Seeking instructors for new generation of apprentices
The National Apprenticeship Office is driving a campaign to recruit over 100 training and support staff across the country to work with the Education and Training Boards (ETBs) in the coming months.
An exciting national recruitment campaign is calling on qualified tradespeople looking to take the next step in their careers and shape the future generation of apprentices to consider a rewarding career as an Apprenticeship Instructor.
Launched by the National Apprenticeship Office, the campaign will see well over 100 training and support staff recruited across the country by the network of Education and Training Boards (ETBs) over the next six months.
It’s an exciting time to work in this sector, with over 27,000 apprentices currently training in Ireland across 70+ diverse Apprenticeship programmes, and 9200 employers currently training apprentices. The National Apprenticeship Office is leading transformation of the national apprenticeship system under the banner of Generation Apprenticeship, including new initiatives to support both employers and apprentices.
The recruitment campaign includes a variety of flexible full-time and part-time instructor positions within the ETBs, as training places for craft apprentices are increased across construction, electrical, engineering and the motor industry are on offer across the country.
It’s an incredibly fulfilling career path for tradespeople and a brilliant opportunity to share their expertise with upcoming talented apprentices of all ages and backgrounds.
Caroline Flanagan, Assistant Manager at the National Apprenticeship Office (NAO), says: “Sharing your skills with the next generation is a fantastic way of giving back. The reward that comes from teaching as an instructor is huge, particularly when apprenticeship instructors see the growth in apprentices and see their confidence grow throughout the programmes.”
Many instructors find the flexible work-life balance and steady instructor hours to be a real incentive, especially for those with young families.
“The hours are excellent at 35 hours per week with a half day on Fridays,” said Caroline. "Stephen Murphy recently took up a full-time electrical instructor position at Louth Meath ETB. Stephen used to manage a busy 6-day working week running his own company while managing family life before deciding to make the switch. Now, he has a great work-life balance. So many people like Stephen are looking for that balance. That’s one benefit of becoming an instructor.”
There are also a number of part-time instructor roles on offer nationwide for qualified tradespeople looking for the flexibility of working a couple of days a week.
"There are plenty of opportunities to come in and cover for instructors or to work-share with another instructor, perhaps a retiree.”
In addition to the work-life balance, Flanagan highlights the competitive salary, particularly for those with significant experience.
“Qualified tradespeople with a number of defined years of post-qualification experience can be eligible to receive incremental credit to reflect that experience, and can start on a salary in line with what they would be getting in Industry. Over-all it’s a very attractive package.”
A career change can feel like a big step at any stage in life, however, Flanagan reassures aspiring instructors that successful applicants will be fully supported by the ETBs as they begin work in the classroom.
“As part of the recruitment programme, a qualification in training and mentoring is offered, with onboarding provided by an experienced course instructor.”
Discover the many rewarding apprenticeship instructor opportunities on offer nationwide to shape future talent via the dedicated online portal on
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