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ATU and Civil Engineering Consortium Win Prestigious ICE Award for Apprenticeship Programmes
Atlantic Technological University, together with the Civil Engineering Apprenticeship Consortium, has won the 2025 Irish Construction Excellence (ICE) Award in the ‘Third-Level Course or CPD’ category. The award recognises their joint efforts in delivering education and training within the construction sector.
Atlantic Technological University (ATU), together with the Civil Engineering Apprenticeship Consortium, has won the 2025 Irish Construction Excellence (ICE) Award in the ‘Third-Level Course or CPD’ category. The award recognises their joint efforts in delivering education and training within the construction sector.
The university was also recognised by having two other programmes shortlisted as finalists; MSc Built Environment Regulation and the BSc (Honours) in Construction Contracts Management.
This award recognises the innovative civil engineering apprenticeship programmes launched in 2023, developed in response to Ireland’s growing demand for skilled civil engineers. The programme, which combines academic learning with paid, hands-on industry experience, is a collaborative effort between ATU and a wide network of industry partners across Ireland.
John Murphy, Chair of the Civil Engineering Apprenticeship Consortium said; “This award is a proud moment for the Consortium, recognising the strength of collaboration between industry and academia in tackling the national engineering skills shortage. It demonstrates the power of apprenticeships to deliver real impact—not just for infrastructure and climate goals, but for inclusive education and regional growth.”
With its unique blend of online learning, on-campus labs, and structured workplace training, the programme offers a scalable and inclusive route into the profession for school-leavers, career changers, and those already working in the sector, allowing apprentices earn while they learn.
The success of the programme has seen apprentice numbers double since launch, and development is already underway for Level 8 and Level 9 civil engineering apprenticeship pathways, creating progression opportunities to honours and master’s level qualifications via the apprenticeship route.
Dr Orla Flynn, President of ATU, added “ATU, as coordinating provider of Ireland’s suite of civil engineering apprenticeships, is extremely proud to be recognised with this award and we look forward to expanding their provision. This achievement reflects the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in the development and delivery of these programmes. The civil engineering industry is facing a critical skills shortage, and by creating these apprenticeships, we aim to provide a sustainable, accessible route for learners to acquire the skills and qualifications needed to excel in the field.”
ATU and the Consortium extend their sincere thanks to the ICE Awards judging panel, industry partners, and the growing network of approved employers, whose support, mentorship, and commitment make the programme possible.
For more information, visit www.apprenticeship.ie or contact: civilapprenticeships@atu.ie.
Photo caption: (L-R) Kieran O’Neill (ICE Awards 2025 Judge), John Murphy (Murphy Group), Dr Emma Britton (Director of Civil Engineering Apprenticeships), Paul Sheridan (Construction Industry Federation), Michelle Bruen (Civil Engineering Apprenticeship Officer), Breda Joyce (Programme Coordinator and Lecturer), Francis Fidgeon (CST Group), Neil Delamere (Host).
