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). The Access to Apprenticeship programme runs on both campuses three times each academic year, September, January and April.

Requirements – Who Can Apply

Minimum entry requirements

Aged 16 – 24
Minimum of grade D 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?
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?

How to Apply

Limerick: Midwest: Applications for September 2025 are now closed.
Athlone: Midlands: Applications for September 2025 are now closed. Applications for January 2026 remain open.

Moylish Campus, Limerick Applications

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Athlone Campus, Athlone Applications

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Access to Apprenticeship gives you the opportunity to;

Participate in a 10-week skills sampling programme across a range of apprenticeship areas, including Electrical, Mechanics, Fitting, Welding, Carpentry & Joinery, Plumbing, and Brick & Stone
Complete a Personal and Professional Development module designed to build your confidence and prepare you for the workplace
Enhance your CV and interview techniques through Career and CV Workshops
Gain practical experience with 2 weeks of work placement in your chosen trade
Achieve essential industry certifications, including Safe Pass and Manual Handling
Develop key employability skills tailored to apprenticeship readiness
Earn a Level 6 Continuous Professional Development Certificate (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.

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.

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