When it comes to apprenticeships in Ireland, electrical programs lead the way, consistently ranking as the most popular choice among new apprentices. But did you know that 86% of electrical apprenticeships are in just one category, the standard Electrical apprenticeship you’re most familiar with?
That leaves only 14% spread across six other electrical disciplines, each offering unique and rewarding career opportunities.
So, what are the seven electrical apprenticeships?
- Aircraft Mechanic
- Electrical
- Electrical Instrumentation
- Electronic Security Systems
- Industrial Electrical Engineer
- Instrumentation
- Refrigeration & Air Conditioning
You might be wondering, “Why don’t more people choose the other six?” Maybe it’s because of the pay? Or because they’re less well-known? The answer is simple, many people just don’t know these options exist.
The result? A huge demand, and incredible opportunity, for those who choose to take a slightly different path. Opting for one of the lesser-known electrical apprenticeships could open the door to a well-paid, stable, and future-proof career, in industries that are crying out for skilled talent.
Let’s Break It Down
While the traditional Electrical apprenticeship is the most well-known, the six other categories each offer their own exciting opportunities, across industries like aviation, pharmaceuticals, data centres, and more. Here’s a closer look at what they involve:
1. Aircraft Mechanics
Aircraft mechanics work on the electrical systems of aircraft, ensuring everything operates safely and efficiently. They maintain and repair wiring, sensors, and instruments that keep planes’ flight ready.
Skills required: Electrical systems, troubleshooting, safety standards.
Career potential: High demand within the aviation industry, with opportunities in both commercial and private sectors.
2. Electrical Instrumentation
This role focuses on electrical systems that measure, control, and monitor processes across industries such as oil, gas, and manufacturing.
Skills required: Calibration, system troubleshooting, instrumentation technology.
Career potential: Growing demand in industries like pharmaceuticals, data centres’, and manufacturing, where precision and automation are key.
3. Electronic Security Systems
Specialists in this area install, maintain, and repair systems like alarms, CCTV, and access control, protecting people, property, and privacy.
Skills required: Electronic systems, fault-finding, installation techniques.
Career potential: Increasing demand as security technology expands across homes, businesses, and sensitive facilities.
4. Industrial Electrical Engineer
Industrial electrical engineers work on large-scale electrical systems in factories and industrial facilities, overseeing installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
Skills required: Industrial equipment, circuit design, high-voltage systems.
Career potential: Strong demand across the manufacturing and industrial sectors, with opportunities for advancement into supervisory or design roles.
5. Instrumentation
Instrumentation apprentices specialize in devices that monitor and control variables such as temperature, pressure, and flow, critical in sectors like power generation, chemical processing, and water treatment.
Skills required: Sensors, pressure control, calibration techniques.
Career potential: Key role in industries that require precise measurement and control, including chemicals, food processing, textiles, pharmaceuticals, power generation, and local authorities. These sectors rely heavily on instrumentation specialists to maintain efficiency, safety, and product quality.
6. Refrigeration & Air Conditioning
These apprentices work with electrical systems in cooling and climate control units across residential, commercial, and industrial settings. They install, maintain, and repair systems to ensure efficient performance.
Skills required: HVAC systems, troubleshooting, installation.
Career potential: Consistently high demand across all sectors.
Which Electrical Role is Right for You?
Now that you know the options, which electrical apprenticeship sparks your interest?
Whether you’re passionate about innovation, technology, or hands-on problem-solving, there’s a role that fits your skills and career goals.
Reach out to our team today, and we’ll help you find the perfect electrical apprenticeship to kick-start your future.
Stela Picicurov visiting our electricians on site in Tralee
Lauryn Egan
Marketing Department
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