“If I didn’t do the course, I would still be in the same situation I was in previously, looking for a job without any help.”
A pilot programme at Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) focusing on Access to Apprenticeships has been granted national funding which will see the rollout of the programme across Ireland’s Technological Universities in 2023 and beyond.
Participants in the pilot programme were awarded a Level 6 Continuous Professional Development Certificate at an awards ceremony held in the Millennium Theatre at the TUS Moylish Campus this week.
In 2022, TUS received funding from the Higher Education Authority to deliver the pilot Access to Apprenticeship programme. The Access to Apprenticeship programme supports the transition of young men and women aged between 16 and 24 years old from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds into craft apprenticeship schemes. The programme also focuses on increasing female participation in craft apprenticeships.
Delivered at the TUS Moylish Campus in Limerick City and the Athlone Campus, the twelve-week full-time access programme takes place three times a year in September, January, and April.
Speaking at the award ceremony Dr Maria Kyne, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment at TUS said, “Apprenticeships are an integral and vibrant component of the technological university landscape and we are delighted to see the rollout of the Access to Apprenticeship programme nationwide. From the outset, underrepresented communities, youth service providers, stakeholders, schools, and young people saw the need for this programme and while it is still in its infancy, early indications are demonstrating very positive outcomes for students, with many progressing to meaningful employment and apprenticeships, thus the potential for breaking historical cycles of familial early school leaving, unemployment, poverty, and socio-economic disadvantage.”
“The programme adds to the suite of opportunities available within TUS and beyond, broadening access for all, irrespective of their background. I would like to congratulate the access to apprenticeship graduates and wish everyone the very best in their future careers.”
Programme participant, Stephen O’Donnell from St Mary’s Park in Limerick said, “My time participating in the Access to Apprenticeship programme at TUS was great and I really enjoyed the experience. The programme really opened the doors to construction for me and it got me my job with PBC and will start my apprenticeship in the coming months. If I didn’t do the course, I would still be in the same situation I was in previously, looking for a job without any help. I would highly recommend the course to any students having doubts about what they would like to do as it could be that step they need to get to where they want to be.”
Twenty-seven individuals took part in the pilot programme in 2022 out of which Twenty-four completed the programme. Seventeen participants achieved the QQI Special Purpose Award and thirteen participants are now on the road to commencing apprenticeships, with many progressing directly from their two-week work placement during the programme.
In addition to securing Manual Handling and Safe Pass certificates, students engaged in three core modules during the programme including Skills Sampling, which exposed students to a range of trades including electrical, light vehicle and heavy vehicle mechanics, plumbing, carpentry and joinery, MAMF and welding. The programme also focused on personal and professional development, aimed at improving skills and confidence in order to progress to employment which included site visits and one-to-one sessions with employers seeking Apprentices. Students also received a two-week work placement, providing them with hands-on experience for their preferred apprenticeship.
Partners involved in the Access to Apprenticeship pilot programme included Frank Hogan Motors, Jones Engineering, Irish Rail, PBC, H & F Electrical, Kirby’s, O’Connor Kitchen’s, Kennedy Kitchen’s, KC Plumbing, ESB, Bus Eireann, Takumi, OMC Technology, SUIR Engineering, James Barry Motors, Brian Geary Motors, Joyce Construction, Limerick City & County Council.
For further information on the Access to Apprenticeship programme, email accesstoapprenticeship@lit.ie or phone 061 – 293188 or 086 1368150 and find out more here.
On Friday, March 31st, TUS will host a ‘Try a Trade’ day for 6th year girls at the Moylish Campus, shining a light on the various career paths available to young female students.