Plumber Apprentice

Plumbers install, maintain and repair systems of water supply, drainage and central heating in houses and other locations. These systems include hot and cold-water systems, sanitary services, heating systems, and pipework and controls for gas supply. The work includes central heating systems and their controls, pipework, sanitary systems, drainage systems, guttering and rainwater systems. Maintenance and repair work includes routine servicing and emergency repairs, which involves finding faults, replacing or repairing damaged parts, carrying out tests and ensuring that the system works properly. Plumbers work on such technologies as gas fired and oil-fired heating systems, under-floor heating, solar, geothermal and biomass heating. Plumbers work in a variety of locations including houses, industrial and commercial buildings.

Plumbers require many skills including:

•       Working with technical specifications and drawings

•       Ability to use a variety of hand and power tools including wrenches, spanners, saws, cutters, welding equipment and pipe threading machines.

•       Cutting, bending, joining and fixing materials such as lead, copper, aluminium, plastic and iron.

•       Installation of central heating systems and their controls and pipework, sanitary systems,

•       Drainage systems, guttering and rainwater systems.

•       Testing systems to ensure they are working efficiently and safely.

•       Maintenance and repair work including routine servicing and emergency repairs

Aspects of work:

·       Learning and developing new practical craft-related skills, knowledge and competence

·       Working with and learning from experienced Crafts persons

·       Seeing a job through from start to finish

·       Comply with Health and Safety requirements

·       Working with technical drawings and diagrams n Using tools or machinery to shape metal

·       Being accurate with numbers in counting, measuring and arithmetic

·       Being well organised and careful with practical tasks

·       Working at heights

·       Lifting or carrying heavy items

·       Taking responsibility for own learning, including the allocation of study time n Flexible working arrangements as emergency work may be involved

·       Being physically active

·       Passing all your phase exams (theory, practical skills demonstration)

·       Bending, kneeling and working in cramped and awkward spaces

·       Earning as you learn.

About this Apprenticeship programme:

This is a 4-year programme consisting of seven phases, four on-the-job and three off-the-job in a training facility.

Phases 1, 3, 5 and 7 take place with the employer, Phases 2, 4, and 6 take place off-the-job. Apprentices will complete two of their three phases of off-the-job training in a higher education institution in one of several locations throughout the country, depending on apprentice place on waitlist and next available class location. Consequently, the duration of each phase will vary accordingly.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE POST

1.     Character

Candidates shall be of good character.

2.     Health:

Each candidate must be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service. Selected candidates may be required to undergo an initial medical examination, and any further medical examinations required during his/her employment as an Apprentice Plumber with a qualified medical practitioner to be nominated by the Local Authority.

Candidates for Plumbing Crafts will be required to pass a colour vision test prior to any appointment

3.      Citizenship:

Candidates must, by the date of any job offer, be:

                 i.          A citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA). The EEA consists of the Member States of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway; or

               ii.          A citizen of the United Kingdom (UK); or

              iii.          A citizen of Switzerland pursuant to the agreement between the EU and Switzerland on the free movement of persons; or

              iv.          A non-EEA citizen who is a spouse or child of an EEA or UK or Swiss citizen and has a stamp 4 visa; or

               v.          A person awarded international protection under the International Protection Act 2015 or any family member entitled to remain in the State as a result of family reunification and has a stamp 4 visa  or

              vi.          A non-EEA citizen who is a parent of a dependent child who is a citizen of, and resident in, an EEA member state or the UK or Switzerland and has a stamp 4 visa

4.     Plumber Apprenticeship Entry Requirements:

Each candidate must, on the latest date for receipt of completed application forms for this Apprenticeship:

(a)             be at least 16 years of age

and

(b)             have a minimum of Grade D in 5 subjects in the Department of Education & Skills Junior Certificate Examination or an approved equivalent

or

(c)              Satisfactorily completed an approved Pre-Apprenticeship course

or

(d)             Candidates must have at least 3 years relevant work experience gained over sixteen years of age in a relevant designated industrial activity as SOLAS shall deem acceptable.

*Prior to appointment, successful applicants may be required to provide evidence demonstrating proficiency in English.

It should be noted that above are the current approved minimum educational requirements for apprenticeship programmes, however, previous experience of the following subjects would be an advantage but not essential: Mathematics, Technical Drawing/Graphics, Metalwork, Construction Studies, Engineering, Physica and Technology.

*Non-Irish Qualifications must be accompanied by a determination from Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) to establish their comparability against the Irish National Framework of Qualifications, overseas qualifications must also be accompanied by a translation document.

5.     Desirable Criteria

It is desirable that candidates should have the following:

·       A current full driving licence (Class B) valid in Ireland, free from disqualification and medical limitations.

·       A valid Safe Pass Registration card.

As a Plumber you will need to be physically active and to be able to work with your hands. An awareness of health and safety and good housekeeping is essential.

Candidates must also have the following Personal Qualities and Skills:

• Ability to Plan and organise

• Communicate effectively
• Solve Problems
• Work independently and as part of a team
• Show a positive attitude
• Demonstrate good work practices including time keeping, tidiness, responsibility, quality awareness and safety awareness
• A good knowledge of Health & Safety

Candidates, if successful, will not be appointed to the position of Apprentice Plumber unless they:

• agree to undertake the duties attached to the post and accept the conditions under which the duties are, or may be required to be, performed;
• are fully competent and available to undertake, and fully capable of undertaking, the duties attached to the position.

Galway City Council reserves the right to, at any time, assign an employee to any premises in use by the Council now or in the future.

Each candidate must include on the application form details of all qualifications obtained by them and must submit same with the application form. The invitation to attend for Interview is not to be regarded as an admission that you possess the prescribed qualifications and/or requirements for this post or are you qualified by law to hold the post. Documentary proof will be required before appointment where you claim credit for particular qualification/s, experience, etc.

Remuneration

Starting salary for new entrants to Galway City Council is €477.91 per fortnight (during on-the-job phases with Galway City Council.

(Phases 1, 3, 5 & 7 with Galway City Council: Circular EL 07-2025)

1st year –   €477.91 per fortnight  (30% of the minimum of Craftworker Rate)

2nd year – €716.86 per fortnight (45% of the minimum of Craftworker Rate)

3rd year – €1,035.47 per fortnight (65% of the minimum of Craftworker Rate)

4TH year – €1,274.43 per fortnight (80% of the minimum of Craftworker Rate)

While attending the off the job training phase of your apprenticeship, you will be paid a training allowance by SOLAS i.e. Phases 2, 4, & 6. You will not be paid by Galway City Council during these phases.

Probation:

(a)        there shall be a period after such appointments take effect during which such persons shall hold the position on probation,

(b)        such period shall be 12 months but, the Chief Executive may at his or her discretion extend such period,

(c)        such persons shall cease to hold the position at end of the period of probation unless during such period, the Chief Executive has certified that the service of such persons is satisfactory.

Hours of Attendance:

While attending the on-the-job phases with Galway City Council (Phases 1,3,5,& 7) the person appointed will be required to work a 39-hour week. The successful candidate will be required to log their hours of work in accordance with the requirements of the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997 and will be required to co-operate with the use of technologies to record such hours.

Annual Leave:

The current annual leave entitlement is 8% of hours worked. Galway City Council’s holiday year runs from 1st January to 31st December. Granting of annual leave, payment for annual leave and arrangements for public holidays will be governed by the provisions of the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1977 (as amended).

Residence:

Holder of the post shall reside in the district in which their duties are to be performed or within a reasonable distance thereof.

Outside Employment:

The Apprentice may not engage in private practice or be connected with any outside business which would interfere with the performance of official duties.

Driving Licence:

While not an essential requirement for the position, it would be desirable that candidates hold a full valid Irish driving licence.

Garda Vetting:

The successful applicant may be required to undergo Garda Vetting prior to appointment.

Superannuation Contribution:

Persons who become pensionable officers of a local authority, who are liable to pay the Class A rate of PRSI contribution will be required in respect of their superannuation to contribute to the rate of 1.5% of their pensionable remuneration plus 3.5% of net pensionable remuneration (i.e. pensionable remuneration less twice the annual rate of the State Pension Contributory), while being paid by Galway City Council.

Persons who become pensionable officers of a local authority who are liable to pay the Class D rate of PRSI contribution will be required, in respect of their superannuation, to contribute to the local authority at the rate of 5% of their pensionable remuneration.

Widows & Orphans/ Spouses & Children’s Scheme

All persons who become pensionable officers of a local Authority are required, in respect of the Local Government (Spouses and Children’s Contributory Pension) Scheme, 1986, to contribute to the local authority at the rate of 1.5% of net pensionable remuneration (i.e. pensionable remuneration less twice the annual rate of State Pension contributory) in accordance with the terms of the Scheme, while being paid by Galway City Council.

New Entrants From 1st January 2013 – Single Public Services Pension Scheme

FOR NEW ENTRANTS recruited on or after 1st January 2013 as well as former public servants returning to the public service after a break of more than 26 weeks. The Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012 applies to your employment. Members of this Scheme are required in respect of superannuation to contribute at the rate of 3% of pensionable remuneration plus 3.5% of net pensionable remuneration (i.e. pensionable remuneration less twice the annual rate of State Pension contributory) and you are liable to pay the Class A rate of PRSI contribution.

Retirement Age:

Retirement age will be determined on previous Public Sector Service (if any) and will be advised on appointment.

Former Public Service Employees

Eligibility to compete may be affected where applicants were formerly employed by the Irish Public Service and previously availed of an Irish Public Service Scheme including:

·       Incentivised Scheme for Early Retirement (ISER)

·       Department of Health and Children Circular (7/2010)

·       Collective Agreement: Redundancy Payments to Public Servants

Applicants should ensure that they are not precluded from re-engagement in the Irish Public Service under the terms of such Schemes.  This is a non-exhaustive list, and any queries should be directed to the applicant’s former Irish Public Service Employer in the first instance. 

Declaration

Applicants will be required to declare whether they have previously availed of a public service scheme of incentivised early retirement and/or the collective agreement outlined above. Applicants will also be required to declare any entitlements to a Public Service pension benefit (in payment or preserved) from any other Public Service employment and/or where they have received a payment-in-lieu in respect of service in any Public Service employment.

Offer of Apprenticeship

Galway City Council shall require persons to whom an apprenticeship is offered to take up such appointment within a period of not more than one month from the date on which the offer is made. If they fail to take up the appointment within such period, or such longer period as the Council in its absolute discretion may determine, the Council shall not appoint them.

All appointments are subject to receipt of satisfactory references and candidates may be required to produce documentary evidence of qualifications or experience claimed in their applications

FORMAT OF THE COMPETITION

Applications must be made on the official application forms, and both sections must be completed in full. When completing the application form accuracy is essential. The information you supply in the application form will play a central part of the short-listing process. Galway City Council’s decision to include you on the shortlist of candidates going forward to stage two of the process may be determined based on this information.

Where, by reason of the number of persons seeking admission to the competition and the standard of knowledge, training or experience in general of such persons, Galway City Council consider that it would be reasonable not to admit all the persons to the competition, Galway City Council may admit to the competition only persons who appear likely to them to attain in the competition a standard sufficient for selection and recommendation for appointment.

The admission of a person to a competition, or invitation to attend an interview, is not to be taken as implying that Galway City Council are satisfied that such person fulfils the requirements of the Regulations or is not disqualified by law from holding the position and does not carry a guarantee that your application will receive further consideration. It is important therefore, for you to note the onus is on you to ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements for the competition before attending for interview. If you do not meet these essential entry requirements but nevertheless attend for interview you will be putting yourself to unnecessary expense, as Galway City Council will not be responsible for refunding any expenses incurred.

The competition may consist of a two-stage process:

1.     Short-listing (Desktop and/or Interview)

2.     Competitive interview

Galway City Council may at their discretion require candidates to attend a preliminary interview in which case admission to the competitive interview would be conditional on candidates reaching such a standard as Galway City Council considered appropriate in the preliminary interview.

Interviews shall be conducted by Board(s) set up by Galway City Council. The Board(s) will assess the merits of candidates (except insofar as they are assessed otherwise) in respect of matters referred to in the prescribed Qualifications and any other relevant matters.

Before being recommended for appointment candidates shall satisfy Galway City Council that they possess the requisite knowledge and ability (including a high standard of suitability and where administrative experience is a requirement, that the candidate possess experience at an appropriate level) for the proper discharge of the duties of the position. Galway City Council may, at their discretion, select and recommend another person(s) for appointment on the results of this competition if the person recommended for appointment does not accept the appointment or, having accepted it, relinquishes it or if an additional vacancy arises.

The onus is on all applicants to make themselves available for the obligatory test(s) on the date(s) specified by Galway City Council and to make whatever arrangements are necessary to ensure that they receive communications sent to them at the address specified on their application form.

Galway City Council reserves the right to conduct interviews (Shortlisting and/or Final Interviews) through a virtual platform i.e. Microsoft Teams.

Galway City Council will not be responsible for any expense, including travelling expenses, candidates may occur in connection with their candidature.

Closing Date:

The completed application form must be posted/delivered so as to reach the Human Resources Department, Galway City Council, City Hall, College Road, Galway, not later than 2.00pm Thursday 4 December 2025. Claims that any application form or letter relating to it has been lost or delayed in the post will not be considered unless a Post Office Certificate of posting is produced in support of such claims. The responsibility to make contact with An Post regarding any delays rests with the applicant.

Deeming of Candidates to be Withdrawn:

Candidates who do not attend for interview or other test when and where required by Galway City Council, or who do not, when requested, furnish such evidence as Galway City Council require in regard to any matter relevant to their candidature, will have no further claim to consideration.

Appeals:

Galway City Council will consider appeals in relation to eligibility and shortlisting decisions. Such appeals must be made by candidates in writing within 5 working days of notification of the relevant decision. On receipt of appeal, the selection decisions will be re-visited, and the candidate will be informed of the outcome of this review.

Data Protection Acts 2014 and General Data Protection Regulation:

When your application form is received, we create a computer record in your name, which contains much of the personal information you have supplied. Should your name come under consideration for a post, a manual file will then be created. The personal records are used solely in processing your candidature. Such information held on computer is subject to the rights and obligations set out in the General Data Protection Regulations.

Sharing Information:Outside of the relevant recruitment team, the information provided in your application form (i.e. Section 1 & Section 2) will only be shared for progressing the competition for which you have applied for, with a designated short‐listing and/or interview board.

Confidentiality:

Subject to the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, 2014; applications will be treated in strict confidence.