Apprenticeship
Study at MTU
Apprenticeship is an exciting and proven way for employers to develop talent for their company and industry. Apprenticeships are designed by industry-led groups, supporting growth and competitiveness.
Apprentices earn while they learn and build valuable work-ready skills in a chosen occupation. Apprenticeships open up exciting and rewarding careers, with learning grounded in the practical experience of undertaking a real job.
Apprenticeship is defined as a programme of structured education and training which formally combines and alternates learning in the workplace with learning in an education or training centre. It is a dual system, a blended combination of on-the-job employer-based training and off-the-job training.
What you need to know
Registration, Craft Apprenticeships and Post-2016 Apprenticeships
To be eligible for an apprenticeship, the applicant must be at least 16 years of age and must be employed by an approved employer. For further information on apprenticeships go to www.apprenticeship.ie
Details of current apprenticeship opportunities are advertised locally and nationally by many employers and are often uploaded onto the apprenticeship jobs portal www.apprenticeshipjobs.ie
A craft apprenticeship will generally last for 4 years, during which time you will spend 3 different periods in off-the-job training. Generally, the first off-the-job training phase will take place in an Education and Training Board (ETB) Training Centre while the subsequent off-the-job training phases will take place in an Institute of Technology or Technological University. The skills you develop will be assessed through on-the-job competence testing as well as off-the-job modular assessment and examinations and, if you complete these assessments successfully, you will be awarded an Advanced Certificate – craft (level 6 on the National Framework of Qualifications).
MTU offers apprenticeship opportunities across the areas of craft, construction, hospitality and food, and engineering. These programmes are delivered by industry-led consortia and respond to identified needs in a variety of industries. MTU has worked with industry partners and other institutions to develop and deliver these programmes. All apprenticeships come under the governance of SOLAS and funding is provided by the Higher Education Authority (HEA).
Apprenticeships introduced from 2016 on lead to an award between Levels 5-10 on the National Framework of Qualifications. Each apprenticeship programme can be for between 2 and 4 years.
There are a number of models of on-the-job and off- the-job training, as well as different models of delivery and different target groups (including people already in employment). Industry-led groups (consortia), which work with education and training providers and other partners, to oversee the development and roll-out of new apprenticeships.
Craft Apprenticeships
MTU Kerry South Campus
Agricultural mechanics are concerned with fault-finding, repair, overhaul and maintenance of farm tractors and farm machinery. These farm machines could include forage harvesters, balers, bale wrappers, mowers, combine harvesters, crop-sprayers, fertiliser distributors, diet feeders, tillage and slurry handling equipment.
Their skills overlap with those of other crafts within the motor family of crafts, therefore they are equipped to carry out some repair work on ATVs (All Terrain Vehicle– Quads), light and heavy commercial vehicles, earth moving equipment, forklift trucks and other vehicles. Besides the normal agricultural tractor and machinery garages, some large agricultural contracting firms employ their own agricultural mechanics. MTU is the only Technological University or Institute of Technology in the country which offers craft level apprenticeship courses in agricultural mechanics. Our facilities give apprentices a unique opportunity to experience the state-of-the-art technology currently being employed in the agricultural sector.
MTU Bishopstown Campus | MTU Kerry South Campus
The carpenter and joiner cuts, shapes and joins wood and wood-based products using a wide range of hand tools, e.g. hammer, saw, planes and chisels. They also use power tools and machines. Carpenters and joiners use their skills to set out and construct roofs, install floors, stairs and windows, built-in furniture and hang doors. They also manufacture doors, windows, stairs and shopfronts, etc. The carpenter and joiner has to study drawings, perform craft calculations and select materials to meet design requirements. Site work includes the construction of buildings and houses which require first and second fixing, including roofing. The place of work may vary, depending on the type of work done, it could be on site, in a workshop or in a private dwelling.
MTU Bishopstown Campus
A construction plant fitter services, diagnoses and resolve technical issues in mobile equipment used in materials handling for the off-road and on-road construction, excavation, mining, forestry and waste management industries. They carry out routine service procedures as recommended by the manufacturers; and diagnose and resolve problems with the operation of the mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic and electrical systems of machines and equipment such as tracked excavators, forklifts, and cranes. MTU is the only Technological University or Institute of Technology in the country which offers craft level apprenticeship courses in construction plant fitting.
MTU Bishopstown Campus | MTU Kerry South Campus
On completion of this four-year apprenticeship, you will become a fully qualified electrician, with a QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate Craft – Electrical.
As an electrician you will be involved in the installation, commissioning, testing and maintenance of various wiring systems and services in domestic, commercial and industrial applications. Your work will range from wiring domestic houses and retail units, to more complex systems involving process control and maintenance in industrial plants, hospitals and power stations. Electricians also service, maintain and repair electrical equipment, both domestic and industrial. If you are employed by the Electricity Supply Board (ESB) you will be working on electrical power supply and distribution.
Electricians employed by electrical contractors are usually engaged in installation of lighting, heating and power equipment and the repair of existing equipment and appliances. If you work in industrial employment you will generally be engaged in the maintenance and repair of factory plant, machinery and generating equipment. Many apprentices use their apprenticeship qualification as a platform to launch careers such as engineers, managers, owners of businesses, teachers and instructors amongst others.
MTU Bishopstown Campus
A mechanical automation and maintenance fitter will be involved in plant and machinery installation; maintenance and repairs; replacement of broken or working parts; adjustment; servicing and checking components; and equipment component replacement. A fitter will also fabricate parts using machine tools.
MTU Bishopstown Campus
A metal fabricator will be involved in the installation and manufacture of a range of metallic systems to include pressure vessels; tank and boiler manufacture; structural steel systems; plate steel systems and piping systems.
The job entails the reading of drawings and working with materials such as low carbon steel, stainless steel, alloy steel and aluminium. A metal fabricator uses skills such as measuring, marking out, cutting and welding materials using different processes and assembly techniques. A metal fabricator may also work outdoors and may be required to work at heights.
MTU Bishopstown Campus
A motor mechanic is responsible for the servicing, maintenance and fault diagnosis of light passenger cars and light commercial vehicles. Motor mechanics carry out routine service procedures as recommended by the vehicle manufacturer, as well as diagnosing and resolving problems with the operation of the mechanical and electrical systems of vehicles. Motor mechanics are also involved in examining and preparing vehicles for the National Car Test (NCT) or the Commercial Vehicle Road Worthiness Test (CVRT).
MTU Bishopstown Campus
Pipefitters install, repair and maintain high and low- pressure pipe systems used in commercial and industrial installations. You will work on piping systems that carry all kinds of liquids, gaseous and solid materials, and provide a wide range of services including welding and fabrication in a variety of industries. MTU is the only Technological University or Institute of Technology in the country which offers craft level apprenticeship courses in pipefitting.
MTU Bishopstown Campus
A plasterer is involved in the preparation and application of protective covering to interior and exterior building surfaces. This work can also involve applying decorative marking and finishes to walls such as pebbledash to achieve a required finish. A plasterer may be required to lay the finishing surface of cement floors for houses, factories and garages. Fibrous plasterers may work from architects’ designs or copy pieces of plasterwork from artists’ drawings or from photographs to produce ornamental work. MTU is the only Technological University or Institute of Technology in the country which offers craft level apprenticeship courses in plastering.
MTU Bishopstown Campus
A plumber installs, maintains and repairs systems of water supply, drainage and central heating in houses and other locations. These systems include hot and cold- water systems, sanitary services, heating systems and pipework and controls for gas supply. Plumbers carry out maintenance and repair work including routine servicing and emergency repairs, which involves finding faults and replacing or repairing damaged parts, carrying out tests and ensuring that the system works properly. Work on technologies such as gas fired and oil-fired heating systems, under-floor heating, solar, geothermal and biomass heating is also performed by qualified plumbers.
MTU Bishopstown Campus
A refrigeration and air conditioning craftsperson installs, maintains and repairs all types of refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment and systems. They can work in industries such as domestic, marine, commercial and industrial. They can install, maintain and repair items such as household, hospital, hotel and shop refrigerators, display cabinets, deep freezers, cooling plants, cold rooms and refrigerated transport.
Post 2016 Apprenticeships
Duration – 4 Years
MTU Bishopstown Campus / MTU Kerry North Campus
A Chef de Partie is trained to Deliver advanced culinary skills in a professional kitchen Supervise a particular area or station within the kitchen Work on their own as well as train Commis Chefs
This programme is designed by industry and academic professionals so the apprentice will learn the skills, knowledge and behaviours necessary for a successful career that will take them anywhere in the world. The Chef de Partie apprenticeship programme is designed to expose participants to a wide range of culinary skills and ideas and allows them to not only learn how to do something, but understand why it is done a certain way. It combines classroom training with hands-on practical skills development in the workplace. Apprentices follow a structured path of learning to build their knowledge and skills from a basic to advanced level. A work-based mentor will monitor and help apprentices to progress through the apprenticeship and they will learn how their college-based learning links to their everyday working environment. Apprentices who successfully complete the Chef De Partie apprenticeship programme will be eligible to progress to the Sous Chef Apprenticeship at Level 8 (see next page).
Advanced Entry Options
Relevant industry experience – assessment of industry experience is by application to the Munster Technological University. Recognition of prior learning is dealt with on an individual basis once an apprentice has started the registration process.
If you are employed as a chef and/or hold previous qualifications, you may be eligible for advanced entry into year 2 or 3 of the programme.
Contacts Information
Dr Noel Murray
MTU Bishopstown Campus
T: +353 (0)21 433 5820
T.J. O’Connor
MTU Kerry North Campus
T: +353 (0)66 719 1807
Duration–2 Years
MTU Bishopstown Campus / MTU Kerry North Campus
This programme is designed to provide apprentices with knowledge, skills and competencies at an advanced level, to ensure that all aspects of food preparation, production and service are carried out to the highest standard and in accordance with food hygiene regulations, company standards and policies. The programme enables the apprentice to be an effective team leader and production specialist at operational, managerial and technical levels. The programme also focuses on the responsibility of guiding, directing and training team members. Apprentices will be concentrating on areas such as personal development, food innovation, and the capitalisation of market trends and the management of department finances and budgets; all the while endeavouring to exceed customer expectations. It combines classroom training with hands-on practical skills development within the workplace.
Contacts Information
Dr Noel Murray
MTU Bishopstown Campus
T: +353 (0)21 433 5820
T.J. O’Connor
MTU Kerry North Campus
T: +353 (0)66 719 1807
MTU Bishopstown Campus
A logistics associate typically liaises with transportation companies to create a good working relationship. It will involve preparation of invoices for orders and deliveries as part of record keeping measures. Record-keeping of shipping, road and air freight activities, documenting procedures, guidelines and changes in procedures for reference purposes. A logistics associate is responsible for ensuring compliance with customs duties, controls, tariff, international conventions and agreements. Those that successfully complete the programme will be awarded a Level 6 Higher Certificate from MTU.
Contact Information
Niall Morris
MTU Bishopstown Campus T: +353 (0)21 433 5798
MTU Bishopstown Campus
A manufacturing technician provides technical support for manufacturing operations including troubleshooting equipment and process issues, and validation and qualification activities of the manufacturing site. It will be necessary to work with production, operations,engineering support, quality, facilities, and safety to ensure that the engineering activities are completed as per defined project schedule. The job also involves coordinating corrective maintenance activities for production equipment within the manufacturing site.
Those that successfully complete the programme will be awarded a Level 6 Higher Certificate from MTU.
MTU Bishopstown Campus
A manufacturing engineer facilitates efficient operations within the production area, to optimise existing processes, implement new processes and to ensure that production goals are met. This involves the monitoring of the performance of equipment, machines and tools and correct equipment problems. A manufacturing engineer analyses and solves problems using basic engineering principles leading to new or improved products. It also involves the application of project management methodologies to manage production and product design. Those that successfully complete the programme will be awarded a Level 7 Bachelor of Engineering degree from MTU.
Contact Information
Niall Morris
MTU Bishopstown Campus
T: +353 (0)21 4335798
MTU Bishopstown Campus
An engineering services manager will be capable of managing the performance of a wide range of
mechanical and electrical equipment and associated services in commercial/industrial scale facilities throughout the entire system life cycle. This will involve liaison with designers and consultants, contracting companies, installation/commissioning/maintenance personnel, statutory agencies and end-users.
Key elements include the planning of activities, the identification and management of resources required and performance optimisation given due consideration to technical, commercial and safety/environmental aspects. The Manager will be practised in the supervision of the work of others and in communication with the various stakeholders involved in new project installations and/or in the management of existing facilities.
This programme is designed as an add-on qualification for holders of the Level 6 Advanced Craft Certificate or equivalent.
Contact Information
Rachel O Farrell
MTU Bishopstown Campus
T: +353 (0)83 020 9930
National Sous Chef Apprenticeship
Combining academic study with on-the-job training to gain a professional qualification
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