Manufacturing Apprenticeships Coming to DkIT in 2025!
Big news for aspiring engineers and technicians on Ireland’s east coast: Manufacturing Technician and Manufacturing Engineer Apprenticeships are set to launch at Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) in Summer 2025!
Originally introduced in 2017, these innovative programmes were developed by Irish Medtech, the Ibec trade association for the sector, in collaboration with leading higher education institutions—including Atlantic Technological University (ATU), Technological University of the Shannon (TUS), Munster Technological University (MTU)—and industry leaders across medtech, manufacturing, and beyond.
Designed to address the diverse needs of manufacturing sectors such as medtech, biopharma, polymer technology, construction, and food production, these apprenticeships have already made a significant impact. Since their inception, over 600 apprentices have enrolled, and more than 100 companies are now engaged with the programme, which continues to gain momentum.
Trish Breen, Programme Manager of Medtech and Engineering Apprenticeships at Ibec, shared her excitement:
"We are delighted to confirm that our manufacturing engineering apprenticeships will be available at Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) in 2025. This offers a fantastic opportunity for employers on the east coast of Ireland to access this highly successful, industry-developed programme."
Employers have the flexibility to recruit new apprentice candidates or leverage this programme to upskill existing employees, creating a robust pipeline of engineering talent from within their own workforce.
The agreement to bring the programme to DkIT was officially signed earlier this week. Dr. Breda Brennan, Head of the School of Engineering at DkIT, emphasized the importance of this development:
"This collaboration will see DkIT’s School of Engineering joining the apprenticeship consortium as a provider from 2025. It represents a significant step in broadening access to education and training for students in our region and beyond."
With this expansion, the next generation of manufacturing talent is set to thrive, further strengthening Ireland’s position as a leader in innovation and industry.
