Apprenticeships
Apprenticeship is a programme of education and training which combines learning in the workplace with learning in a training centre or educational college. Apprenticeship provides the opportunity for learning acquired off-the-job to be applied and further developed under supervision in the workplace.
Apprentices are employed by a SOLAS-approved employer for the duration of the programme which is generally between two and four years. At least half of apprenticeship programmes are based in the workplace. For more information on apprenticeships, contact the apprenticeship section in your local Education and Training Board (ETB).
Traineeships
Traineeships are developed and delivered by your local Education and Training Board which works in partnership with industry representatives and employers to identify skills gaps and future skills needs in the local workforce.
Traineeships give employers access to a pool of learners who are developing 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 of staff and productivity for employers.
Skills to Advance
Skills to Advance is a national programme to upskill and reskill employees in jobs undergoing change and those employed in vulnerable sectors.
Working closely with small and medium-sized enterprises, Skills to Advance helps employers to identify skills needs and invest in their workforce by providing subsidised education and training to staff.
Skillnet Ireland
Skillnet Ireland is a business support agency of the Government of Ireland. It aims to advance the competitiveness, productivity and innovation of Irish businesses through workforce training and development.
Skillnet supports employers in both the private and commercial semi-state sectors.
Local Enterprise Office
Your Local Enterprise Office can give you advice, information and support in starting or developing your business. The Local Enterprise Office is for people interested in starting a new business as well as those already in business such as entrepreneurs, early-stage promoters, start-ups and small businesses looking to expand in Ireland.
Springboard+
The Springboard+ programme offers free courses at certificate, degree and masters level leading to qualifications in areas where there are employment opportunities in the economy. Most of the courses are part-time and last for up to a year. They are open to people who are employed, unemployed and those returning to the workforce.
Springboard+ courses provide job-readiness training and most offer the opportunity for work placement, project-based learning and industry site visits.
The Right Course
Minister for Further and Higher Education Simon Harris TD launched a new online portal for people seeking to upskill or retrain.
The online portal – gov.ie/therightcourse - is a one stop shop for businesses, employees or unemployed persons and outlines the third level options available to them.
This can be a short part-time course, a course for an individual in employment or an option to return to third level.
The one-stop shop outlines the further education and training places and the courses in higher education on offer, and information for those on a social welfare payment.
Business owners are also encouraged to explore the range of upskilling options available from Skillnet Ireland including enterprise-led business supports, targeted upskilling opportunities for employees in businesses, free online training programmes and virtual job placements
Log onto gov.ie/therightcourse for further details.
Training by Sector
On the Training by Sector page you will find information on some of the current training on offer by sector. Select a sector to view accredited and non-accredited training within that sector. When you select a sector, a PDF document will open in a new window where you can view further details of courses on offer. When you find the course you are interested in you can click the link to bring you straight to that training course.
