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.

Generation Apprenticeship logo
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.

Generation Apprenticeship logo

What is the ICT Associate Apprenticeship programme?

The ICT Associate Apprenticeship is the new national Tech Apprenticeship Programme responding to Ireland’s buoyant IT sector demand for more talent.

FIT was appointed Coordinating Provider by the Apprenticeship Council for the delivery of Technology Apprenticeships at Level 6 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ).

Since commencing in 2018, there are currently apprenticeship programmes in Software Development, Network Engineering & Cybersecurity, which are being availed of nationally by 250+ enterprises, employing over 450 Tech Apprentices. The portfolio is being further enhanced with programmes in Cloud Computing, DevOps and Data Analytics and it is envisaged that the level of industry take-up will exceed 5,000 Tech Apprentices in 2025.

Growing Ireland's tech sector
through skills development

This National 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 culminates in the attainment of a QQI Level 6 Award as part of the national apprenticeship programme.

Projected growth of the programme

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Participating Employers
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Tech Apprentices by 2025

Three distinct career paths

The Tech Apprenticeship programme currently offers 3 distinct career paths, with more to follow. Upon successful completion of the programme apprentices attain an QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Network Engineering (Computer Networking), or Software Development (Computer Programming), or Cybersecurity.
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Network Engineering

NFQ Level 6

ICT Associate Apprenticeship badge

Software Development

NFQ Level 6

ICT Associate Apprenticeship badge

Cybersecurity

NFQ Level 6

Benefits of the programme

Employers

Apprentices

The Tech Apprenticeship combines intensive tutor-led learning with on-the-job experience delivering relevant tech skills that enhance business development.

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 & 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

Apprentices employed under contract receive payment to the value of €260 - €290 weekly in the first year and €340 - €385 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.

“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 while the on-the-job learning takes place in sponsor company.

Step 1

Express your interest by emailing info@fit.ie

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. The first six months will see the apprentice engage in a deep-dive of off-the-job learning period. The subsequent twelve months will involve 3-days on-the-job and two days in college. The final six months your apprentice will fulfill 4 days on-the-job and one day in college.

Yes! We organise an employer breakfast morning to showcase the state-of-the-art training facilities and to bring everyone together before going on-site. We also encourage apprentices to visit their employers for induction, health and safety training and any internal training that may be required during that period.

Apprentices are on-site Wed, Thurs & Fri from month 7.

Apprentices are on-site Tues, Wed, Thurs & Fri from month 18.

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 apprentices across multiple channels which include our stakeholder network, community organisations, colleges 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 an equal opportunities employer & welcomes people from diverse backgrounds. We are keen to support both employer & employee on their apprenticeship journey with information on grants available for successful applicants with a disability available here:

•  The Workplace Equipment Adaptation Grant (WEAG) https://www.gov.ie/en/service/38fdd0-workplace-equipment-adaptation-grant/

• The Job Interview Interpreter Grant (JIIG) https://www.gov.ie/en/service/4c4ce4-job-interview-interpreter-grant/

• The Personal Reader Grant (PRG) https://www.gov.ie/en/service/231dfe-personal-reader-grant

• The Employee Retention Grant (ERG) https://www.gov.ie/en/service/5220a2-employee-retention-grant/

Also available is the Disability Awareness Support Scheme (DASS) which offers funding to private sector employers to provide Disability Awareness Training for staff who work with a colleague who has a disability. https://www.gov.ie/en/service/3970b5-disability-awareness-support-scheme/

Employers guide

Check out our employer brochure for all you need to know!

The New Tech Apprenticeships Employer brochure cover

Apprenticeship Partners

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Ireland's EU Structural and Investment Funds Programmes logo
Quality and Qualifications Ireland logo
Solas apprenticeships

Close the future skills gap in your business

Hire a Tech Apprentice today.