Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

106. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the options available to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare who is anxious to obtain an apprenticeship; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2126/14]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

This is a day to day operational matter for SOLAS.

Apprenticeship is the recognised means by which persons are trained to become craftspeople in Ireland. The main craft trades have been designated by SOLAS and come within the scope of the Statutory Apprenticeship system.

To register as an apprentice the entry requirements are as follows:1. The prospective apprentice must obtain employment as an apprentice in their chosen occupation; 2. The employer must be approved by SOLAS and must register the prospective apprentice as an apprentice with SOLAS; 3. The minimum age at which the employment of an apprentice may commence is 16 years of age; 4. The minimum educational requirements are Grade D in Five subjects in the Department of Education & Skills Junior Certificate Examination or an approved equivalent, or the Successful completion of an approved Pre-Apprenticeship course, or Be over 18 years of age, have at least 3 years work experience approved by SOLAS; 5. In certain crafts, apprenticeship applicants are required to pass a colour vision test approved by SOLAS.

Some apprenticeship job vacancies are advertised on the Department of Social Protection website under the section titled "Jobseekers" which can be accessed at www.welfare.ie.

The person in question may also contact their local SOLAS Training Adviser to discuss the Standards Based Apprenticeship Scheme.