Traineeship

What Is Traineeship?

Traineeships are short, structured training programmes which combine learning in an education and training setting as well as learning in the workplace in partnership with employers.

Traineeships are developed and delivered by the Education and Training Boards (ETBs) working in partnership with industry representatives and employers. A Traineeship can provide you with an opportunity to develop cutting edge skills and on-the-job knowledge, enhancing your career options and improving your employability.

Traineeships:

  • Are free to access and open to potential participants of all ages and backgrounds including school levers, older learners, and those in, or seeking employment.
  • Lead to an award at NFQ Levels 4-6, or equivalent.
  • Are between 6-20 months in duration.
  • Include at least 30% of learning on-the-job.
  • Combine transversal and technical skills development.
  • Are designed for flexible delivery – online, face-to-face, blended learning.
  • Provide open access to prospective trainees, unemployed people may be eligible for income support.
  • Respond to an identified industry skills need.

There are over 75 programmes available nationally in a range of industries with new Traineeships being developed on an ongoing basis by ETBs.

Further information on programmes available in your area can be obtained by clicking on the link for your local ETB or by visiting FETCHCourses.ie .

Am I eligible?

Traineeships are free to access and open to potential participants of all ages and backgrounds including school levers, older learners, and those in, or seeking employment.

How to apply?

You can browse courses and apply online via FETCHCourses.ie .

Further information on programmes available in your area can also be obtained by contacting your local ETB.

Find your local ETB

Guidance Services

A range of guidance services are available for those interested in participating in a Traineeship programme:

Supports

For those currently unemployed, training allowance or income support may be available.

In line with the Pathways to Work 2016-2020 strategy, the Comprehensive Framework for Employment of People with Disabilities and the Action Plan on Jobless Households, eligibility to participate in a Traineeship programme includes people who are in receipt of any of the following payments:

  • Jobseekers Benefit
  • Jobseekers Payment
  • One Parent Family payment
  • Jobseeker’s Transitional Payment (JST)
  • Disability Allowance

Eligible persons must also be resident in the state and hold a valid PPSN.

Those in receipt of one of the payments above are eligible to retain their payment while participating in a traineeship. Prospective participants who fulfil these criteria are referred by Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection (DEASP) to an Education & Training Board (ETB) and receive a training allowance for the duration of their training.

You may also be eligible for a training allowance during the duration of the programme. Contact your local Education & Training Board (ETB) for more information.

For Employers?

Traineeships are developed and delivered by your local Education and Training Board (ETB) who work in partnership with industry representatives and employers to identify skills gaps and future skills needs in the local workforce.

Traineeships can give employers access to a pipeline of learners who are developing cutting edge skills and gaining on-the-job experience in relevant sectors. By tailoring courses to meet local needs, traineeships can improve employment outcomes for the trainees and increase retention and productivity for employers.

Becoming a Partner Employer

As a partner employer, you can work with ETBs by helping shape future Traineeship courses by identifying skills needs and contributing to the design and content of the programme. Partner employers also provide programme placements to trainees who will gain a minimum of 30% on-the-job experience during the traineeship.

If you’d like to find out more about becoming a partner employer with your local ETB, contact the Further Education and Training Director at your local ETB to get involved as a partner employer or find your nearest Regional Skills Fora.

Five steps to developing a new Traineeship

There are five steps to developing a new traineeship, from identifying a skills need to assess the outcomes of the programme. This process can take between six to eight months.

Further information is available in ‘The Five-Step Guide to Traineeship in Ireland’.