Traineeship Information

Traineeships are programmes of structured training which combines learning in an education and training setting and in the workplace aiming to improve recruitment and employment outcomes for participants and increase retention and productivity within industry. Previously aimed at unemployed people, traineeships are now open to a wider range of participants, of all ages and background.

Key features of Traineeships in Ireland

They respond to an identified industry skills need
Lead to an award at NFQ Levels 4-6, or equivalent
Are between 6-20 months in duration
Have at least 30% of learning on-the-job
Combine transversal and technical skills development
Are designed for flexible delivery – online, blended learning
Provide open access to prospective trainees, unemployed people may be eligible for income support
Currently, there are over 30 traineeship programmes available around the country. This number will increase with the development of more traineeships across a range of industries and sectors.

The below list sets out the suite of current traineeship programmes.

• Aircraft Maintenance Technician
• Aircraft Structures Technician
• Engineering
• Laboratory Assistant
• IT Support Specialist
• Software Developer
• Digital Sales and Marketing
• IT Network Security
• Animation Studio Assistant

CARE & HOSPITALITY

• Early Childhood Care and Education
• Health Care Assistant
• Hospitality NFQ Level 4
• Hospitality NFQ Level 5
• Food and Beverage Service

CONSTRUCTION LOGISTICS

• Overhead Lines Operator
• Interior Systems
• Supply Chain Logistics
• Logistics and Distribution

BUSINESS RETAIL

• Office Administration
• Business Systems Service Technician
• Business Administration
• Medical Administration
• Legal Administration
• Retail Associate
• Pharmacy Sales Assistant
• Retail Skills Health and Beauty

SPORTS AND LEISURE FASHION AND BEAUTY

• Outdoor Activity Instructor
• Equestrian International Instructor (BHSAI)
• Sports, Recreation and Exercise
• Beauty Therapist

FINANCE

• Accounts Executive
• Financial Administration

Eligibility

Traineeships are free of charge to participants. Trainees may include school leavers, older learners, those in employment and those who are unemployed. The minimum age for participation on a Traineeship programme is the statutory school leaving age of 16 years.

People who are unemployed and wish, following engagement with their Intreo Case Officer, to access traineeship to up-skill for employment, may be eligible for a training allowance or income support.

Eligibility to participate in a traineeship includes unemployed people who are in receipt of the following payments:

• Jobseekers Benefit
• Jobseekers Payment
• One Parent Family payment
• Jobseeker’s Transitional Payment (JST)
• Disability Allowance

Eligible persons must also be resident in the state and hold a valid PPSN.
Those in receipt of one of the payments above are eligible to retain their payment while participating in a traineeship. Prospective participants who fulfil these criteria are referred by Department of Education and Social Protection (D/EASP) to an Education Training Board (ETB) and receive a training allowance for the duration of their training.

More Information

Intreo offices (www.welfare.ie), Local Employment Services (www.localemploymentservices.ie) and Education and Training Boards (www.etbi.ie) provide a guidance service locally and regionally to jobseekers and adult learners.