The Five Step Guide to Traineeship in Ireland
Practical information on traineeship and the steps involved in developing a new traineeship programme are outlined
in The Five-Step Guide to Traineeship in Ireland in Ireland provides practical information on traineeship
There are five main steps involved in developing a new traineeship, from identifying a skills need to assessing the outcomes of the programme.
Based on the experience of traineeship development over the past 10 years, it is estimated that development of a traineeship will in general take between 6-8 months.
A short video can be viewed on Developing a Traineeship in Five Steps
The first step in creation of a traineeship is to identify a skills need in a particular industry sector.
This skills need is identified in a range of ways. Groups representing particular industry sectors and employers are to the fore. National and regional
data and research on current and future skills shortages also contribute. Education and Training Boards (ETBs) play an essential role in engaging with industry to advise on what skills
development opportunities are already available and on how an innovative traineeship in a new area could be designed and delivered.
A traineeship may be developed within a region and/or may be shared more widely. Education and Training Boards Ireland (ETBI) and SOLAS will
support and help coordinate traineeship development, providing information on skills needs that have been identified regionally and nationally,
and helping to avoid any unnecessary duplication of programme development.
During the programme development stage the design and content of the programme are developed by education and training providers in consultation with industry partners.
The development timeline is agreed.
The design of the programme includes innovative approaches to integrate learning in the workplace as well as off-the-job, including use of technology for learning and assessment.
The content of the programme includes transversal as well as technical skills.
Each traineeship leads to an award at Levels 4-6 on the National Framework of Qualifications, or equivalent.
Traineeships can lead to an industry-recognised certification or an award by a body such as City & Guilds. The programme duration will be
between 6-20 months, with a minimum of 30% of learning in the workplace. Mechanisms to support and formally record on-the-job learning are developed.
A range of mechanisms are available to employers and education and training providers to promote traineeship opportunities and enrolments. Access and eligibility
information is clearly set out within The Five-Step Guide to Traineeship in Ireland and via www.traineeship.ie.
Education and Training Boards, ETBI, Regional Skills Fora and other key stakeholders will promote traineeship opportunities regionally and nationally.
Promotion will include specific information for particular groups. There is ongoing liaison with the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection
to support access to traineeship for unemployed people. Industry groups and employers will be encouraged to support existing and prospective employees enrolling on traineeship programmes.
Following enrolment, trainees will, in general, complete the majority of their programme with their local ETB. Employers and ETBs will work together to ensure
that participants successfully complete the work-based element of the programme. Education and Training Boards will support employers and trainees during their on-the-job
learning via scheduled visits and practical supports on work-based assessment. Employers may wish to avail of training for workplace coaches and mentors.
Following completion of their traineeship, it is intended that the majority of trainees will transition to employment. Some may also wish to continue
immediately with their learning and development. Outcomes which include completion and progression to employment or further study will be monitored
by ETBs and SOLAS via the national Programme Learning Support System (PLSS) database. This data will be supplemented by surveys and other feedback from employers and trainees.