Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) has announced the rollout of the Level 7 Manufacturing Engineering Apprenticeship, creating a new pathway for manufacturing apprentices to advance from Technician to Engineer while continuing to work in industry.
Launched at Manufacturing Solutions Ireland 2026 at the TUS Coonagh Campus, the programme will enable graduates of the existing Level 6 Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship to progress directly into manufacturing engineering studies, with opportunities to continue towards a Level 8 qualification.
As manufacturing environments become increasingly digitalised, automated and technology-driven, demand for skilled manufacturing engineers continues to grow.
Speaking at the launch, President of TUS, Professor Vincent Cunnane, said:
“Manufacturing is changing at an extraordinary pace with artificial intelligence, advanced automation and digital technologies transforming the sector.
“While technologies evolve, innovation will always depend on talented people, with the skills, knowledge and curiosity to design, build, operate and improve the technologies that are transforming manufacturing.
“Industry needs more manufacturing technicians, but it also needs more engineers. This new pathway creates opportunities for apprentices to continue their development, progress their careers and develop the skills that will be needed in the manufacturing sector of the future.”
Building on the success of the Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship delivered by TUS, the new programme creates a structured route from technician to engineer.
The three-year Manufacturing Engineering Apprenticeship combines paid employment with academic study, allowing apprentices to earn while they learn and develop the knowledge, skills and competencies required for careers in manufacturing engineering.
Apprentices progressing from the Level 6 Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship will join the programme at Year Three. Apprentices may also choose to continue their studies towards a Level 8 engineering qualification.
The Manufacturing Engineering Apprenticeship is coordinated nationally by Atlantic Technological University (ATU) in partnership with Ibec and industry stakeholders. TUS is delivering the programme for learners and employers across the Midwest. The programme is supported by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) and the National Apprenticeship Office.
Trish Breen, Project Manager for the Manufacturing Engineering Apprenticeships in Ibec, said:
“The rollout of the Manufacturing Engineering Apprenticeship marks a significant milestone and a vital evolution in how we develop world-class talent right here in the heart of Ireland’s industrial base.
“From robotics and automation to advanced manufacturing technologies, the sector is evolving rapidly and this curriculum delivers the skills, knowledge and practical experience needed to help Ireland remain competitive. It creates exciting opportunities for school leavers and for those already working in manufacturing who want to continue developing their careers. Just as importantly, it strengthens the talent pipeline that employers need to support future growth, innovation and competitiveness.”
Commencing in January 2027, the apprenticeship will provide new opportunities for individuals to pursue careers in manufacturing engineering while supporting employers to develop talent and build the higher-level engineering capability needed to remain competitive in an increasingly advanced manufacturing environment.
Tony Mahon, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology at TUS, said:
“This apprenticeship is a prime example of a consortium of higher education, industry, and government authorities working together to identify a skills need and deliver a practical solution. At TUS, we are committed to developing these types of programmes which respond to real workforce needs.”
The rollout forms part of TUS’s wider commitment to expanding apprenticeship education and responding to evolving industry skills needs. Earlier this year, the university launched new apprenticeships in Software Testing and Road Surface Technology, further strengthening apprenticeship opportunities and workforce development
James McPhillips, Engineering Apprenticeship Coordinator at TUS, added:
“The regional rollout of the Level 7 Manufacturing Engineering Apprenticeship at TUS marks another important step in supporting the skills needs of industry across the Midwest region.
“The programme will help strengthen engineering capability and support the continued growth and competitiveness of manufacturing across the midwest region and beyond.”
To find out more about the Manufacturing Engineering Apprenticeship, please contact Trish Breen at trish.breen@ibec.ie or log onto Manufacturing Engineering Apprenticeship – BEng – TUS.