Contact Aoife at aoifewalsh@ independent.ie Twitter: @edguidance
DURING Leaving Cert year there is an understandable focus on college, CAO and post-Leaving Cert courses, but not everyone wants to start their career path with the CAO. These students can often feel overlooked.
Thankfully, there has been a massive increase in the number of apprenticeship options available in recent years. These programmes allow participants to study, work and earn all at the same time.
There are many ways of gaining an apprentice role, including private companies and public bodies. Apprenticeships are now available in non-traditional areas such as accounting, finance and insurance, with a logistics apprenticeship due shortly. However, some excellent opportunities in more traditional areas are currently open for application.
Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann
Over the last number of years, Bus Éireann, Dublin Bus and Iarnród Éireann have all recruited apprentices. While Iarnród Éireann has not yet announced a 2018 competition, both Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann are currently recruiting. Educational requirements are standard and applicants will be required to present at least a Junior Cert in maths, English, Irish, science and two other subjects. Applicants must apply online by March 24.
ESB
Today is the final day to apply for places on the highly sought-after ESB apprenticeship. Applicants will be trained as electrical apprentices and the deadline for applications is 11.59 p.m. today. Applicants must hold at least a Junior Cert with Irish, English, maths, science and two other subjects. However, as competition is likely to be high, a strong Leaving Cert may be helpful. The application takes about 60 minutes to complete and will time out if left inactive for too long. Applicants will then be asked to take an online aptitude test. More information on esb.ie/careers.
Air Corps Technician
For those interested in a career in the military or working with aviation, the Air Corps is recruiting trainee aircraft technicians. After training, successful candidates will work to maintain and service aircraft, equipment and weapons. Training will be based in Casement Aerodrome and apprentices will receive a Level 7 Bachelor of Engineering in Military Aviation Technology from DIT. Applications should be submitted online on military.ie no later than May 25.
Aerospace
For those who do not wish to join the Defence Forces, Dublin Aerospace is also currently recruiting apprentice aircraft mechanics. Applications close on May 4. This programme trains apprentices to work hands-on with the electrical and mechanical engineering aspects of aircrafts. It leadstoaLevel6 qualification as well as an aircraft maintenance engineer’s licence. Applicants to be over 18 years of age on commencement.
GSK
The pharmaceutical multi-national is open for applications for engineering apprenticeships at its manufacturing plants in Cork, Dungarvan and Sligo. These offer four years on-the-job training, fully funded study towards nationally recognised qualifications, a salary and access to the company’s benefit scheme. A minimum of five Leaving Cert subjects, including maths and English, is required. Applications are being accepted until March 19 at http://ie.gsk.com/ie/ careers/apprenticeships/ engineeringapprenticeship.
Aoife Walsh is a guidance counsellor at Malahide Community School, Co Dublin