Did you know that there are currently 77 apprenticeship programmes available with new ones being added all the time? Here, we are highlighting two of the latest ones - Aircraft Mechanic and Digital Marketing.
Plus, new programmes in Software Testing and Data Analytics are in development and set to launch later this year, offering even more opportunities to gain valuable skills and hands-on experience through an apprenticeship.
For more information on apprenticeship, please visit the official site - apprenticeship.ie.
Aircraft Mechanic
In April Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science James Lawless and Minister of State Marian Harkin announced a major expansion of the Aircraft Mechanic Apprenticeship, increasing training places from 79 in 2024 to 160 starting September 2025.
Aircraft mechanics play a crucial role in aviation—inspecting, maintaining, and repairing aircraft structures, engines, and electronic systems. This 4-year, Level 6 programme is regulated by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) through the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) and is delivered by Limerick and Clare ETB, TU Dublin, and SETU Carlow.
Watch the launch video up top now!
Digital Marketing
A two-year Level 6 Digital Marketing apprenticeship was launched earlier this year in collaboration with the Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim Education and Training Board (MSLETB). The programme covers topics such as Generative AI, digital marketing tools, and social media strategy. Several apprentices on this programme are currently working in government departments, where they are actively contributing to the modernisation of public sector communications.
Software Tester
Launching later this year, the Software Testing apprenticeship is a two-year Level 6 programme delivered by Technology University of the Shannon.
Graduates - known as Software Testing Associates - will be equipped to work across sectors like IT, cybersecurity, telecommunications, AI, media, and more. The programme aligns with Seoul Accord standards, ensuring international recognition of computing competencies.
Data Analytics
Also launching later this year, the Data Analytics Apprenticeship is a two-year Level 6 programme developed in partnership with Fasttrack into Technology (FIT).
Apprentices on this programme will learn to analyse and interpret complex datasets, including big data, and explore how AI and machine learning can uncover deeper insights. Career paths include Data Analytics Associate, Junior Data Analyst, Data Engineer, Research Analyst, and Business Intelligence Analyst.
