Bricklaying and Stone laying
Bricklayers and Stonemasons are principally trained to supply the labour needs of the construction industry, but are also used in the maintenance and conservation areas of this industry.. Bricklayers and Stonemasons build the interior and exterior walls of buildings. The work of a Bricklayer and Stonemason is mainly concerned with the laying of bricks, stone, in the construction of solid and cavity walls, partitions, fireplaces, chimneys, and other structures. Bricklayers and Stonemasons need to be able to read plans and drawings to find out how the structure is to be built and take account of where corners need to be or where openings must be left for doors and windows.
Plumbing
Training of plumbing apprentices commenced in WIT in 2007. Apprentices attend an 11 week course to complete the Phase 4 and Phase 6 requirements of the Advanced Certificate. Student assessment comprises written, drawing and practical examinations. Plumbers install, maintain and repair the water supply, central heating and drainage in houses, schools and other locations. Installation work includes central heating systems and their controls, pipe-work, sanitary systems, drainage systems, guttering and rainwater systems and large refrigeration systems for industry. Maintenance and repair work includes routine servicing and emergency repairs, which involves finding faults, replacing or repairing damaged parts, carrying out tests and ensuring that the system works properly.
Electrical Installation
Apprentices attend an 11 week course to complete the Phase 4 and Phase 6 requirements of the Advanced Certificate. The electrician is involved in the installation, commissioning, testing and maintenance of various wiring systems and services in domestic, commercial and industrial applications. Work ranges from wiring of domestic houses, offices and retail units to more complex systems involving instrumentation, process control and maintenance in industrial plants, hospitals and power stations. Electricians also service, maintain and repair electrical equipment, both domestic and industrial.
Automobile Technology
Apprentices attend a 10 week course to complete the Phase 4 and Phase 6 requirements of the Advanced Certificate. Technicians are involved with the servicing, maintenance and repair of cars, sports utility vehicles and light vehicles. The work is wide-ranging and includes routine servicing in accordance with manufacturers recommended procedures and the testing and approval of the structural, mechanical and electrical systems of the vehicle for the National Car Test. Technicians also use electronic equipment for fault diagnosis to interrogate the fault memory that exists in the Electronic Control Units that now control and monitor the mechanical, safety and comfort systems of the vehicle. Hybrid-powered vehicles require a high level of technical expertise from the automotive technician. An automotive technician must possess a thorough understanding of the many complex and differing systems found on the modern vehicle. They must also have an ability to keep abreast of continuing changes in vehicle technology.
Electronic Security Installer
Waterford Institute of Technology will introduce this new apprenticeship programme in September 2009. Apprentices attend an 11 week course to complete the Phase 4 and Phase 6 requirements of the Advanced Certificate. This will allow people working in the security industry to gain a qualification as is required by the Private Security Authority. The craftsperson is required to design, plan, risk assess, install, programme and commission a wide range of integrated security systems in line with Irish and EU standards. These security systems include Fire Alarms, Intruder Alarms, CCTV Systems, Gate Automation Systems, Electronic Tagging and any other equipment applicable to the industry. The craftsperson is also required to compile system and customer documentation, demonstrate systems operation, train system operators, carry out system analysis, repair, maintenance and continually assess the needs for upgrading of security systems.
