Courses
National first at ATU aims to help address civil engineering skills shortage
Ireland’s first Level 8 Civil Engineering apprentices begin four-year honours degree programme
Atlantic Technological University (ATU) has welcomed Ireland’s first cohort of Level 8 Civil Engineering apprentices this September, marking a significant milestone for engineering education and apprenticeship training nationally.
The first cohort includes 28 apprentices, representing 19 employers from across Ireland.
With a minimum of 3,000 additional civil engineers needed to support the delivery of Ireland’s major infrastructure commitments, the new apprenticeship creates an alternative route into a profession experiencing significant demand.
The four-year apprenticeship enables participants to earn an NFQ Level 8 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Civil Engineering while remaining employed and gaining practical experience in the industry.
John G. Murphy, Managing Director, Murphy Ireland and Chair of the Civil Engineering Consortium, said:
“The launch of the Level 8 Civil Engineering Apprenticeship represents a significant milestone for the profession. Building on the success of the Level 6 and Level 7 programmes, this honours degree pathway will help address the industry’s ongoing skills needs by developing highly qualified engineers through a blend of academic excellence and practical workplace experience. It is a transformative step towards strengthening the future workforce required to deliver Ireland’s ambitious infrastructure, housing, transport and climate action objectives.”
Dr Emma Britton, Director of Civil Apprenticeship at ATU, said:
Welcoming Ireland’s first cohort of Level 8 Civil Engineering apprentices is a proud moment for ATU and everyone involved in bringing this programme to fruition.
One of its greatest strengths is the close integration of academic learning and practical workplace experience. Apprentices will participate in online lectures, on-campus laboratories and workshops, while continuing to develop their skills in the workplace with the support of experienced industry mentors. This approach ensures graduates are equipped with both the technical knowledge and real-world experience required by the profession.”
Civil engineers play a vital role in shaping and sustaining the infrastructure that underpins everyday life, from hospitals, schools and public buildings to bridges, transport networks, water services and other essential utilities.
The Level 8 Civil Engineering Apprenticeship combines online learning, practical on-campus laboratories and workshops, and structured workplace experience, enabling apprentices to develop both academic knowledge and industry-ready skills.
Graduates will be well positioned to pursue careers across the civil engineering and construction sectors, including with local authorities and government agencies, engineering consultancies, construction contractors and specialist infrastructure and engineering firms.
Further information is available at https://www.atu.ie/courses/bachelor-of-engineering-hons-civil-engineering-by-apprenticeship.
Photo caption: The new cohort of Level 8 Civil Engineering apprentices.
For media enquiries, contact:
Ivana Hanjs
Communications Officer
Tel: 089 963 9559
E: ivana.hanjs@atu.ie
