Apprentice numbers by trade as of October 20 last: Bricklayer: 535 Carpenter/joiner: 1,468 Electrician: 2,160 Plaster: 250 Plumber: 955 Painter/decorator: 249 Numbers supplied by FAS
Minimum entry requirements: Age: At least 16 at the start of the apprenticeship
Education: Minimum of grade D in five subjects in the Junior Certificate (or approved equivalent) or satisfactorily complete a FAS preapprenticeship course. Bricklayers should also be of good physique and have a head for heights. Painter/ decorators and electricians must pass a colour vision test approved by FAS
Standards-based apprenticeship:
The apprenticeship has seven alternating phases - three offthe-job and four on-the-job. Successful completion of a standards-based apprenticeship leads to a national crafts certificate.
CIF predictions
Standards-based apprenticeship 1997/98 target intake: bricklayer 250; plasterer 200; painter/decorator 150; floor and wall tiler 24; carpenter/joiner 850; cabinet maker 150; wood machinist 48; plumber 420; metal fabricator 250; sheetmetal worker 85; construction plant fitter 80; electrician 1172.
