Access to Apprenticeship

Access to Apprenticeship (ATA) supports the transition of young people (16-24 years old) from disadvantaged backgrounds into an apprenticeship scheme. It is a 15-week full-time programme and is delivered by the Dept. of Built Environment on the TUS Moylish Campus, Limerick (Midwest) and by the Dept. of Civil Engineering and Trades on the TUS Athlone Campus, Athlone, Co. Westmeath (Midlands). The Access to Apprenticeship programme runs on both campuses twice each academic year in September and January.

Requirements – Who Can Apply

Minimum entry requirements

Aged 16 – 24
Minimum of Achieved 40 -54% (new system) or grade D (old system) in 5 subjects in the Junior Certificate or equivalent exam. However, higher educational qualifications and other requirements may be required by employers.

Qualifying Criteria (3 out of 5 required)

Do you live in an area of disadvantage (determined by POBAL HP Deprivation Index)?
Did your parents/guardian not go to third level education?
Did you attend a DEIS school?
Are you or your parents/guardian in receipt of a Medical/GP visit card?
Is your household income below €46,790/are you or your parents on a means tested payment?
And/ Or are you a member of the travelling community or have you been in the care of the state?

How to Apply

Limerick: Midwest: Applications for our Sept 2026 and Jan 2027 intake of students is now closed. Applications for the 2027/2028 A/Y (Sept 2027 & Jan 2028), will open on November 1st 2026.
Athlone: Midlands: Applications for January 2027 are now open.

Moylish Campus, Limerick Applications

Click Here

Athlone Campus, Athlone Applications

Click Here

Access to Apprenticeship gives you the opportunity to;

Participate in a 15 Credit Skills Sampling module sampling trades across a range of apprenticeship areas, including Electrical, Mechanics, Fitting, Welding, Carpentry & Joinery, Plumbing, Brick & Stone and Refrigeration & Air Conditioning.
Complete a 10 Credit Personal and Professional Development module designed to build your confidence, connections, knowledge and prepare you for the workplace.
Enhance your CV and interview techniques through Career and CV Workshops.
Gain practical experience with a 3 week, 5 Credit Work Placement module in your chosen trade.
Achieve essential industry certifications, including Safe Pass, Manual Handling, Abrasive Wheel, Working at Heights and Basic First Aid Training.
Develop key employability skills tailored to apprenticeship readiness.
Earn a Level 6 Special Purpose Award (30 ECTS) awarded by Technological University of the Shannon (TUS).

For Further Information

Limerick: Midwest: email accesstoapprenticeship.midwest@tus.ie or phone 061 293188.
Athlone: Midlands: email accesstoapprenticeship.midlands@tus.ie or phone 090 644 2521.

Applications for the programme are via MS Form on the links provided. Please ensure you are applying for the correct programme – Limerick or Athlone.

Access and Inclusion Bursary

An access and inclusion apprenticeship bursary provides financial support for under-represented groups to access apprenticeships. Successful applicants to the Access to Apprenticeship programme in TUS are eligible to apply for bursary support from the National Apprenticeship Office (NAO). Applicants will complete an application form provided by the NAO.

Up to €3,000 per learner is available to support costs associated with travelling, accommodation, equipment, preparation for training.

Students accepted onto the Access to Apprenticeship programme will be eligible to apply for the bursary.

Testimonials

Click the link below to explore testimonials from past students of the Access to Apprenticeship programme and local employers who have benefited from welcoming graduates into their workforce. Stories are shared from both our Moylish and Athlone campus communities.

Click here