Welcome to the Department of Construction Skills
The Department is based in the Bolton Street campus and is located in Linen Hall and Beresford Street. Programmes are offered at Higher Certificate level, continuing professional development and in the apprenticeship areas. The Department is responsible for the delivery of a wide range of apprenticeship programmes including Phase 4 and Phase 6 in: Carpentry, Wood Machining, Brickwork, Plastering, Painting and Decorating, Plumbing/Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning. (For additional information see the courses section of the web)
What's a Standards-Based Apprenticeship?
A Standards-Based Apprenticeship means you undertake structured training in the skills and knowledge of your chosen trade, and undergo specific tests and assessments to ensure that preset standards of ability and competences are attained.
To help you attain these standards, the apprenticeship provides phases of on-the-job training with your employer and in FAS Training Centres or Educational Colleges.
On successful completion of the apprenticeship, you will receive a FETAC Higher Certificate (recognised nationally and internationally) which will allow you to follow a craftsperson's career in your chosen occupation, or gain access to further training/education and career progression.
What Does Apprenticeship mean?
Apprenticeship is a method by which a person works for an employer in a chosen occupation and learns the necessary skills, knowledge and attitudes to become a qualified craftsperson.
Who runs the Apprenticeship Scheme?
Apprenticeship is governed by the statuatory Rules of Apprenticeship in the designated occupations and FAS is responsible for organising, controlling and monitoring all aspects of apprentice training.
How long does the Apprenticeship take?
The current duration of apprenticeship is four years, providing that all the Phases of training are successfully completed within that period.
What trades does the Standards-Based Apprenticeship apply to?
The Standards-Based Apprenticeship applies to the following trades:
| Agricultural Mechanic* | Aircraft Mechanic* | Bookbinder* |
| Bricklayer | Cabinet Maker | Carpenter/Joiner |
| Carton Maker* | Construction Plant Fitter* | Electrician* |
| Fitter* | Floor/Wall Tiler* | Originator* |
| Painter/Decorator* | Motor Mechanic* | Plasterer |
| Plumber | Heavy Vehicle Mechanic* | Printer* |
| Metal Fabricator* | Sheet Metal Worker | Toolmaker |
| Instrumentation | Refrigeration and Air Conditioning | |
| Vehicle Body Repair* | Wood Machinist |
* A person wishing to become an apprentice in one of the above trades marked * must pass a colour-vision test approved by FAS.
Successful completion of the Standards-Based Apprenticeship is a compulsory requirement for the award of the National Craft Certificate in the trades listed above.
How does the Standards-Based Apprenticeship operate?
During your apprenticeship you will be required to follow a specific course of training and undergo a series of assessments to confirm that you've reached the required standards.
Apprenticeship consists of seven phases of training, both on-the-job with employer and off-the-job with a FAS Training Centre or Educational College.
Note: Every effort is made to provide off-the-job training in or near the apprentice's normal base. However, where the apprentice has to attend off-the-job training elsewhere, subsidies for any necessary travel and/or accommodation will be provided.
Phase 1 (on-the-job): is an introduction to apprenticeship, safety, the world of work and an introduction to the basic skills of the occupation.
Phase 2, 4 and 6 (off-the-job): gives the apprentice full-time skills training and related education, and also provides time for putting skills into practice. The duration of the off-the-job phases will generally be forty weeks, divided approximately as follows:
- Phase 2 - 20 weeks
- Phase 4 - 10/11 weeks
- Phase 6 - 10/11 weeks
Phases 3, 5 and 7 (on-the-job): entail the practice and further development of the skills learned in the off-the-job phases.
How will you be assessed?
You will be assessed at a number of stages throughout the apprenticeship.
During on-the-job phases your competence will be assessed in terms of your skill, knowledge and attitudes in performing specific tasks to the required standards under working conditions. Each task must be carried out successfully. Repeat attempts can be undertaken in agreement with the supervisor.
Two repeat attempts will be permitted and failure at the final attempt will result in termination of the apprenticeship.
Further Progression
Advanced level programmes are also offered in: Site Management, Building Technology, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, Quantities/Estimating, Oil Fired Technology, Wood Turning, Plumbing and Mechanical Services.
Amongst the highlights in the calendar of the apprenticeship area each year are the National Skills Competitions. Normally DIT hosts some 12 finals annually for different trade specialisations on behalf of the Department of Education and Science and the candidates are likely to include representatives from other centres as well as from DIT. The overall winner is eligible to receive a silver medal as well as special consideration for selection for the national team which represents Ireland in the International WorldSkills Competition. These prestigious competitions are normally held every second year in different parts of the world and Irish apprentices have performed very well in them to date showing that the standards of craftsmanship of the skilled Irish workforce are on a par with those in the more advanced industrial countries.
The Department normally hosts the Final Stages Competition for the following:
- Carpentry
- Joinery
- Plumbing
- Painting and Decorating
- Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
- Brickwork
Acting Head of Department: Mr. John Smartt (+353 1 4024025)
Assistant Heads:
Peter Murphy: 353 1 402 4078
Martin Sneyd: 353 1402 4057
Donal Keys: 353 1402 4016
INDUSTRY PROGRAMMES
Safe Pass Health & Safety Awareness Training
Description A one day safety awareness training programme aimed at all people involved in construction, to ensure that they have a basic knowledge of health and safety
Duration One day programme Attendance One day
Contact Jane Cullen, School Administrator, Tel: 01 402 4014
Bachelor of Technology - (B.Tech). Ordinary Degree in Construction Site Management
Description This programme of study leads to a Level 7 DIT Award. It is primarily intended for senior apprentices and craftspersons seeking a qualification to prepare them for supervisory positions in the construction industry
Duration Three years
Attendance One day and one evening per week
Further details - view online
Contact Peter Murphy, Tel: 01 402 4078 or Jane Cullen, School Administrator, Tel: 01 402 4014
Plumbing and Mechanical Services
Description This part time courses is intended for craftspersons involved in the Plumbing/Mechanical Services industries. Its purpose is to enhance and develop existing skills and to provide, within a Modular framework, a sound understand ing of the technology and techniques, employed in today's Plumbing/ Mechanical Services industry. The main emphasis will be on system design and plant selection, management, employment and communication techniques and has been designed to compliment the experiences obtained in employment
Duration Two years
Attendance Two evenings per week
Contact John Smartt, Tel: 01 402 4025
General Refrigeration
Duration 3 per annum
Attendance 4 days
Contact John Smartt, Tel: 01 402 4025
Communications in Construction.
This programme is delivered to construction apprentices only
Duration 10 weeks (Stage 1) 10 weeks (Stage 2)
Attendance 20 hours
Contact Dr Pat McCormack, t: 01 402 3700
QA 28 February 2000, 5 ECTS credits
Decorative Plasterwork
Description To provide the participants with the necessary knowledge and skills to produce and fix decorative plasterwork to various dimensions and designs
Duration 28 weeks
Attendance 1 evening per week for 3 hours
Contact Martin Sneyd, Tel: 01 402 4057
Signwork (Parts 1 and 2)
Description This course is designed to give painting and decorating craft persons and persons involved in the sign industry opportunities to improve their skills and knowledge in the preparation of sign work
Duration 28 weeks per part
Attendance 2 evenings per week - 5 hours
Contact Martin Sneyd, Tel: 01 402 4057
Woodcutting Machining
Description This course is designed to give students an appreciation and understanding of woodcutting machines to the standard of Junior Trade, Dept of Education & Science
Duration 28 weeks
Attendance 2 evenings per week, Mon/Wed 7-10pm
Contact Peter Murphy, Tel: 01 402 4078
Woodturning
Description To give students and craftspersons hands-on experience on the use of the lathe
Duration 10 weeks
Attendance 3 hours per week, Mon 7-10pm
Contact Peter Murphy, Tel: 01 402 4022
Domestic Oil Fired
Description This course is designed to meet the needs of those pursing a career at technician level in the oil fired industry
Duration 10 weeks
Attendance 1 evening or day per week
Contact John Smartt, Tel: 01 402 4025
Advanced Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
Description To give students an opportunity to appreciate the techniques involved in refrigeration and air conditioning
Duration 28 weeks
Attendance 1 evening per week
Contact John Smartt, Tel: 01 402 4017
All applications should be addressed to:
The School Administrator
School of Construction
Dublin Institute of Technology
Linenhall
Yarnhall Street
Dublin 1
Phone: 353 1 4024014/ 4024018 / 4024015 / 4023972
