Apprenticeship ยท Level 6 ยท Business

Business and Operations

A two-year apprenticeship building general business and operations skills in a real workplace. It suits people who like teamwork, problem solving and keeping things running smoothly.

How apprenticeships work: you are hired by an approved employer and paid while you learn, mixing work with blocks of training in a college or training centre. You don't apply through the CAO and you don't need CAO points.

Key facts

How long
2 years
Award
NFQ Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Business and Operations
Where you train
  • National programme (no specific colleges listed); managed by Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim ETB
Pay
You earn a salary from your employer while training on and off the job. The rate is agreed with your employer.
Costs
Fully funded by the Government. No registration fees and learning resources are provided.

Entry requirements

  • You must be hired by an employer approved by SOLAS
  • Contact the National Programme Manager to check eligibility criteria before applying

How to apply

You must be hired by an approved employer. Search the Apprenticeship Jobs page, then contact the National Programme Manager to discuss eligibility and sign up for an online apprentice briefing.

Official page on apprenticeship.ie โ†—

What you'll learn

  • Using business concepts in real workplace decisions
  • Management tools to improve efficiency
  • Digital tools and industry trends, including sustainability
  • Clear, professional communication
  • Ethical, legal and environmental impact of business

Where it can lead

  • Operations Coordinator
  • Project Coordinator
  • Junior Business Analyst
  • Supply Chain Coordinator
  • Customer Service Specialist, HR Coordinator or Junior Compliance Officer

Useful Leaving Cert subjects

Business, Accounting, Economics

These help with the content of the programme; they are not entry requirements unless listed above.

Tertiary degrees in Business and Information

Not sure which route suits you?

Our CAO Interest Test matches you to course areas, and now shows apprenticeships and tertiary degrees in your strongest areas too.

Take the CAO Interest Test โ†’ Try the free 3-minute test

Information from apprenticeship.ie, checked November 2026. Details can change, so always confirm on the official page before applying.