The programme is expected to be offered in Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) Midwest (Limerick) from September 2024.
Ireland’s first consortium-led, multi-campus manufacturing engineering apprenticeship programmes have received accreditation from Engineers Ireland, the professional membership body, and accrediting body for engineering in Ireland.
Engineers Ireland accreditation creates, maintains, and ensures a consistent standard of engineering programmes in Ireland and will now offer qualified apprentices an internationally recognised qualification.
The Bachelor of Engineering in Manufacturing Engineering is the first accredited Level 7 engineering apprenticeship programme in Ireland that is open to school leavers, employees and mature students. The programme is expected to be offered in Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) Midwest (Limerick) from September 2024. It is delivered in three regions through Atlantic Technological University (ATU) and Munster Technological University (MTU).
The Higher Certificate in Manufacturing Engineering programme, delivered at TUS Midwest campuses, ATU Galway, ATU Sligo, and MTU Cork, is the first and only Level 6 accredited Manufacturing Engineering apprenticeship programme in the country.
These national engineering apprenticeship programmes were co-developed by a consortium led by Ibec’s Irish Medtech Association, representatives from the manufacturing industry and academic partners at TUS, ATU and MTU. to meet the needs of the sector. Currently, over 400 apprentices are involved in the programmes with 100 leading employers across Ireland. Apprentices spend 70% of their learning time in the workplace and 30% of learning time on campus.
Dr Richard Manton, Registrar at Engineers Ireland, said, “Engineers Ireland accreditation is an objective evaluation and approval of engineering programmes, ensuring that they meet international standards, the needs of the engineering profession and broader responsibilities to society, environment, and economy. Accredited programmes are internationally recognised, encouraging travel and the exchange of ideas and experience, enriching our profession.”
Tony Mahon, Head of Department of Electrical & Electronic Engineering in TUS, said, “Our first groups of apprentices have included many high-performing long-time employees of their companies, who were identified as having the potential to develop on technician and engineer career paths. The consortium has also identified the apprenticeship as an alternative route to third-level engineering programmes for school-leavers. As companies seek to meet their skills needs, many, such as Johnson and Johnson in Limerick, are choosing the ‘Learn and Earn’ apprenticeship model as a way of inducting new employees and developing new talent, tailored to their own needs.”