Apprenticeships Ireland
Earn as you learn. Browse Irish apprenticeships from craft trades to new ICT, hospitality and finance apprenticeships — with entry routes, phases and linked jobs.
Electrician Apprenticeship
Ireland's electrical apprenticeship combines on-the-job training with an employer and block-release study at an education centre, alternating across seven phases.
Duration
Approx. 4 years (7 phases)
Entry requirements
Minimum 5 O6/H7 in the Leaving Cert, normally including Maths and English/Irish. Many employers look for a trade aptitude.
How it works
- On-the-job with employer
- Phase 1–6 college phases alternating with on-the-job phases
- Final assessment and certification
Plumbing Apprenticeship
Plumbing apprentices train on the job with a registered plumber while completing alternating college phases covering water, heating, sanitation and safety.
Duration
Approx. 4 years (7 phases)
Entry requirements
Leaving Cert with good Maths and a practical aptitude; employers value an interest in skilled manual work.
How it works
- On-the-job with employer
- College phases covering hot/cold water and heating systems
- Certification and qualification
Carpentry & Joinery Apprenticeship
Carpentry and joinery apprentices learn first-fix and second-fix woodwork, roofing and finishing while alternating between employer and college phases.
Duration
Approx. 4 years (7 phases)
Entry requirements
Leaving Cert with practical subjects an advantage; good hand skills and spatial awareness.
How it works
- On-the-job training
- College phases covering wood science, tools and construction
- Final certification
Brick & Stonelaying Apprenticeship
Brick and stonelaying apprentices learn masonry, pointing, blockwork and restoration techniques across alternating employer and college phases.
Duration
Approx. 4 years (7 phases)
Entry requirements
Leaving Cert with a practical aptitude; good physical fitness and attention to detail.
How it works
- On-the-job with employer
- College phases covering masonry and construction drawings
- Certification
Light Vehicle Mechanic Apprenticeship
Motor mechanic apprentices diagnose, service and repair cars and light vehicles, alternating garage-based training with college phases.
Duration
Approx. 4 years (7 phases)
Entry requirements
Leaving Cert with Maths and a strong interest in vehicles/mechanics.
How it works
- On-the-job in a garage
- College phases covering engines, electrics and diagnostics
- Certification
Metal Fabrication Apprenticeship
Metal fabrication apprentices learn welding, cutting and structural steelwork across employer and college phases, used widely in manufacturing and construction.
Duration
Approx. 4 years (7 phases)
Entry requirements
Leaving Cert with Maths and technical graphics an advantage.
How it works
- On-the-job with employer
- College phases covering fabrication and welding
- Certification
Sheet Metalwork Apprenticeship
Sheet metalwork apprentices learn to shape, join and install thin-gauge metals used in ductwork, manufacturing and specialist construction.
Duration
Approx. 4 years (7 phases)
Entry requirements
Leaving Cert with good Maths; strong practical hand skills.
How it works
- On-the-job with employer
- College phases covering pattern development and welding
- Certification
Commis Chef Apprenticeship
The commis chef apprenticeship combines kitchen work with structured learning, qualifying apprentices to progress through the kitchen brigade.
Duration
Approx. 2 years
Entry requirements
Leaving Cert or equivalent; a passion for food and ability to work in a fast-paced kitchen.
How it works
- Work-based training in a kitchen
- College study covering culinary skills and food safety
- Qualification
ICT Associate Apprenticeship
An earn-as-you-learn route into the tech sector, covering areas like software development, network administration and cyber, with employer-led and college-led phases.
Duration
Approx. 2 years
Entry requirements
Leaving Cert with a strong interest in computing; some employers accept non-standard entry.
How it works
- Employer-led training
- College study in ICT specialisms
- Work-based project and qualification
Logistics Associate Apprenticeship
A new apprenticeship building skills in warehousing, supply chain and distribution, with real workplace learning alongside classroom study.
Duration
Approx. 2 years
Entry requirements
Leaving Cert; interest in supply chain, driving or warehouse operations.
How it works
- Work-based training in logistics/warehouse
- College study in supply chain and operations
- Qualification
Accounting Technician Apprenticeship
An alternative route into accounting — apprentices work in a finance team while studying for the Accounting Technician qualification.
Duration
Approx. 2 years
Entry requirements
Leaving Cert with good Maths/English; employer sponsorship required.
How it works
- Work-based training in an accounts role
- Accounting Technician college study
- Professional qualification
Industrial Electrical Engineering Apprenticeship
A higher-level apprenticeship developing skills in industrial electrical, automation and control systems used in manufacturing and pharma.
Duration
Approx. 3 years
Entry requirements
Leaving Cert with honours Maths and a strong technical aptitude; employer sponsorship.
How it works
- Work-based training in industrial setting
- Level 7 degree-level study
- Work-based project
Farriery Apprenticeship
A specialist craft apprenticeship for those working with horses — apprentices learn to make and fit horseshoes while alternating with formal training.
Duration
Approx. 4 years
Entry requirements
Leaving Cert and a genuine interest in working with horses; apprenticeship with an approved farrier.
How it works
- On-the-job with an approved farrier
- Formal training phases
- Qualification
Property Services Apprenticeship
A newer apprenticeship covering property and facilities management, valuation and letting, with employer-led workplace learning combined with professional study.
Duration
Approx. 2–3 years
Entry requirements
Leaving Cert; interest in property, facilities or estate management.
How it works
- Work-based training in a property/facilities role
- Professional study
- Qualification
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an apprenticeship in Ireland?
An apprenticeship in Ireland is an earn-as-you-learn programme that combines paid on-the-job training with an employer and formal study, usually at an education centre. You gain a recognised qualification and wages at the same time.
How long does an Irish apprenticeship take?
Most craft apprenticeships (electrician, plumber, carpentry, etc.) take around four years across seven phases. Newer apprenticeships such as ICT Associate, Commis Chef or Accounting Technician typically take around two to three years.
Do apprentices get paid in Ireland?
Yes. Apprentices are employed and paid a training wage by their employer for the on-the-job phases. The rate generally increases as you progress through the phases.
How do I apply for an apprenticeship?
You secure an apprenticeship with an employer who is approved to train apprentices, then register the apprenticeship with SOLAS. More detail and a list of active apprenticeships is available at apprenticeship.ie.