Apprenticeship
Waterford and Wexford Training Centre delivers a variety of apprenticeships through our purpose built facilities. Our experienced staff are highly skilled and capable of supporting you on your journey to becoming a fully qualified craftsperson.
Apprenticeship is the recognised means by which people are trained to become craftspeople in Ireland. Apprenticeship involves a combination of learning in the classroom and on-the-job training and aims to develop the skills of the apprentice to meet the needs of industry and the labour market. Download an Apprenticeship Information Brochure.
Overview
An apprenticeship is the recognised pathway to becoming a qualified craftsperson. Apprenticeships are designed for people who are working in their chosen craft and learning from someone who is qualified in their field and recognised by ETB as an official trainer. Apprenticeships are usually four years long and are taught in phases of, learning in the classroom, and on-the-job training.
The aim of an apprenticeship is to develop the skills of the apprentice to meet industry standards. The industry of the craft agree to, and determined, the curriculum for each apprenticeship programme. If you are successful in completing an apprenticeship you will receive a FETAC Advanced Certificate, this is an internationally recognised qualification for a craftsperson. Once you have this qualification you may also be eligible to enter into related degree programmes provided by Institutes of Technology.
Payment
During on-the-job training an apprentice is paid the agreed Industrial Apprentice Wage Rate by the employer (this rate may vary depending on the occupation and employer). Rates are usually based on an annual salary and increase during the apprenticeship, however make sure you check these details with your prospective employer.
When the apprentice is learning off the job they are paid an Apprentice Allowance by ETB and, where appropriate, a contribution towards travel or accommodation costs.