Apprenticeship Training Programme

Phase 1: With Employer Induction Training The Craft of Introduction to Health & Safety Introduction to Tools & Equipment Introduction to Basic Skills Metal Fabrication

Phase 2: Delivered in Training Centre (22 weeks) Course Content: Plate and Pipe Fabrication Thermal Processes Structural Fabrication Fabrication Communications & Team leadership

Phase 3: With Employer Work Based Training and Assessments

Phase 4: Delivered in Educational Colleges (11 weeks) Course Content: Thermal Processes Plate and Pipe Fabrication Structural Fabrication Fabrication Drawing Communications & Team leadership

Phase 5: With Employer Work Based Training and Assessments For further information please contact your Phase 6: Delivered in Educational Colleges (11 weeks) local & Training Board Training Centre Course Content: or log onto www.apprenticeship.ie Thermal Processes Plate and Pipe Fabrication Structural Fabrication Fabrication Drawing Communications & Team leadership

Phase 7: With Employer Work Based Training and Assessments

You will be assessed throughout your apprenticeship by a range of assessment instruments. These include theory, practical and skills demonstration assessments.

The overall duration of this apprenticeship is a minimum of Ireland’s EU Structural and Investment Funds Programmes 4 years provided all phases are successfully completed. 2014 - 2020 On successful completion of the programme the learner is Co-funded by the Irish Government awarded a Level 6 Advanced Certificate Craft – Metal Fabrication. and the European Union

Ver 4 What is a Metal Fabricator? Aspects of work How to become an Apprentice n You must obtain employment as an apprentice in The Metal Fabricator’s work involves the installation and n Learning and developing new practical craft-related your chosen occupation. manufacture of a range of metallic systems to include skills, knowledge and competence pressure vessels, tank and boiler manufacture, structural n The employer must be approved to train apprentices. steel systems, plate steel systems and piping systems. n Working with and learning from experienced n The employer must register you as an apprentice Metal fabricators can shape steel components with Craftspersons within two weeks of recruitment. the aid of thermal cutting equipment and a range of n In certain crafts, apprenticeship applicants are n Seeing a job through from start to finish machinery used in bending, folding and cutting metal required to pass a colour vision test approved by plate and pipe components. n Comply with Health and Safety requirements SOLAS. Thermal processes such as MMA (Manual Metal Arc) n , TIG/TAG (Tungsten Inert Gas and Tungsten Using tools and operating machinery Active Gas) welding MIG/MAG (Metal Inert Gas and n Being responsible for controlling or adjusting equipment Entry Requirements Metal Active Gas welding and oxy acetylene welding The minimum age at which the employment of an and are skills used by the metal fabricator. n Demonstrate good analytical and troubleshooting skills apprentice may commence is 16 years of age. n Understanding technical drawings and diagrams Metal Fabricators require many skills including: The minimum educational requirements are: • Working with a variety of specialised hand n Being well organised and careful with practical tasks 1. Grade D in five subjects in the Department of Education & Skills Junior Certificate Examination or and power tools n Keeping up to date with changing technologies • Knowledge of a range of metal fabrication processes an approved equivalent, • Performing a range of welding processes n Being physically active or 2. The successful completion of an approved • Interpreting technical drawings and specifications n Taking responsibility for own learning, including the Pre-Apprenticeship course • Measuring, , cutting and welding mild allocation of study time or steel, , alloy steels and aluminium plate n Working in a noisy environment 3. Three years’ work experience gained over sixteen and pipe years of age in a relevant designated industrial n • Installation of systems Passing all your phase exams (theory, practicals activity as SOLAS shall deem acceptable skills demonstration) n Earning as you learn It should be noted that these are the current approved Personal Qualities and Skills minimum educational requirements for apprenticeship As a Metal Fabricator you will need to be physically programmes, however, previous experience of the active and to be able to work with your hands. An following subjects would be an advantage but not awareness of health and safety and good housekeeping essential: Metalwork, Physics, , Technology, is essential as well as attention to detail. Mathematics and Technical Drawing/Graphics.

The Metal Fabricator must have the ability to: Opportunities on Qualification • Plan and organise On successful completion of the apprenticeship • Communicate effectively programme, apprentices are qualified to work within the • Solve problems recognised trade or profession. • Work independently and as part of a team Where apprentices and craftspersons have the necessary • Show a positive attitude ability and initiative, opportunities are available for • Recognise the need for good customer relations advancement. • Demonstrate good work practices including time These include advanced technology courses and keeping, tidiness, responsibility, quality awareness management courses which are available in Institutes of and safety awareness Technology, Schools of Management and Professional Institutes. Many apprentices use their apprenticeship qualification as a platform to launch careers such as engineers, managers, owners of businesses, teachers and instructors amongst others.