FAS educational requirements for apprenticeship:

Age: at least 16 years of age

Qualifications: at least grade D in five subjects in Junior Cert or equivalent or have satisfactorily completed a FAS pre-apprenticeship course

Eye test: must pass a colour vision test approved by FAS

Training: Seven alternating phases of training: on-the-job with an employer and off-the-job with FAS or a college. Duration: four years.

Numbers beginning electrical apprenticeships:

1996: 931 (924 male and seven female)

1997: 1,536 (1,524 male and 12 female)

1998: 1,757 (1,744 male and 13 female)

Figures supplied by FAS

Sample salaries:

First-year apprentices: £4,037

Second-year apprentices: £6,058

Third-year apprentices: £8,750

Fourth-year apprentices: £10,768

Rate of pay by the ESB as of November 1st, 1998