Electrician Apprenticeship After School?

kierancos

I'm doing the Leaving Cert this year, and after a lot of thought, I've decided that I want to do an electrician apprenticeship as I don't think I want to go to college for four years, and any of the courses I have any interest in, such as computers applications, require too much points. So anyway, I'm here to ask where do I start to look for an apprenticeship, or is there any chance of getting one these days? Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

doolox

As far as I know an electrical apprenticeship is very difficult to get into without having close contacts in the industry.

I worked for 30 yrs in the electronics industry and the pathways into electrical entailed a very high standard of Maths, well beyond pass maths in the LC.

Most of the people who got on well in the industry had a very meticulous nature and almost fanatical attention to detail, electricity can cause fires and kill people so bosses don't want chancers around. Similar to gas fitters etc..

Many I met were stumped by smaller companies going broke and leaving them stuck in the middle of a 4-yr apprenticeship and having to start back at yr 1, if they could get an alternative placement. Many cited the need to have extra Technical Qualifications and degrees to get any real money in the industry. A deep knowledge of technical graphics packages is also essential in current practice.

I would say that a persistent personality and ability to handle detail and no errors and obercome setbacks is essential in the industry.

WildRosie

OP, you don't need a very high standard of maths to be an electrician, LC pass maths is just fine. In fact, my brother failed LC maths and had no problem qualifying or working as an electrician or getting a place on an engineering degree (although he did struggle with the maths there).

The part you will find hardest is getting an employer to take you on, in my opinion. You must be persistent and use whatever contacts you have, family, friends, neighbours, teachers, GAA club etc. Start with FAS and see if they have anything on offer. Get a list of electrical contractors in your area (see the reci website) and approach them all. Consider getting yourself a safe pass to show interest, see if you can get some work experience with a contractor. You never know what this might lead to, it's much harder to say no to a person standing in front of you than it is an email or piece of paper.

When my brother was doing his apprenticeship, he found it very difficult getting to and from work without a car. He could be working anywhere in the city and it was hard relying on public transport for a 7.30am start, not to mention lugging his tool box with him. He got a car in second year and it was much easier. Just something to consider.

If computers interest you also but the points are too high, would you consider the FETAC route? i.e. do a plc for a year and apply for a degree using that? It isn't guaranteed but it might be more accessible for you than relying on LC points.

Good luck with your search. There are opportunities out there, you just have to look hard for them. I know of a few qualified sparks getting jobs in the last few months so there does seem to be some green shoots appearing.

Pac1Man

doolox wrote: »

....

I worked for 30 yrs in the electronics industry and the pathways into electrical entailed a very high standard of Maths, well beyond pass maths in the LC.....

....Most of the people who got on well in the industry had a very meticulous nature and almost fanatical attention to detail, electricity can cause fires and kill people so bosses don't want chancers around. Similar to gas fitters etc..
Many I met were stumped by smaller companies going broke and leaving them stuck in the middle of a 4-yr apprenticeship and having to start back at yr 1, if they could get an alternative placement. Many cited the need to have extra Technical Qualifications and degrees to get any real money in the industry. A deep knowledge of technical graphics packages is also essential in current practice.

Are you sure you are thinking of electrical here and not something else? You definitely do not need maths greater than pass LC. Many companies only require a JC.

Secondly, if you get let go by a company during your apprenticeship you definitely do not need to start again from scratch!! Your apprenticeship is simply put on hold until you find another company.

A 'deep knowledge of technical graphics packages' is also not required to become a sparks. Depending on how far you want to progress within the industry, it may be a factor but it is not something you should be worrying about if you're just about to begin.

OP, the best thing to do is keep an eye on the FAS Jobseeker section as it is a popular place for companies to place adverts for apprentices. All you do is apply for the position the same as you would with any other job and the company will (should) take care of the rest regarding registration etc.

If you do decide to go down this route, my advice would be to find an area within the industry that you like and use the trade as a stepping stone to advance yourself further. Also, if you do find a company to employ you, keep your hands out of your pockets and always ask questions if you are unsure. Bring a small notepad with you to take notes as it will be hard to remember everything to begin with.

Good luck!

micks

good luck in your search - there are apprenticeships out there but obviously not a matter of just getting one straight away
If i was you I'd aim for the bigger contractors - they will be taking on apprentices from time to time
3 of them are
http://www.irishjobs.ie/Recruiters/Imtech-Suir-Engineering-6072.aspx

http://www.irishjobs.ie/Recruiters/Mercury-Engineering-1070.aspx

http://www.irishjobs.ie/Recruiters/Dornan-Engineering-Ltd-2376.aspx

If you get in with one of these it would prob solve transport problems as you'd more likely be in one spot for long periods making arranging transport/car pool etc a bit easier

You're doing the leaving cert so you've time to work on it
as said try get work experience - get a list of electrical contractor in your area, contact electrical wholesalers in your area they may know of contractors that are busy or need an apprentice, they may also allow you put up an ad looking for work experience. Again as said do safe pass. Contact Fas again to express an interest in acquiring an apprenticeship and also ask about any course they may have to help.

If you get an apprenticeship dont worry you dont start again if unfortunate to lose that apprenticeship you can continue elsewhere and quite often companies are looking for apprentices mid apprenticeship
http://ie.indeed.com/jobs?q=apprentice%2Belectrician&filter=0

http://ie.indeed.com/jobs?q=apprentice&l=

Look at factories/production facilities an apprenticeship in a maintenance environment is a better option although rare

Intel is one to keep an eye on there is prob two years minimum construction there I think Mercury (link above) are there so an apprenticeship there would possibly see you on the one site for the duration of it

good luck and dont give up

kierancos

Doolox, are you sure you are talking about an electrician apprenticship? I think your talking about Electronic Engineering, which does require a very high standard maths, and also I dont think a technical graphics is needed for what i want to do, as Pac1Man said. Thanks WildRosie for the advice, I'll have a look at the RECI website! Thanks Pac1Man I've been looking at the FAS website there, but not really sure what to look for, but I'll figure it out! Do you think it's a good idea to try and get an apprenticeship, or should I just try my very best to get into college? Thanks for all the advice!

WildRosie

micks wrote: »

Look at factories/production facilities an apprenticeship in a maintenance environment is a better option although rare

Very true. Look at the pharma companies especially. Someone said to me that Pfizer were looking for apprentices a few months ago. Maintenance is meant to be a great area to work in.

WildRosie

kierancos wrote: »

Do you think it's a good idea to try and get an apprenticeship, or should I just try my very best to get into college? Thanks for all the advice!

At this stage, there's no reason why you can't go for both, to keep your options open. Work hard and get the best LC you can (it'll never hold you back, no matter what you decide to do), apply for college, plc places and also hunt for apprenticeships. You never know, you could end up with both options open to you next summer and you can make your final decision then.

Pac1Man

kierancos wrote: »

Thanks Pac1Man I've been looking at the FAS website there, but not really sure what to look for, but I'll figure it out! Do you think it's a good idea to try and get an apprenticeship, or should I just try my very best to get into college? Thanks for all the advice!

Here is a link to a typical advert: Click

Then you simply just apply for the job as per the instructions on the webpage. If you get an interview, don't worry about a lack of experience as they will expect you to have none. Just try and convince them that you are committed and willing to learn etc. etc.

I wouldn't like to predict what you should do though. Too much responsibility for me to handle! What I would say is, forget about apprenticeships for now as they are advertised all year round. Put your heart and soul into the leaving cert as it's only for a few months and fill out the CAO with courses which you feel you would like. When the results come out and the offers come in, you will know then which route to take.

Don't be surprised if your mind changes a thousand times in the meantime though!

robertxxx

Remember that the hourly rate of pay is gone, due to poxy builders in courts etc etc.. Some cowboy contractors can pay minimum rate. €8.70??? Per hour.