You can claim a grant of €2000 for each of your apprentices this year and each year of their training. In order to claim the grant you must be registered as an approved employer and have registered apprentices with SOLAS, who are attending an apprenticeship programme. The Employer Grant was introduced as part of the national Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021-2025 by the newly established National Apprenticeship Office. Click on the link below for more information.

Apprenticeships have traditionally formed part of the education systems in other European countries, particularly Germany where learning acquired in the workplace is recognised and valued. International recognition of the value of combining workplace learning with academic learning is growing and is evidenced by the increase in apprenticeship programmes available. Apprenticeships are affordable for the individual learner as they are earning while they are learning and in most cases the tuition is funded under a government scheme.

Apprentices earn while they learn and build valuable work-ready skills in a chosen occupation allowing them to fit studying around their finances. Apprenticeships facilitate exciting and rewarding careers, with learning grounded in the practical experience of undertaking a real job. On successful completion of the apprenticeship programme most graduates are retained by their employer.

You have a workplace mentor who is an industry expert to guide you through the workplace learning experience, plus access to subject matter experts in the classroom. When you qualify, you have all the necessary real-world experience.

Your tuition is funded through the National Training Fund (NTF). The NTF was established by the National Training Fund Act 2000, and is resourced by a levy on employers. Its aims are to raise the skill level of those in employment, to give job seekers skills relevant for meeting the demands of the labour market, and to facilitate lifelong learning. It further aims to provide information in relation to the current and future skills needs of the economy.