As thousands of students across Ireland sit their Leaving Certificate exams, we are shining a light on alternative pathways into rewarding tech careers. FIT Tech Apprenticeships is one pathway that does not rely on high CAO points or traditional university routes.
Jack’s Story
Jack Yeates, from Kildare, recently shared his story with RTE News who found his future in tech through the Software Development Tech Apprenticeship programme.
Jack finished secondary school in 2020 unsure of what direction to take. Diagnosed with dyslexia as a child, he knew the academic route wasn’t for him. “I always knew I wasn’t going to be a big academic scholar,” he recalls. “But I still wanted to do my best and find a path that suited me.”
With a strong interest in hands-on subjects, Jack initially considered trades such as electrician or network site engineer. But after working in retail for a year post-Leaving Cert, he decided to explore a tech pathway.
Through the FIT Tech Apprenticeship programme, Jack secured a place in a two-year Software Development Apprenticeship, a practical, industry-led alternative to a traditional degree. He not only completed his apprenticeship in August last year, but also won the ICT Category at the Apprenticeship of the Year Awards in October 2024. Read more about his win here. He now works full-time as a Customer Centric Engineer at Salesforce.
Jack credits the FIT tech apprenticeship with giving him the skills and confidence to succeed. “The job role matched exactly what I had trained for. The apprenticeship gave me such a strong foundation.”
For those unsure about the CAO – there are more options out there. “One exam isn’t the be-all, end-all,” Jack says. “There are so many doors that can open, sometimes you just have to go look for them.”
Become a Tech Apprentice:
Applications are now open for candidates nationwide, with programmes starting in September and October 2025. These include Software Development, Cybersecurity, Computer Networking, and Data Analytics (subject to QQI validation in Autumn 2025).
There will also be an intake for the i-FIT programme, an all-female Software Development Apprenticeship, in October 2025 in Dublin. The i-FIT programme is an exciting two-year programme aimed at enabling women to attain tech skills and qualifications to commence a successful tech career.
In addition, the Cuimsiú programme continues to provide supports for neurodivergent and disabled participants, helping to remove barriers and promote inclusion across the tech sector.
Ready to kick start your career in tech this year? Apply for a Tech Apprenticeship programme here.
