ICT Apprenticeships

Hire a Tech Apprentice

In Ireland, over 12,000 jobs are currently available in the tech sector. 75% of these roles could be facilitated through apprenticeship programmes providing an additional talent pipeline of new entrants into the sector.

Tech Apprenticeships offer your company the opportunity to diversify your intake and reach untapped tech talent. As more and more companies see Tech Apprenticeships as the key to plugging the skills gap, why not join the long list of companies accessing talent via the apprenticeship route.

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ICT Apprenticeships

Hire a Tech Apprentice

In Ireland, over 12,000 jobs are currently available in the tech sector. 75% of these roles could be facilitated through apprenticeship programmes providing an additional talent pipeline of new entrants into the sector.

Tech Apprenticeships offer your company the opportunity to diversify your intake and reach untapped tech talent. As more and more companies see Tech Apprenticeships as the key to addressing the skills gap, why not join the long list of companies accessing talent via the apprenticeship route.

Please accept statistics, marketing cookies to watch this video.

What is the ICT Associate Apprenticeship programme?

FIT was appointed Coordinating Provider by the Apprenticeship Council for the delivery of three Technology Apprenticeship programmes placed at Level 6 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ).  Today the portfolio of Tech Apprenticeships includes the Software Development Associate, Computer Networking Associate and Cybersecurity Apprenticeship programmes, with plans to enhance the provision in response to Industry demands. The portfolio is being further enhanced with anticipated programmes in Cloud Computing, DevOps and Data Analytics.

Growing Ireland's tech sector
through skills development

The Tech Apprenticeship programme adopts a learning-by-doing format of ICT skills development, giving new meaning to the concept of ‘hire education’. Over a two-year period the Tech Apprenticeship programme combines off-the-job skills training with on-the-job application, and the culmination behaviour of a QQI level 6 Advanced Certificate award.

Projected growth of the programme

Participating Employers
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Tech Apprentices by 2025
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Three distinct career paths

The Tech Apprenticeship programme currently offers three distinct career paths, with more to follow. Upon successful completion of a programme the apprentice attains a QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Computer Networking, Software Development, or Cybersecurity as applicable.

Computer Networking

NFQ Level 6

Software Development

NFQ Level 6

Cybersecurity

NFQ Level 6

Benefits of the programme

Employers

Students learning on the job

Employer Testimonials

Apprentice Testimonials

Further information

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Training costs

Off-the-job training costs are entirely government funded. FIT manages all aspects of the programme and co-ordinates employer input.

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Career Progression

On successful completion of the programme, qualified apprentices have the potential to progress into full-time positions with their employers.

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Grants Available

FIT is an equal opportunities employer & welcomes people from diverse backgrounds. We are keen to support both employer and employee on their apprenticeship journey with information on grants available for successful applicants with a disability available. See our FAQ below for more information.

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Salary Guideline

For apprentices that have commenced a programme post 2023, FIT would recommend as a guideline that apprentices employed under a contract of employment would receive a payment no less than the value of €314 weekly in the first year and €408 weekly in year two.

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On-the-job learning

Participating companies employ the apprentice throughout their apprenticeship and facilitate the on-the-job application of learning.

Employer Supports

Employers will benefit from Mentor Training and discussions relating to apprentice’s progress with a member of the FIT team. FIT will also provide support & guidance when supporting apprentices who require reasonable accommodations.

“This programme brings increased diversity of experience and thinking and has enabled us to broaden our talent pool to shape the workforce we need to help clients succeed.”
Hilary O'Meara
MD, Accenture Ireland

Participating Employers

Employer FAQs

To date, the Tech Apprenticeship has been adopted by a wide varied of companies to help build & strengthen their tech teams. Large companies compose of 47% of employer participation to date, followed by SMEs at 39% and the Public Sector accounting for 14%. Employers value the apprenticeship model in developing & retaining top tech talent and see it as pivotal to their long-term staffing needs.

All of the off-the-job learning takes place in Education and Training Boards (ETBs) nationwide in the modalities of either in-person or through live webinar, while the on-the-job learning is carried in-company with the support of your sponsor employer.

Step 1

Express your interest by emailing the FIT Tech Apprenticeship Team at info@fit.ie or alternatively apply your expression of interest through the Solas website Solas – Tech Apprenticeship – Expression of Interest Application

Step 2

Meet a Tech Apprenticeship lead to get things underway

Step 3

Receive & Review pre-screened Apprentice CVs from the FIT Recruitment Team

Step 4

Interview Potential Candidates

Step 5

Select your Tech Apprentice*


*Please note that both company & apprentice must be registered with SOLAS before employment commences

The programme includes both on-the-job and off-the-job elements which enables the apprentice to develop both practically and academically. A full outline of the programme structure is outlined in the syllabus.

We encourage employers to host an apprentice induction a week or two prior to commencing the programme. There is also opportunity to engage further with apprentices on Friday’s (half day), and to meet with their mentor at least once a month.

Each programme is run over 24 months and taught module by module. Generally, for the first period apprentices will spend each week in full-time off-the-job training, with the appointed training provider. Start and end times can vary between different training centres.

Following the period of initial off-the-job training, apprentices then join the day-to-day activities of the workplace. For the remainder of the programme, apprentices complete a series of blocks of off-the-job training one day per week, which are detailed on the delivery schedule issued to employers.

NOTE: Apprentices are on-site for the same working hours as other company employees.

There is no obligation for either the company or the apprentice to continue employment with the company. However it is envisaged that most apprentices on completion of the programme would commence rewarding careers, enhancing the talent base within their sponsor companies.

As the Coordinating Provider, FIT recruits candidates across multiple channels, which include our stakeholder network, community organisations, schools and colleges that we support, events and expositions, and online recruitment. Selection requires candidates to participate in information sessions, complete related aptitude assessments and satisfy an interview process.

FIT is keen to support employers on their apprenticeship journey.

There are two main types of financial supports currently available for employers:

1.  Employer Grant – The Employer Grant was announced by Government as part of the Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021-2025. . Apprenticeship employers are eligible to receive a €2,000 grant annually for each registered apprentice, effective from 01 January 2022. This includes apprentices who were registered 2019-2021 and who continue in employment as of 01 January 2022. More details & how to apply >

2.  Gender Bursary –  The Gender bursary was implemented with effect from 01 January 2022 and eligible employers will receive a €2,666 bursary for each registered apprentice from the minority gender. It covers female tech apprentices in Cybersecurity and Computer Networking Associate programmes. More details & how to apply >

Additionally, a range of state grants and supports are available to help cover the cost of supporting somebody with a disability in recruitment and employment, providing awareness training to staff, and adapting your workplace. Information on these grants is available here:

https://employersforchange.ie/The-Reasonable-Accommodation-Fund

Yes, it is possible to find your own tech apprentice.

Thank you for your interest in taking on a Tech apprentice, please contact us here and a member of our Tech Apprenticeship team will contact you shortly to arrange the next steps to onboard your nominated Tech apprentice. Our Tech Apprenticeship team member will discuss all details and requirements with you and answer any questions you may have. We look forward to supporting your Tech apprenticeship onboarding process

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Close the future skills gap in your business

Hire a Tech Apprentice today.