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

 You will have to register again specifically with a Tech Apprenticeship. FIT can supply you
with an easy step-by-step guide on how to do this through the SOLAS website. Please get in
touch with our team should you need any assistance.

 Please first check whether you have FULLY completed the form and whether the email is in
your junk/spam folder. Once you have confirmed these, please contact the FIT team.

 You can apply for the SOLAS Employer Grant directly on the Apprenticeship website here.
You must sign into your employer portal and have completed the EOI in order to apply.

This grant is applicable to employers with apprentices on apprenticeships introduced since
2016 which do not attract an off-the-job training allowance. This grant is paid per year for 2
years. This will be a total of €4000 over the 24-month FIT Tech Apprenticeship programme.

Please note that you will need to apply for the grant in instalments of €1000 in May and
November of each year.

 The Computer Networks and Cybersecurity Tech Apprenticeship programmes both qualify
for the gender bursary of €2666. Get more information about the gender-based bursary here.