection and testing procedures.
• Installation of plastic conduit, steel trunking and plastic trunking containment. 
• Interpretation of circuit schematics, technical data, manufacturing standards and architectural drawings which incorporate IEC symbols Interpretation of equipment assembly, disassembly and adjustment procedures. 
• Completion and updating of job-related documentation. 
• Relevant basic IT skills appropriate to the trade. 
• Awareness of Health & Safety requirements for the industry.

Specialist Skills

Installation of equipment in hazardous environments
Installation and maintenance of:

• Intruder Alarm Systems 
• Single/Multi Point Access Control Systems 
• CCTV Systems
• Fire Alarm Systems
• Intercom Systems
• Gate Automation Systems
• Perimeter Control Systems
• Electronic Tagging
• Lightning Protection systems

Common Skills

• System fault analysis skills
• Interpretation of electrical/electronic schematic diagrams
• Interpretation of flow, function and ladder charts
• Installation and programming of control systems
• Installation and calibration of sensors
• Installation of data, network and optical communication systems

Personal Skills

• Communications
• Customer relations
• Adaptability
• Teamwork
• Initiative
• Problem solving
• Planning
• Information gathering

Note: A person wishing to become an apprentice Electronic Security Systems Craftsperson must pass a colour–vision test approved by SOLAS.

As an Electronic Security Systems Installer, you will be responsible for designing, planning, risk assessing, installing, programming, and commissioning a wide range of integrated security systems.

These systems include:

• Intruder alarms
• Fire alarms
• CCTV (Closed Circuit Television) systems
• Single and multi-point control systems
• Intercom systems
• Gate automation systems
• Perimeter control systems
• Electronic tagging systems
• Other relevant industry equipment

In this role, you will also:

• Compile system and customer documentation
• Demonstrate system operations
• Train clients and system operators
• Carry out system analysis and investigations
• Maintain, repair, and assess the need for upgrades

As an apprentice, you will focus on developing practical craft-related skills, knowledge, and competence, including:

• Learning from experienced craftspersons
• Completing projects from start to finish
• Complying with Health and Safety requirements
• Working with technical drawings and diagrams
• Ensuring accuracy and attention to detail
• Using IT skills for job-related tasks
• Completing and updating documentation
• Organising tasks and managing practical work carefully
• Installing equipment in hazardous environments
• Using specialised hand tools, power tools, and equipment
• Working outdoors and at heights
• Lifting or carrying heavy items
• Staying physically active and fit for tasks
• Taking responsibility for personal learning and allocating study time
• Passing all phase exams (theory, practical, and skills demonstrations)

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

Career advancement opportunities may include:

• Promotion to supervisor or management roles
• Using the apprenticeship qualification as a platform for careers such as: engineers, managers, business owners, teachers, or instructors

The skills gained in the trade are highly transferable, both nationally and internationally, offering flexibility in where you can work.

For those with an entrepreneurial mindset, starting your own business is also a viable and rewarding option.

Apprentices and craftspersons who demonstrate ability, initiative, and the required qualifications have access to various opportunities for advancement.

These may include advanced technological or management courses offered by technological universities, management colleges, professional institutes, and other educational organisations.

People in employment have multiple options for both educational and career progression, including:

• Promotion within your current company
• Securing a more senior role in another company by leveraging your experience and qualifications
• Establishing your own business based on your existing skills and experience

Regardless of the route you choose, remember that education is a lifelong pursuit. You can always continue to upskill or retrain, no matter your age. Useful links to educational and enterprise supports are provided below. 

Career Progression Useful Links:  

Educational Supports:  

Depending on your skills, knowledge and experience some of the opportunities below might be appropriate to help develop your Career pathway.   

Upon completing an apprenticeship, you may have options for further educational progression, including:

• Full awards at NFQ levels 7–10 (National Framework of Qualifications)
• Partial awards or specialised short courses to upskill in a specific area

Depending on your skills, knowledge, and experience, the opportunities listed below can help you develop your career pathway.

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

Enterprise and Self-Employment Support:

On completion of an apprenticeship if you feel you have the appropriate knowledge, skills and experience you may decide to set up your own business. The links below might be useful to support you’re here

• 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. In order to secure an apprenticeship contract of employment, you should target companies you would like to do your apprenticeship with by applying directly to them. 

Full eligibility criteria for this apprenticeship are available in the Electronic Security Systems Apprenticeship brochure    .

Colour vision requirements

Electronic Security Systems Apprenticeship applicants are 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.

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.

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

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 electrical apprentices are listed below.

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.