Apprenticeship · Level 6 · Electrical

Instrumentation

A four-year craft apprenticeship maintaining and calibrating instruments that measure and control industrial processes. It suits people who like maths, physics and chemistry and are accurate with measurements.

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

4 years (7 phases: 4 on-the-job, 3 off-the-job)

Award

QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate Craft – Instrumentation

Where you train

National training centres and colleges (ETBs, TUs)

Pay

Employer pays a salary on the job. The ETB pays a training allowance during off-the-job phases, and may help with travel or accommodation.

Costs

Student contribution of €1,000 for Phase 4 and €1,000 for Phase 6.

Entry requirements

You must be hired by an employer approved by SOLAS
You must pass the Ishihara Colour Vision Test (24 Plate Edition)
Good English is needed. Shown by Junior Cycle, Leaving Cert or LCA English, an NFQ Level 3 award with Communications, or an approved English test such as IELTS 4.0-5.0 or CEFR B1
Check full eligibility in the apprenticeship brochure or with your local ETB

How to apply

You must be hired by an approved employer. Search the Apprenticeship Jobs page or ask your local ETB about employers hiring.

Official page on apprenticeship.ie ↗

What you'll learn

Installing and calibrating process measurement equipment
Safety shut-down systems in the process industry
Analytical instruments, weighing, vibration monitoring and SCADA
Keeping accurate calibration records
Electricity, electronics and maths

Where it can lead

Instrumentation craftsperson in chemicals, food, textiles, pharma, power generation or local authorities
Progress to engineer, manager, business owner, teacher or instructor