Apprenticeships Ireland Q&A

We caught up with Michelle O’Brien from the National Apprenticeships Office Ireland, who gave us an insight into how to apply for an apprenticeship in Ireland. Lena who is currently an apprentice, gave her experience in how you find an apprenticeship in Ireland. 

Michelle – National Apprenticeships Office            

How do I apply for an Apprenticeship?       

Essentially, you can perform a Google search to see if any employers are hiring apprentices. We've also recently launched an employer database on our website, apprenticeship.ie, where potential apprentices can view employers in their region who are hiring. Additionally, I encourage potential apprentices to check employers' social media pages to see if they are advertising any positions. Employers can also post job openings directly with us on apprenticeship.ie.          

Lena– Apprentice Electrician

How did you start your Apprenticeship?     

I initially searched through job sites like Indeed but found no opportunities. I got in comtact with a few employers but had no luck. I contacted a friend who had just started as an electrical apprentice and asked if they were hiring. He said, "Give me two minutes," and I ended up starting the following Monday.

Check out the full video here - How would you start an apprenticeship in Ireland?

Michelle – National Apprenticeships Office   

How would an employer start hiring apprentices? 

Yeah so essentially they have to submit an expression of interest to us. They have to be an approved employer and they can register any first year vacancies with us on apprentiship.ie. They can post positions on their website and we're happy to reshare them as well if that helps the process.

Is Apprenticeship.ie similar to Jobs.ie except for Apprenticeships?

It is but it has so much more as well, it has details of all the apprenticeship programs that we have on offer. We currently have 77 across all Industries, construction and electrical all of the newer apprentiship programs Finance biofarma. They can get information on all of those as well, the length and what's in the modules. All the information is there including any initiatives or any campaigns we're running to benefit apprentices and employers

Check out the full video here - Apprenticeship Video 

Lena– Apprentice Electrician

What is the best thing about doing an Apprenticeship?     

Everyday is a learning and day to be honest and you go in there with the mindset of getting your work done having a laugh with some people and just enjoying your day. You're in work for eight hours and you have to make the most of it and especially if you fall in love with a trade you get paid for doing something you love, so if someone doesn't see that as a bonus then I don't know.

Check out the full video here - Apprenticeship Video

Michelle – National Apprenticeships Office   

How long does a typical apprenticeship last?

A construction apprenticeship would last four years typically so there's seven phases to that so the first phase is with the employer and phase two four and six are with a Technological University or an educational training board. 

Check out the full video here - Apprenticeship Video 

For more information on how to start an apprenticeship in Ireland, Visit apprenticeship.ie