Your guide to the top employers offering apprenticeship programmes across Ireland. Search by company, trade, or sector to find the right fit for you.
One of the most sought-after apprenticeships in Ireland. ESB's 4-year Electrical Apprenticeship trains you to build and maintain the national electricity network, playing a key role in Ireland's clean energy future.
Work at the heart of Ireland's national rail network. Iarnród Éireann offers four different apprenticeship trades with placements starting September 2026. You must be 16+ by 1st September 2026.
Bus Éireann recruits Heavy Vehicle Apprentice Mechanics for both Bus Éireann and Dublin Bus. Placements available in garages across Ireland including Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick, Waterford, and more.
One of the largest employers of mechanical and electrical apprentices in Ireland. Apprentices work across data centres, life sciences, healthcare, and building services sectors. Annual recognition awards programme.
A leading engineering services provider operating across Ireland, the UK and Europe. Kirby regularly recruits apprentice electricians, mechanics, and sheet metal workers with placements in Galway, Limerick and nationally.
Responsible for Ireland's natural gas network. Gas Networks Ireland offers competitive apprenticeship programmes with aptitude tests and interviews as part of the selection process. Great long-term career prospects in a vital national utility.
Ireland's national airline offers aircraft mechanic apprenticeships based at Dublin Airport. Apprentices train to maintain and repair commercial aircraft in a fast-paced, highly regulated environment. A highly competitive programme.
Now focused on renewable energy and sustainability, Bord na Móna offers apprenticeships in electrical and fitting trades. Based primarily in the Midlands with opportunities linked to wind energy and recycling operations.
Ireland's largest telecoms provider offers a Level 6 apprenticeship in Telecommunications and Data Networks in partnership with TU Dublin Tallaght. Apprentices get a full college experience while earning. Minimum 6 Leaving Cert subjects required.
Based in Monaghan, Combilift is a world-leading forklift manufacturer. They offer a 3-year Level 6 OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturing) apprenticeship and a Level 5 OEM traineeship focused on engineering and manufacturing.
One of the "Big Four" accounting firms, Deloitte offers apprenticeship programmes that let you earn while you study towards professional qualifications. Gain real-world experience in one of the world's most respected firms.
Global healthcare company with major manufacturing operations in Ireland. J&J offers apprenticeship programmes at their sites in Cork and Limerick, particularly in electrical, mechanical, and manufacturing trades.
A global biopharmaceutical company with manufacturing sites at Dunboyne and Grange Castle. Takeda offers apprenticeship opportunities in engineering, automation, and manufacturing disciplines.
Global manufacturer of construction equipment and cranes with operations in Killarney, Co. Kerry. Liebherr offers mechanical and electrical apprenticeships in a world-class manufacturing environment.
The Irish Defence Forces offer apprenticeship-style training as part of military service. Recruits can train in trades including electrical, mechanical, and vehicle maintenance while also developing leadership and teamwork skills.
The OPW manages Ireland's government properties and heritage sites. They offer apprenticeships in traditional trades, particularly carpentry and joinery, working on some of Ireland's most important historic buildings.
DAA operates Dublin and Cork airports. Apprenticeship opportunities arise in electrical and mechanical maintenance of airport facilities and infrastructure. A unique work environment in one of Europe's fastest-growing airports.
Global door manufacturer with operations in Drumsna, Co. Leitrim. Masonite offers Mechanical Automation and Maintenance Fitting (MAMF) apprenticeships, giving hands-on experience in modern automated manufacturing.
Ireland's national water utility offers apprenticeship opportunities in maintenance and operations. Work on critical water and wastewater infrastructure across the country with strong career development pathways.
A growing accountancy and business advisory firm offering an Apprentice Programme with fully funded ACCA training and generous study leave. Based in Balbriggan, Co. Dublin. A great pathway into professional accountancy.
Ireland’s first apprenticeship to award a Level 8 honours degree. The 3-year Insurance Practitioner Apprenticeship combines on-the-job learning with online study through ATU Sligo, earning you an APA, QFA, and BA (Hons) in Insurance Practice. Full salary from day one, zero tuition fees, and 80+ employers hiring nationwide.
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There's no single right answer here. University gives you a broad academic education and is essential for certain careers like medicine, law, or teaching. An apprenticeship lets you earn while you learn, gain a nationally recognised qualification, and walk into a skilled career with zero student debt.
The truth is, both routes lead to excellent careers and good salaries. What matters is which one suits your strengths, interests, and the kind of work that genuinely excites you. Some people thrive in lecture halls, others come alive in workshops. Neither is better — they're just different.
Not sure where you stand? Take our quick quiz to help you think it through. It won't make the decision for you, but it will help you figure out what to consider.
Take the Quiz: Uni or Apprenticeship?3–4 year degree, broad academic foundation, required for some professions
2–4 years, earn while you learn, nationally recognised qualification
Apprentices get paid from day one with no college fees
From electrician to accounting to biopharma and software
Still not sure which path is right for you? Book a private guidance session with an experienced career guidance counsellor. We'll help you explore your options, understand your strengths, and make a plan that works for you.