WITH apprenticeship backed by a 5-year government action plan and the addition of more and more new programmes helping to widen the offering, the spotlight is now firmly on the benefits of apprenticeship.
Whatever apprenticeship you’re considering, it could be a daunting experience deciding on what pathway is right for you and how you’re going to get there.
That’s where a Pre-Apprenticeship Routes programme from Limerick and Clare Further Education and Training Board could help. If you are interested in an apprenticeship in Construction or Engineering but lack the confidence, skills or contacts within these sectors, you’re not alone. Every year applicants wonder whether the apprenticeship they are interested in will be the right fit for them and how they can navigate their way to skilled employment within their chosen industry area. A Pre-Apprenticeship Routes programme can help to take the pressure off and give learners a unique insight into the area they are interested in before embarking on a full apprenticeship. Armed with the right support, you can take the time to develop your personal and teamwork skills while experiencing what working in your chosen career will look like with help from an expert team.
These fully-funded QQI-accredited Further Education and Training pathways are designed to help you unlock the route to your dream apprenticeship as you explore modules in Construction Studies, Introduction to Construction and Engineering, and Leaving Certificate subjects like Maths, English, Physics, Biology, Technical Graphics, Accounting and Business and Economics. Other benefits include help from an enthusiastic team who can use their knowledge and experience to help you to build a solid network of useful industry contacts. They can also provide a supportive environment with smaller more intimate classes and individual learning plans to suit your needs.
Having learners complete a Pre-Apprenticeship Route programme also appeals to employers who want to be matched with candidates who are both passionate and knowledgeable in the area they are seeking employment in. Employers in the Construction and Engineering sectors are particularly enthusiastic about hiring applicants who have already gained experience through a pre-apprenticeship route. Other benefits include gaining important insight into the challenges awaiting you in your chosen industry. Similar to apprenticeship, a Pre-Apprenticeship Route programme is delivered in a combination of on-the-job employer-based training and off-the-job training in a College of Further Education and Training campus.
These courses have also been designed to respond to existing employment opportunities and will provide you with an internationally-recognised qualification. This could be the perfect stepping stone to an apprenticeship and the opportunity to continue on to skilled employment in Construction and Engineering.
To qualify you will need to be at least 16 years of age and have completed a Level 4 Major Award, or hold an equivalent qualification. Course places are allocated based on a personal interview. To learn more, talk to on Pat 061 578 114 or email pat.mcinerney@lcetb.ie.
