Reference year 2016
Understanding of apprenticeships in the national context
The Review of Apprenticeship Training in Ireland (2013)[1] defines apprenticeship as follows:
“Apprenticeship is a programme of structured education and training which formally combines and alternates learning in the work place with learning in an education or training centre (a dual system, i.e. a blended combination of on-the-job employer-based training and off-the-job training), whose completion:
- prepares the participant for a specific occupation; and
- leads to a qualification nationally recognised under the National Framework of Qualifications at any level from Level 5 upwards.
Every apprentice should be employed under an approved Contract of Apprenticeship for the duration of the training. Apprenticeship training should be substantial in depth and duration, and the apprentice should be employed in a real job. For a programme to be classified as an apprenticeship at entry level, it should have a duration of no less than two years. The structure of the programme should provide for more than 50% workplace-based learning.
Traditionally craft Apprenticeships in Ireland have been limited to 26 designated occupations[1] and are subject to statutory obligations of the Industry Training Act 1967 (discussed below).
Following an evaluation process undertaken by the Apprenticeship Council – actively involving social partners, further education bodies and the Department of Education and Skills – 25 new industry-led apprenticeships are in development to meet the needs of the labour market. It is expected that they will range in duration from two to four years, and will be offered at Levels 4 to 7 on the European Qualifications Framework (ISCED 3-7).
Apprenticeships are regulated by the following Acts:
- 1967 Industrial Training Act[1];
- 1987 Labour Services Act[2];
- SI 168/1997 Labour Services Act 1987 – Apprenticeship Rules.[3]
An “Apprenticeship Bill” is currently going through the legislative iter.[4]
The law applies to all apprenticeships.
The apprenticeship system in Ireland is currently under reform (2013 - 2016).
Historically, apprenticeships in Ireland were part of a medieval guild system. Training given apprentices, was delivered on the job and under the Agriculture and Technical Instruction (Ireland) Act 1898. In 1926 the government established a Commission on Technical Training and the work of this Commission culminated in the passing of two acts, The Vocational Education Act 1930 and The Apprenticeship Act 1931. The Vocational Education Act 1930 (2) and The Apprenticeship Act 1931[1].
In summary, apprenticeships were first regulated in the first half of the 20th century through two acts:
- The Vocational Education Act 1930; and
- The Apprenticeship Act 1931.