Apprentices are primarily employees for the duration of their apprenticeship and all of the 67 available apprenticeships are undertaken under a contract of employment. Apprenticeship programmes incorporate a minimum of 50% on-the-job training combined with off-the-job training. This is delivered in a number of different ways according to the apprenticeship programme. Training format ranges from remote or online learning to one day per week in an education institution or periods of off-the-job training (typically from 10-20 weeks) in an ETB, Institute of Technology, or Technological University.
Any apprentice can apply, individually, for an International Student Identity Card (ISIC). The apprentice requires a confirmation from their campus/centre, that they are a registered FET learner when applying. Further details of the application process can be found at www.isic.ie. The International Student Identity Card is valid for 12 months from date of issue. ISIC have no specific information regarding apprentices on their website but are hoping to have in the near future as this is a regular question.
Students attending technical universities for Phases 4 and 6 of their apprenticeship receive a student card at registration, which is valid for the duration of the academic year.