A new tailored IT apprenticeship for city and county council workers has been launched to boost cybersecurity in local government.
Ten local authorities across Ireland have joined the initiative, which aims to equip staff with the skills and expertise to protect local government networks and data from cyber attacks.
The Cybersecurity Apprenticeship Programme features a 70:30 split between workplace learning and off-the-job training.
When completed, the programme will equip participants with the skills and knowledge to work in cybersecurity roles within the local government sector, and they will receive an Advanced Certificate in Cybersecurity.
The Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) has collaborated with FIT (Fasttrack into Information Technology) to deliver the programme.
The first cohort of 14 participants began in June, serving their apprenticeships in ten local authorities and the LGMA.
Training takes place online and in person in the Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre of Excellence in Dundalk.
"This apprenticeship is a powerful example of how targeted education and training can support the evolving needs of our public sector," said Marian Harkin, Minister of State at the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.
"By investing in both new talent and upskilling existing staff, we are not only strengthening cyber resilience within local government, but also building a future-ready workforce equipped to meet the challenges of a digital society," Ms Harkin said.
FIT CEO Peter Davitt said they are proud to launch Ireland's first workforce development apprenticeship for local government.
"By embracing tech apprenticeships, this model proactively addresses the challenge of skills obsolescence in today’s fast-evolving digital landscape, ensuring that public sector digital services remain robust, secure, and future-ready for the benefit of communities nationwide," Mr Davitt said.
