Electrical Apprenticeship – Craft Apprenticeship

Location: Athlone / Moylish, Limerick City / Coonagh, Limerick City
years: 4

Level 6
Course Type Apprenticeships
Study Mode Apprenticeship
Department Electrical & Electronic Engineering; Civil Enginering and Trades

Overview

The Electrical apprenticeship combines on-the-job training with your employer and off-the-job training in training centres and educational colleges. Assessment is a combination of continuous assessment (theory, practical, and skills demonstrations) and final examinations at designated stages.

On completion of this four-year apprenticeship, you will become a fully qualified electrician, with a QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate Craft – Electrical.

What is an Electrician?

Electricians install, commission, test and maintain wiring systems and services in domestic, commercial and industrial settings, from house wiring and retail units to process control and maintenance in industrial plants, hospitals, and power stations. They also service, maintain and repair electrical equipment. Roles span ESB power supply and distribution, electrical contracting (lighting, heating, power) and industrial maintenance of plant, machinery and generating equipment.

Core skills include: understanding scientific principles; general electrical installation; interpreting drawings/specs; planning and organising installations; inspection, testing and fault diagnosis; routine maintenance/repair; and strict Health & Safety practice.

Personal qualities: physically active; good manual skills; strong safety awareness; attention to detail and an eye for the aesthetic.

Entry Requirements

Applicants for the programme must be employed on an Apprenticeship contract of employment.

Applications to register an apprentice can only be submitted by a Registered Employer.

Applicants must meet the entry requirements as follows:

Minimum age: 16

Education:

Grade D in five subjects in the Department of Education & Skills Junior Certificate (or approved equivalent), or;
Successful completion of an approved Pre-Apprenticeship course, or;
Three years’ relevant work experience (gained over 16 years of age) in designated industrial activity acceptable to SOLAS.

In certain crafts, applicants must pass a colour vision test approved by SOLAS. Prior experience in Mathematics, Technical Drawing/Graphics, Metalwork, Construction Studies, Engineering, Physics, and Technology is advantageous but not essential.

On completion of this four-year apprenticeship, you will become a fully qualified electrician, with a QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate Craft – Electrical.

Apprenticeship Structure & Phases

Phase 1 – With Employer (On the job)

- Induction Training
- Introduction to Health & Safety
- Introduction to Tools & Equipment
- Introduction to Basic Skills

Phase 2 – Training Centre (Off the job)

Duration: 22 weeks
- Electrical Science
- Installation Techniques 1
- Installation Techniques 2
- Panel Wiring and Motor Control
- Fundamentals of Alternative Electrical Energy Sources
- Communications & Team Leadership

Phase 3 – With Employer (On the job)

- Work Based Training and Assessments

Phase 4 – Technological University (Off the job)

Duration: 11 weeks
- Electricity 2
- Power
- Distribution
- Electronics 1
- Alternative Electrical Energy Sources
- Communications & Team Leadership

Phase 5 – With Employer (On the job)

- Work Based Training and Assessments

Phase 6 – Technological University (Off the job)

Duration: 11 weeks
- Automation and Control
- Intruder and Fire Alarm Systems
- Electricity 3
- Power Distribution 2
- Electronics 2
- Alternative Electrical Energy Sources
- Communications & Team Leadership

Phase 7 – With Employer (On the job)

- Work Based Training and Assessments

Applicant Information

What is an apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship is a programme of structured education and training which formally combines and alternates learning in the workplace with learning in a technological university, third-level education institution or training centre. It is a dual system, blending on-the-job, employer-based learning with off-the-job academic study. Apprentices are paid employees for the duration of the programme and gain nationally recognised qualifications.

Electrical Apprenticeship Career Profile

What is the duration of this apprenticeship?

This is a four-year Apprenticeship.

Assessment

A combination of continuous assessment (theory, practical, and skills demonstrations) and final examinations at designated stages.

Apprenticeship Opportunities

Applicants for the programme must be employed on an Apprenticeship contract of employment.

Applications to register an apprentice can only be submitted by a Registered Employer.

Details of current apprenticeship opportunities are advertised locally and nationally by many employers, and are often listed on the national apprenticeship jobs portal at: https://www.apprenticeshipjobs.ie

Your local Education and Training Board may hold details of employers seeking to employ an apprentice, visit: https://apprenticeship.ie/more/your-local-provider

For further information on apprenticeships visit: https://www.apprenticeship.ie

Apply here

Employer Information

What is an Apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship is a dual-system education model combining work-based learning with academic study, enabling participants to gain practical industry experience while earning a nationally recognised qualification.

Employer Registration

As part of the national apprenticeship system, there are formal requirements for approval of an employer’s suitability to train apprentices and for registration of apprentices. SOLAS is responsible for delivering on these requirements.

Applicants for the programme must be employed on an Apprenticeship contract of employment.

Applications to register an apprentice can only be submitted by a Registered Employer.

How to Register Your Interest:

Employers can directly register their interest in becoming an approved employer via the SOLAS Apprenticeship Online Portal: https://www.apprenticeshiponline.ie/#/employer/register
Alternatively, your local Education and Training Board can also initiate the registration process. Visit: https://apprenticeship.ie/more/your-local-provider

Click here for Employer registration

Employer Approval

Following submission of an Expression of Interest, a SOLAS Authorised Officer from the relevant Education and Training Board (ETB) will conduct a suitability assessment. This process is straightforward, typically involves a site visit, and is normally completed within 1–2 weeks.

Advertise Apprenticeship Vacancies

To advertise apprenticeship vacancies for free, please visit: https://apprenticeship.ie/employers/current-employers

Information for Current Apprentices

For additional guidance and support, please click on the options below:

Grants and Fees

Gold line art of an exam paper with checkboxes and a pencil on a black background.

Exams

Disability Support