Apprenticeships are one way to earn while you learn, and combine on-the-job and in-college training. 

Apprenticeships are now much more diverse than they used to be. You can now do an apprenticeship in everything from BioPharma to Finance, to Hairdressing, Logistics and everything in between. 

To see the full list, take a look here.

Unlike a college course, where you train first and find an employer afterwards, it works the other way around with an apprenticeship. Finding an employer to take you on is the first step. If you're not sure where to start, drop in to the guidance room for help. 

Finding an employer is potentially the most difficult part of the apprenticeship application process, but there are a number of different strategies that you can use for this.  

Apprenticeship.ie have a job board on their website here but if you don't find a job in the area that interests you, you can contact your local training centre as they may have additional options that aren't listed on the apprenticeship website. 

You can find your local training centre here. 

As well as apprenticeships, TU Dublin offer a number of Learn and Work programmes, which are Level 6 and 7 courses that combine in-college and on the job learning. These programmes are designed to fill gaps in the workforce and to train students in specific, in-demand skills within IT and engineering. All of the Learn and Work programmes combine on-campus learning (based on the Blanchardstown campus) with paid industry work placements. 

The Computing - Networking Technologies course is a two year, Level 6 course, based on the Blanchardstown campus. TU Dublin describe the course as being "designed for trainee network technicians and engineers, and developed in response to the industry’s growing need for people who can design, install, and maintain computer systems. This course will help you develop the knowledge and skills you need to avail of the numerous job opportunities in the ICT and Networking field."

Their Process Instrumentation and Automation course is a three year, Level 7 course. In the course, "you will study the measurement and control of physical quantities (temperature, level, pressure, flow and many others) used in advanced manufacturing systems. Engineers use instrumentation and control to monitor and maintain processes for improved production, quality, and safety in manufacturing facilities in the Pharmaceutical, Food & Drinks, Water/Wastewater, Oil & Gas industries among others."

The Secure Networking and Cloud Technologies course is a three year, Level 7 course that is based on the Blanchardstown campus. TU Dublin describes the course as a professional traineeship course providing a pipeline of skilled in-demand work-ready talent into STEM industries through industry partnership. They state that the course is "designed for trainee network and cloud technicians and engineers, and was developed in response to the industry’s growing need for people who can design, install, and maintain computer systems. This course will help you develop the knowledge and skills you need to avail of the numerous job opportunities in the ICT, Networking and Could technologies".