Back to Careers » Full Career Details
|
Summary |
Details |
Print
Introduction
The Instrument Craftsperson carries out installation, maintenance and calibration of measuring instruments, sensors, transmitting and controlling devices and systems associated with the measurement, control and protection of physical quantities found in these industries. This enables products to be produced to specification, taking account of safety issues and the protection of the environment.
Work Activities
The work of instrumentation craftworkers involves the maintenance and repair of all instruments used in the measurement and control of process variables (e.g. in the chemical industry to measure and control the temperature, pressure and flow, as appropriate, in various points of the process). The work also involves the mechanical, electrical repair and calibration of indicators, controllers, recorders and transmitters.
Instrumentation craftspersons are employed in the following areas
- Installation of measurement and control equipment in pharmaceutical, food and other industries.
- Maintenance of the instrumentation equipment in these industries.
- Sales of instrumentation equipment
Personal Qualities and Skills
You need to be able to read, understand and analyse engineering drawings. Good number skills are important to make precise measurements and make calculations.
A practical approach to problem-solving is necessary. You need to work logically and plan your work.
Co-ordination and hand skills are important for using a wide range of machine tools, hand tools and other equipment.
Pay and Opportunities
This is a designated Apprenticeship profession. See http://www.fas.ie/en/Training/Apprenticeships/default.htm for information on FÁS training allowance paid to Apprentices while they are completing their off-the-job training.
Opportunities arise from time-to-time for promotion to supervisor level. Many persons use an apprenticeship as a first step in proceeding to such occupations as instructors, teachers, training advisers, managers and owners of businesses.
Where apprentices and craftspeople have the necessary ability, initiative and basic qualifications, opportunities are available for advancement. These include advanced technological and management courses which are available in Institutes of Technology, schools of management, professional institutes etc.
People anxious to advance themselves in their careers are advised to discover for themselves what opportunities are available.
Entry Routes and Training
The craft is designated for Apprenticeship Training and as such is governed by the Statutory Apprenticeship rules that have been made by FAS.
How to become an Apprentice:
- You must obtain a job as an apprentice in your chosen occupation.
- Your employer must be approved by FAS and must register you as an apprentice within two weeks of recruitment.
- Meet the minimum educational requirement as mentioned under Qualifications
Before seeking the apprenticeship you should:
- see the type of work being done in the occupation in which you are interested
- ask employers, qualified craftspersons or apprentices about the occupation and career opportunities available
- seek the advice of your parents or guardians and career guidance counsellors as appropriate
To get an apprenticeship you should:
- investigate apprentice job opportunities with local employers
- look for apprentice job advertisements in local and national newspapers as many large organisations advertise their apprentice vacancies
Women Apprentices
To promote the entry of women into the designated apprenticeships, FÁS offers a bursary to employers to encourage an increased level of recruitment of women apprentices.
Structure of Apprenticeship Training
The apprentice is required to follow a specific course of training and to undergo a series of assessments to confirm that the required standards have been reached
Training
Technical Training (Off-the-Job)
This form of training involves learning practical skills together with the theoretical elements including maths, science, technical drawing (where applicable) and personal development skills.
Apprentices will be required to pass a series of Modular Assessments (tests) throughout this training. These will consist of practical tests, short answer and/or multiple choice knowledge tests and coursework assessments. An examination fee is paid to Institutes during phase 4/6. Where attending off-the-job training necessitates living away from your residents. FAS will pay a contribution towards accommodation expenses.
Practical Training (On-the-Job)
This form of training is with the employer where the apprentice gets practical training and experience of doing the job. In addition to the skills and knowledge gained, the apprentice will develop competence, confidence and the ability to perform to industrial standards. The apprentice will be assessed on the ability to perform specified tasks to pre-set standards.
Structure of Apprenticeship Training
The apprentice is required to follow a specific course of training and to undergo a series of assessments to confirm that the required standards have been reached
The apprenticeship normally consists of seven phases of training both On-the-job with the employer and Off-the-job in a FAS Training Centre or Educational College. You may be scheduled to attend Off-the-job training in any FAS / Educational College in the country.
Apprenticeship Training Programme
Phase 1: With Employer
Induction Training
Introduction to Health & Safety Training
Introduction to Tools & Equipment
Introduction to Basic Skills
Phase 2: Delivered in FÁS Training Locations (24 weeks)
Course Content:
Induction
Basic Engineering
Electrical 1
Electronics 1
Measurements - Pressure
Measurements -Flow
Measurements - Level
Measurements - Temperature
Final Control Elements
Automatic Control
Related Theory
Phase 3: With Employer
Work Based Assessments
Phase 4: Delivered in Educational Colleges (11 weeks)
Course Content:
Electrical
Electronics 2
Measurements
Final Control Elements
Automatic Control
Related Theory
Phase 5: With Employer
Work Based Assessments
Phase 6: Delivered in Educational Colleges (11 weeks)
Course Content:
Digital Electronics
Measurements
Control Systems
Related Theory
Phase 7: With Employer
Work Based Assessments
Duration
The apprenticeship cycle is deemed to be complete when an apprentice has completed all of the alternating on-the-job and off-the-job phases of their apprenticeship. This is generally a minimum of four years in employment as an apprentice from the date of registration with a FÁS-approved employer, as well as achieving the qualifying standard throughout the apprenticeship. Successful completion of the apprenticeship is a compulsory requirement for the award of the Advanced Certificate in the named Craft. Delays in forwarding completed workplace assessment records can result in unnecessary delays for apprentices achieving their certification.
Qualifications
The minimum age at which the employment of an apprentice may commence is 16 years of age.
The minimum educational requirements are:
1. Grade D in five subjects in the Junior Certificate Examination or an approved equivalent,
or
The successful completion of an approved Pre-Apprenticeship course
or
Be over 18 years of age, have at least 3 years work experience approved by FÁS
2. You must obtain employment as an apprentice in your chosen occupation. Your employer must be approved by FÁS and must register you as an apprentice within 2 weeks of recruitment.
In certain crafts, apprenticeship applicants are required to pass a colour vision test approved by FÁS.
Adult Opportunities
Applicants who are over 18 years of age and have at least 3 years work experience approved by FÁS may gain access to an apprenticeship.
Further Information
Contact your local FÁS office for Career Guidance, planning and support that will help you make informed decisions about the best career direction for you
Further Reading
Jobs Ireland
FÁS Courses
Labour Market Information
Qualifax: Ireland’s National Learners’ Database
Back to top