Electrical Apprentice Phase 4 and Phase 6 Exams: Updates and Support Measures for Apprentices

SOLAS/15.07.2026

SOLAS is aware of concerns raised regarding the high failure rate of apprentices in recent Phase 4 and Phase 6 electrical theory assessments. Ministers Harkin and Lawless have been actively engaging with SOLAS, the relevant higher education institutions, and other stakeholders to assess the issues raised. Throughout these discussions, ensuring fairness, maintaining the integrity of the assessment process and supporting the welfare of apprentices have been the priority.

As part of quality improvement processes, new assessments were introduced for phases 4 and 6 of the electrical apprenticeship in term 3, 2026. These assessments have been developed and quality assured through established academic processes and are designed to assess the required learning outcomes. While the Phase 4 and Phase 6 theory papers were aligned to the course curriculum, we are examining if changes in question style and format without samples of new format examination papers may have had an impact on assessment preparation for some apprentices.

In response SOLAS is taking the following steps:

  • SOLAS is commissioning an independent review of Phase 4 and Phase 6 theory assessment papers and the related marking schemes and model answers to inform next steps.  The aim is to have this concluded by the end of July.   

  • SOLAS will also work with higher education institutions to provide additional supports to apprentices to prepare them for repeat examination opportunities in September, supported by additional revision measures.  No exam fees will be incurred by apprentices for this repeat exam. SOLAS will be in contact with impacted apprentices with further details on the arrangements on or before Friday 24th July 2026.

  • SOLAS have setup a hotline for Electrical Apprentices who have any query regarding their exam results. Apprentices can contact SOLAS either by emailing  apprenticeship@solas.ie or by phoning 1800 794 487.

We would like to assure any apprentices impacted that SOLAS and the Higher Education Institutes are fully committed to supporting and working with them to progress their apprenticeship.