A Toolmaker is a skilled worker who produces and maintains precision tools used in the production of the metal, plastic and other materials of all shapes and sizes. The work of a toolmaker involves interpreting drawings and technical data to machine and assemble jigs, fixtures, moulding tools, dies and punches. Care and attention to detail and high precision are the hallmark of toolmaking.
In Dublin Aerospace, it includes activities such as dismantling, overhauling and assembly of Landing Gear, Auxiliary Power Units (APU) and their components.
After successful completion of this Apprenticeship the apprentice will receive a QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate Craft - Toolmaking from SOLAS.
PERSONAL QUALITIES REQUIRED TO BE A TOOLMAKING APPRENTICE
Enjoy working with your hands
Enjoy being physically active on your feet
Enjoy being part of a Team
Enjoy learning how machines function
Enjoy learning new knowledge and craft related skills.
Taking responsibility for your own learning, including the allocation of study time.
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN AS AN TOOLMAKING APPRENTICE
Practical skills and theoretical knowledge
Principles of operating Machines while working in a workshop environment
How to control and adjust equipment
Understanding Instructional manuals including technical drawings and diagrams
How to apply physics and mathematical principles
How to work with control systems
How to ensure accuracy and attention to detail in all aspects of work
How to keeping accurate records & reports
DURATION AND STRUCTURE OF APPRENTICESHIP
The Toolmaking Apprenticeship program is a minimum of 4 years.
It consists of 7 phases:
3 Off-the-Job Phases with the Education & Training Boards (ETB)/ Solas/Institute of Technology (approx. 40 weeks in total)
4 On-the-Job Phases with Dublin Aerospace
Successful completion is achieved when all the required theory and practical tests have been passed to the required standard set by Solas.
HOW DO I BECOME AN APPRENTICE?
To become an apprentice in Ireland you must be hired by an employer. Apprenticeship employers are formally approved by SOLAS in advance of employing apprentices. Apprentices get a formal contract of employment as part of their apprenticeship
DO I PAY ANYTHING?
Apprentices complete two of their three phases of off-the-job training in a higher education institution. A student contribution must be paid for this part of the training.
The amount of the student contribution is a proportion of the annual student contribution paid by students who are attending a full-time course in higher education. The student contribution is paid directly to the higher education institution.
The student contribution for this apprenticeship is €1,000 for Phase 4 and €1,000 for Phase 6 – this is paid by the employer.
NEXT STEP IN RECRUITMENT PROCESS?
Candidates who successfully qualify in the Aptitude & Manual Dexterity Tests, will be sent an invite to interview.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Candidates must:
Educational Qualifications
Candidates must have obtained the following minimum educational qualifications:
Grade C/Merit or higher at Ordinary Level (or Grade D/Achieved or higher at Higher Level) in the Junior Certificate (or equivalent) in one sitting in the following subjects:
1. English
2. Mathematics
3. Science*
4. Any other 2 subjects
* If you have not obtained the required grade in Science, Grade C/Merit or higher in any one of the following subjects is acceptable:
Technology, Technical Graphics, Materials Technology (Wood) or Metalwork.
OR
Grade D/O6 or higher at Ordinary Level in the Leaving Certificate (or equivalent) in one sitting in the following subjects:
1. English
2. Mathematics
3. Science Subject *
4. Any other 2 subjects
*Agricultural Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Physics and Chemistry, Applied Mathematics
If you have not obtained the required grade in any of the above Science subjects, the following is acceptable at Leaving Certificate Level:
Construction Studies, Design and Communication, Graphics, Engineering, Technical Drawing and Technology