Army Apprentices
Who we want
Technicians provide the maintenance and servicing of Defence Forces weapons and equipment. The Defence Forces is looking for young, enthusiastic and technically minded individuals who are looking for the opportunity not just to learn a new trade but also practice it in challenging situations. Apprentices undergo technical training at a 3rd level institute as well as in the Defence Forces for 4 years. Defence Forces apprenticeships qualify under the FAS guidelines.
The Trade Union organisations have agreed that personnel trained and qualified under the Military Apprenticeship schemes may be accepted as qualified tradespersons and, on return to civilian life, may be admitted as members of the appropriate Trade Unions.The Army has two Apprenticeship Schemes
Heavy Vehicle Mechanic in the Transport and Cavalry Corps
The purpose of the Transport and Cavalry Corps Apprenticeship schemes is to provide military trades persons for the Corps. The schemes offer successful candidates the opportunity of becoming an efficient and disciplined member of the Transport or Cavalry Corps as well as the opportunity to pursue the trade for which he/she is selected. The system of training is of the highest standard and should ensure the attainment of the highest qualifications. The Apprenticeship courses in the Transport and Vehicle Maintenance School comply with FÁS Standards Based Apprenticeship Schemes and a National Craft Certificate will be awarded to each Apprentice on successful completion of his or her Apprenticeship.
An apprenticeship consists of seven phases of the FÁS standards based apprenticeship programme and is conducted over a four (4) year period. An Apprentice must achieve the required standard in each phase. Phase 1 is induction to the Defence Forces and consists of military training and introduction to the Transport or Cavalry Corps. Phases 2, 4 and 6 consist of off the job training and are conducted in selected FAS Training Centres and IT Colleges. Phases 3, 5 and 7 consist of on-the-job training which puts into practice in workshops the theory learned in phases 2, 4 and 6. On completion of his/her Apprenticeship, the newly qualified Heavy Vehicle Mechanic will be required to fill technical vacancies in the Transport or Cavalry Corps to maintain, service and repair the full range of military vehicles at home and overseas. Heavy Vehicle Mechanics will also be required to drive the full range of vehicles at home and overseas, necessitating qualification for the required driving permits and the equivalent civilian category licences. All qualifications are formal and fully recognised outside the Defence Forces.
Fitter Armourer Apprenticeship in the Ordnance Corps
The Ordnance Corps is the Corps of the Defence Forces responsible for the procurement, maintenance, repair and final disposal of all weapons, armament, optical instruments including electro optical instruments such as night vision equipment, ammunition, explosives and all equipment used by the soldier in the field such as helmets, field cookers, and respirators.
The Armourer in the Ordnance Corps is the technician who is responsible for the inspection, maintenance and repair of Infantry Battalion Weapons. These include Rifles, Machine Guns, Pistols, and Recoilless weapons, Heavy Machine Guns, Mortars and associated equipments. A career as an Armourer is very satisfying for those with technical aptitude. The Armourer is to the military what the gunsmith is to the civilian – a fitter who is dedicated to firearms maintenance and safety.
An apprenticeship consists of seven phases of the FÁS standards based apprenticeship programme and is conducted over a four (4) year period. An Apprentice must achieve the required standard in each phase. Phase 1 is induction to the Defence Forces and consists of military training and introduction to the Ordnance Corps. Phases 2, 4 and 6 consist of off the job training and are conducted in selected FAS Training Centres and IT Colleges. Phases 3, 5 and 7 consist of on-the-job training which puts into practice in workshops the theory learned in phases 2, 4 and 6. Apprentices may, at any time, be assigned to further technical training courses in military or civilian establishments in Ireland or abroad. In connection with such additional training, an Apprentice will be required to subscribe to an undertaking or undertakings that in the event of his/her leaving the Defence Forces within a specified time of completing such training he/she will be required to refund the cost of the training to the Minister for Defence. On completion of his/her Apprenticeship, the newly qualified Fitter Armourer will be required to fill technical vacancies in the Ordnance Corps in relation to the Trade of Fitting. He/She will also be required to maintain, service and repair the full range of Ordnance equipment at home and overseas. All qualifications are formal and fully recognised outside the Defence Forces.
Qualifications
At the time of application, a candidate must have obtained specific minimum grades in ordinary or higher level in at least 5 subjects in one sitting of the Junior Certificate. Find out if you have the Qualifications to apply for a career as an Aircraft Mechanic in the Air Corps.
Induction
Apprentices are taken in to the Defence Forces as required. The only way to apply for the Apprentice competition is when it is advertised in the national press and on our website. The Induction Process will challenge you but then so will the career that awaits you.
Career Progression
Troops in the field depend on their vehicles and equipment in order to complete their mission. Meet the men and women who keep vehicles on the road and weapons serviceable as they reflect on Life as an Army Technician.
Pay
Phone, car, mortgage… Everyone has bills to pay. Have a look at the Pay Scales for Apprentices and qualified Mechanics and Armourers.
