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Apprenticeship Apprenticeship SOLAS has statutory responsibility under the Industrial Training Act 1967 for the Administration and Management of the Apprenticeship Programme. Apprenticeship is a standard based Education and Training Programme. During your apprenticeship you will be required to follow a specific course of Training and undergo a series of Assessments to confirm that you have reached the required Industry Standard. Craft Occupations - Apprenticeship applies to the following crafts: • Agricultural Mechanics • Aircraft Mechanics Automation & Maintenance Fitting • Motor Mechanics • Brick & Stone laying • Painting & Decorating • Carpentry & Joinery • Plastering • Construction Plant • Plumbing Fitting • Electrical • Print Media • Electrical Instrumentation • Refrigeration & Air Conditioning • Electronic Securit y Systems • Sheet Metalworking • Farriery • Floor & Wall Tiling • Heavy Vehicle Mechanics • Industrial Insulation • Instrumentation • Metal Fabrication • Mechanical 28 • Toolmaking • Vehicle Body Repairs • Wood Manufacturing & Finishing • Pipe fitting • Stone cutting and Stone masonry Entry Requirements The minimum age at which the employment of an apprentice may commence is 16 years of age. The minimum educational requirements are: 1. 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 Three years’ work experience gained over sixteen years of age in a relevant designated industrial activity as SOLAS shall deem acceptable. 2. You must obtain employment as an apprentice in your chosen occupation. Your employer must be approved to train apprentices and must register you as an apprentice within 2 weeks of recruitment. In certain crafts, apprenticeship applicants are required to pass a colour vision test approved by SOLAS. Kildare Region Contact Breda Reilly, Senior Training Advisor, Kildare and Wicklow Education and Training Board. Level 5, Áras Chill Dara, Devoy Park, Naas, Co. Kildare Tel: 086 8850109 Email: bredareilly@kwetb.ie Wicklow Region Contact Ann McLoughlin, Senior Training Advisor Kildare and Wicklow Education and Training Board Arklow Further Education and Training Centre Fernhill Plaza, Wexford Road, Arklow, Co. Wicklow Tel: 087 6406020 Email: annmcloughlin@kwetb.ie