This 1 year apprenticeship is operated in conjunction with SOLAS. The aim of this course is to equip apprentices with the practical skills and theoretical knowledge necessary to work to the highest standard in the carpentry/joinery trade. Carpenters and joiners are required to prepare, build and install a wide range of wood products including doors, windows, floors, walls, staircases and roof trusses. On completion of the full SOLAS Advanced Craft Certificate, opportunities are available for advancement.
DFEi has a strong tradition of training apprentices, having been involved in this area for over 60 years. DFEi is currently the only provider of Phase 4 and 6 Carpentry and Joinery Apprenticeship in Dublin. DFEi has a strong tradition in preparing apprentices for the Department of Education and Skills IrelandSkills competition as well as the WorldSkills competition. DFEi has an excellent history of training winners in these competitions.
Entry Requirements
One of the following:
- Grade D in five subjects in the Junior Certificate or an approved equivalent or
- The successful completion of an approved Pre–Apprenticeship course or
- Three years’ work experience gained over sixteen years of age in a relevant activity
The minimum age at which the employment of an apprentice may commence is 16 years of age
Course Modules
- Carpentry/Joinery Practical
- Carpentry/Joinery Theory
- Technical Drawing
- Mathematics
Certification
On successful completion of the apprenticeship (following completion of Phase 7, on-the-job training while working with an employer), an Advanced Craft Certificate – Carpentry and Joinery (Level 6 on the National Framework of Qualifications) is awarded. This is recognised nationally and internationally as the requirement for craftsperson status.
Progression Opportunities
On completion of the full SOLAS Advanced Craft Certificate, opportunities are available for advancement
- Apprentices are eligible to fill supervisory or technical positions in the construction industry
- Apprentices are eligible to apply through the CAO and/or the Higher Education Links Scheme to a range of higher certificate and degree programmes, at both Universities and Institutes of Technology.
Progression Examples
- BTech in Timber Product Technology (DT169) – Advanced entry into 2nd year
Dublin Institute of Technology - BSc in Furniture Design and Manufacture (GA981) – Advanced entry into 2nd Year
BSc in Furniture and Wood Technology (GA982) – Advanced entry into 2nd Year
Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology
How to Become an Apprentice
To become an apprentice and participate in the Apprenticeship Training Scheme, applicants must be registered with SOLAS
To become a registered apprentice, individuals must first find employment with a company. The company then registers the apprentice with SOLAS
As a registered apprentice, SOLAS allocates the apprentice to a college such as DFEi to complete Phases 4 and 6 of their training
Career Paths
Opportunities arise from time to time for promotion to supervisor level. Many apprentices use their apprenticeship qualification as a platform to launch careers such as managers, owners of businesses, teachers and instructors, amongst others.
- Duration : 1 year