ICT Apprenticeship For Govt Departments Launched

The Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe has today announced the first ICT Apprenticeship Scheme for Government Departments and Offices.

Anyone with an interest in undertaking a specialist scheme is encouraged to apply and gain the chance to work on digital initiatives across the civil service.

The programme will be run in conjunction with FIT, (Fastrack to IT), the national coordinating provider for ICT Tech Apprenticeships, and City of Dublin Education and Training Board (CDETB).

It is a two year full-time programme which offers participants an opportunity to develop a career in ICT in some of the largest organisations in the state. Successful candidates will be placed with a government department to undertake a two year full-time Tech Apprenticeship programme in either software development or in infrastructure and operations. 

The programme includes both on-the-job and off-the job elements, and those succeeding on the programme will attain a National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Computer Networking or in Computer Programming, depending on which stream is pursued.

Minister Donohoe said: "The Government is committed to creating great career opportunities for a broad range of people and this apprenticeship scheme is a new and exciting opportunity for anyone who wants to play a role in delivering on the government's ambitions for Ireland to be a digital leader. Candidates will receive recognised training, practical experience and an opportunity to earn while they learn."

Peter Davitt, CEO of FIT said: "FIT as the Coordinating Provider for Tech Apprenticeships is delighted that Government is adopting the apprenticeship model as a means of broadening recruitment into ICT roles within the Civil Service. The ICT Associate Professional Apprenticeship programme was approved as a statutory apprenticeship in 2017 for those wishing to pursue a tech career. FIT is enthusiastic to engage the first apprenticeship intake for the Civil Service and to support their development and progress into government roles requiring tech talent to advance the country's interests."

Commenting on the announcement, Government Chief Information Officer and Head of Profession for ICT within the Civil Service, Barry Lowry added: "The Civil Service needs to become more innovative in how it finds, develops, retains and maximises the performance of its ICT staff and we are looking at a number of ways to do this. One of the ways is through these new apprenticeships which have the potential to contribute significantly to the long term staffing needs of the Civil and indeed the wider Public Service."



(JG/CM)