Standards Based Apprenticeship System
The National Training and Employment Authority, FÁS, has the statutory responsibility for the monitoring of and co-ordination of apprentice training in Ireland. This is done in partnership with the Institutes of Technology.
The education and training of apprentices is through a standards-based apprenticeship system culminating in the Level 6 FETAC Advanced Certificate in a named trade. In future, full craft status will only be afforded to those holding this Certificate. The apprenticeship scheme comprises seven phases of on and off-the-job education and training over a four year period. Apprentices attend a FÁS Centre for Phase two, normally of 20 weeks duration and Phases 4 and 6 each of 10 weeks or 11 weeks are delivered within the Institutes of Technology. Apprenticeship is the recognized means by which people are trained to become craftspeople in Ireland. On successful completion of an apprenticeship, a FETAC Advanced Certificate is awarded; this is recognized internationally as the requirement for craftsperson status. An apprenticeship provides the opportunity to learn the necessary skills and competencies to help in their career objectives. They are trained to achieve the highest standard while attending phase four and six of the standards based apprentice program.
Under this scheme, all apprentices attending Phases 4 and 6 will do so at a designated Institute and will be scheduled for that purpose by FÁS. Apprenticeship entry requirements can be obtained by contacting FÁS with whom all Apprentices must be registered.
