Trades and craftspeople are skilled specialists who work on construction sites and other industries. Apprenticeships are an alternative to full time study and give you the opportunity to gain hands-on experience and earn while you learn. Skilled craftspeople are always in demand. This valuable qualification opens up so many doors for you to work in Ireland or anywhere in the world.
Trades that often spring to mind are Bricklayer, Plumber, Electrician, Carpenter and Joiner. However, you may not be aware of the many other apprenticeships which are essential to the construction sector. These include Construction Plant Fitter, Geo-Driller, Pipe Fitter, Plasterer, Roofing & Cladding, Scaffolder, Stonecutter & Stonemason, Advanced Quantity Surveyor and Civil Engineer (with new apprenticeships at Levels 8 & 9 under development).
As well as the rapidly growing construction sector, as a qualified tradesperson, you will be highly sought after by other industries that need your skills. Apprentices from Ireland have successfully competed in the World Skills Competition which aims to promote apprenticeships and skills based learning.
Career Paths
Many people who follow a career in construction may have worked as a labourer on a construction site prior to starting an apprenticeship. Labourers work alongside tradespeople handling materials and tools. It is mandatory to have a Safe Pass certificate and PPE equipment to work on construction sites in Ireland. Depending on the job you may need a Manual Handling Certificate and Construction Skills Certification Scheme card. A drivers licence is also often required.
You must be over 16 years of age and be employed with a SOLAS approved employer to become an apprentice. A craft apprenticeship usually lasts four years and consists of seven distinct phases. These include alternating periods of structured practical training on the job with an employer and off-the-job attending an education or training centre.
On completion of your Level 6 Advanced Certificate - Craft on the NFQ there are options to progress to third level education courses. Check with educational institutions for further information. You may decide to specialise in an area of the construction sector, train as an instructor, carry out research, progress to management or even set up your own business.
A number of colleges offer Access to Apprenticeship courses for students from disadvantaged backgrounds to enable them to sample a range of apprenticeships.
