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 12-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).

Moylish Campus, Limerick City Applications

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Athlone Campus Applications

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Access to Apprenticeship gives you the opportunity to;

Sample a range of apprenticeships in; Electrical, Mechanics, Fitting, Welding, Carpentry & Joinery, Plumbing and Brick & Stone
Prepare your CV and Interview Skills
Undertake two weeks work experience
Obtain Health & Safety and Safe Pass Certificates

Qualifying Criteria (3 out of 5 required)

Do you live in an area of disadvantage?
Did your parents/guardian not go to college?
Did you attend a DEIS school?
Are you in receipt of Medical/GP visit card?
Is your household income below €46,790/are you or your parents on a means tested payment?

And/Or have you been in the care of the state?

Minimum entry requirements

Aged 16 – 24
Minimum of grade D in 5 subjects in the Junior Certificate or equivalent

How to Apply

Limerick: Midwest: Applications for January 2025 are now closed. Applications for April 2025 and September 2025 remain open.
Athlone: Midlands: We are now accepting Applications for January 2025, April 2025 and September 2025.

Return Applications Via Post To:

Limerick: Midwest: Access to Apprenticeship, TUS Moylish Campus, Limerick, Ireland V94 EC5T
Athlone: Midlands: Access to Apprenticeship, Athlone Campus, University Road, Athlone, Co. Westmeath, N37HD68
Via Scan or Email To:
- Limerick: Midwest: accesstoapprenticeship.midwest@tus.ie
- Athlone: Midlands: accesstoapprenticeship.midlands@tus.ie

Moylish Campus, Limerick City Applications

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Athlone Campus Applications

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Further Information

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.

If you are interested in future Access to Apprenticeship Programmes please also email or contact us with your expression of interest.

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.

Learners accepted onto the Access to Apprenticeship programmes will be eligible to apply for the bursary.

Employer Testimonial

Hear from Sean Kelly of H&F Electrical Contractors Ltd., who has had numerous apprentices through the Access to Apprenticeship programme at TUS.

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To find out more please contact the Access to Apprenticeship team at your preferred site via email to:
Limerick: accesstoapprenticeship.midwest@tus.ie,
Athlone: accesstoapprenticeship.midlands@tus.ie,
or email apprenticeship@nao.ie.