• Applicants must secure a suitable SOLAS Approved Employer. Selection involves an interview with the prospective employer.
• Applicants must be 17 years or older.

*To become a Robotics and Automation apprentice you must pass the Ishihara Colour Vision Test (24 Plate Edition). For further information, contact your local Education and Training Board. 

Educational Requirements 

• Minimum of 5 Leaving Certificate subjects at Ordinary Level (O6/H7), including Maths and English
  OR
  A full QQI Level 5 qualification or equivalent.

• Aptitude Test: Completion of an initial aptitude test is required.
  
  
• Language Proficiency: Minimum CEFR B2 level in writing, reading, listening, and speaking (or recognised equivalent).
  
  
• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): Available for applicants who do not meet formal criteria, through a process that assesses prior certified or experiential learning.

Search currently available apprenticeship programmes via our apprenticeship explorer search apprenticeships.

Explore all your currently available education, training, and employment opportunities in Engineering and construction sectors explore career sectors.

View the Apprentice Information Brochure     below to learn more about this apprenticeship. 

This apprenticeship has been developed by the National Apprenticeship Office (NAO), Louth Meath ETB (LMETB    ), and AMTCE     (Advanced Manufacturing and Training Centre of Excellence) as Coordinating Provider. 

The programme will be delivered at the Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre of Excellence (AMTCE) in Dundalk, Co Louth.

Programme Structure 

Apprentices will be trained in a progressive manner; they will get the opportunity to put their skills into practice during both on and off the job training stages. On successful completion, the apprentice will be fully competent in the role of a Robotics and Automation Technician.

Phase 1 Phase 1 (On-the-Job) will provide the apprentice the opportunity to become familiar with the workplace. The employer with the Workplace Mentor will provide an induction into the company and begin integrating the apprentice into their workplace team and the tasks they complete. HR policies and workplace expectations will be communicated to them.

Phase 2 Phase 2 (Off-the-Job) in the Training Centre will develop the apprentices foundational understanding of Robotics and Automation, building on their initial experience with the employer. The Apprentice induction will include a centre orientation and an introduction to academic expectations, study skills, etc. The Workplace Task Logbook will be introduced and explained to the apprentice.

Phase 3 Phase 3 (On-the-Job) The apprentice returns to the workplace equipped with the knowledge gained from the off the job training. The Apprentice will begin completing the Workplace Logbook with the Workplace Mentor.

Phase 4 Phase 4 (Off-the-Job) will introduce the Work Based Capstone Project. Programme modules 5 & 6 will be undertaken further advancing the apprentices understanding of the RAA programme.

Phase 5 Phase 5 (On-the-Job) will see the Apprentice continue completing their Workplace Logbook completing the sections relevant to programme modules 2-6. The apprentice will, in consultation with their work-based mentor commence work on their Work Based Capstone Project for the final module.

Phase 6 Phase 6 (Off-the-Job) The Apprentice will undertake programme modules 7 & 8 concluding their academic learning. The Apprentice will review and reflect on their Work Based Capstone Project and will receive critical feedback from their Instructors on their Work Based Capstone Project.

Phase 7 The final Phase 7 (On-the-Job) will see the completion of the Workplace Logbook (focused on the material covered in modules 7 & 8) in the first 2 months. The Work Based Capstone Project (WBCP) will be finalised and presented. 

Click on the Programme Overview     for more details on each module. 

Click on Apprentice Learning Support Guide     to view the handbook on learning throughout this apprenticeship. 

You can search current available apprenticeship programmes via our apprenticeship explorer search apprenticeships.

Explore all your currently available education, training, and employment opportunities in Engineering and Construction sectors explore career sectors.  

To work as a Robotics and Automation Technician, you need a combination of technical skills, problem-solving ability, and a willingness to learn. You should be comfortable working with technology and enjoy finding out how machines and automated systems work.

Attention to detail is important, as technicians need to identify faults, follow technical instructions, and make sure equipment operates safely and correctly. The role also requires a hands-on and practical approach, together with an interest in learning new technologies. 

Good communication and teamwork skills are essential because technicians work closely with engineers, operators, and maintenance teams.

As robotics, automation, and smart manufacturing continue to develop, technicians need to be adaptable and willing to keep their skills up to date. You don't need to know everything before starting, the apprenticeship provides the training and practical experience needed to develop these skills.

Skills & Attributes:

• Numerate and literate with strong learning ability
• Interest in manufacturing technology and customer service
• Motivated, analytical, and able to absorb product knowledge
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work well in teams, adaptable and flexible

Click on Apprentice Learning Support Guide     to view the handbook on learning throughout this apprenticeship. 

A Robotics and Automation Technician plays an important role in the installation, operation and maintenance of robotic and automated systems used in modern manufacturing.

Working alongside engineering, production and maintenance teams, technicians help design, configure, test and optimise automated technologies to improve productivity, flexibility and safety on the factory floor. Their work can include programming robots, maintaining control systems such as PLCs and SCADA, identifying and resolving faults, and ensuring equipment operates safely and efficiently.

As manufacturers increasingly adopt Industry 4.0 and 5.0 technologies, Robotics and Automation Technicians are becoming increasingly important in supporting smart, connected and data-driven manufacturing. Their skills help businesses introduce, maintain and improve the advanced technologies that are shaping the future of industry.

Working Environments 

A Robotics and Automation Technician works mainly in advanced manufacturing environments, supporting the installation, operation, testing and maintenance of automated equipment. In Ireland, this can include manufacturing in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, medical technology, electronics, food and engineering.

Technicians may work with industrial robots, automated production equipment, PLC and SCADA control systems, sensors and other digital technologies.

Work activities include programming, testing, commissioning, monitoring, and maintaining robotic systems and associated technologies.

The work is practical and often involves troubleshooting and problem-solving. Technicians help identify and resolve equipment faults, carry out planned preventative maintenance and minimise machinery downtime.

They may also support the installation and commissioning of new equipment and contribute to continuous improvement projects. Safety is a key part of the role, with technicians expected to follow workplace procedures and relevant safety standards when working with machinery, robotics and control systems.

A career in Robotics and Automation can offer a range of opportunities as your skills and experience develop. After completing the two-year Robotics and Automation Apprenticeship, you will achieve an NFQ Level 6 Advanced Certificate and can begin working as a Robotics Technician, Automation Technician or Control Systems Technician. With experience, you can take on more specialised roles involving robotics, PLCs, industrial automation, systems integration and smart manufacturing.

As you gain experience, there are opportunities to progress into senior technical, supervisory and project-based roles. These can include Systems Integration Specialist, Technical Supervisor, Maintenance Engineer, Quality Assurance Technician or Project Engineer.

The skills gained can also be used across different industries, including pharmaceuticals, medical technology, food production, electronics and advanced manufacturing, giving you flexibility to develop your career in different areas of industry.

There are also opportunities to continue your education. The Level 6 apprenticeship can provide a foundation for progression to higher-level engineering qualifications, including degrees in Robotics and Automation, Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering and other engineering disciplines.

Apprentices who want to move from technician-level work towards engineering, specialist or management positions can continue building their qualifications and experience throughout their career.

Possible career paths include:

• Robotics Technician
• Automation Technician
• Control Systems Technician
• Maintenance Engineer
• Systems Integration Specialist
• Quality Assurance Technician
• Technical Supervisor
• Project Engineer
• Automation/Robotics Engineer
• Engineering or Technical Manager
   

The following may provide opportunities to help develop your Career pathway:   

• CAO higher education Full time NFQ levels 7-8 education search our CAO coursefinder
• Skillnets Industry networks Engineering, Robotics & Automation sector led skills and training programmes accross engineering, and green energy & manufacture search Skillnets courses
• Post Graduate study post graduate career development programmes search post grad courses
• Springboard & conversion courses (full, part time, blended online & in person skill conversion programmes NFQ level 6-9 Search springboard courses
• Skillnet Sector learning network courses
• Skills to advance Local ETB Board
• Further education training centres Fetchcourses

Enterprise and Self-Employment Support:

• Post graduate education Search Post Graduate options
• Local Enterprise Offices, For profit Local enterprise support
• Local Area partnerships For profit enterprise support
• Social entrepreneurs: Not-for-profit enterprise support
• Franchising: Developing your business under an established franchise

To become an apprentice in Ireland you must be hired by an employer. Apprenticeship employers are formally approved by SOLAS     in advance of employing apprentices. Apprentices get a formal contract of employment as part of their apprenticeship.

1. Find a suitable employer. 
You must obtain a job as an apprentice with an employer approved by SOLAS / ETB. Selection involves an interview with the prospective employer.

To find an apprenticeship, you can search apprenticeship vacancies and a list of currently approved apprentice employers on the Apprenticeship Jobs & Employers Portal. You can search for vacancies by location, and employers in each apprenticeship.

Use this link to explore a list of Approved Employers by Region and by Apprenticeship type.

2. Meet the eligibility criteria 

• Be 17 years old or older. 
• Have achieved a passing grade (O6H/H7) in 5 or more
  subjects (to include Maths and English) at Ordinary Level
  in the Leaving Certificate
  OR
  A full QQI Level 5 or higher qualification or equivalent.
• Pass the Ishihara Colour Vision Test (24 Plate Edition).* 

*To become a Robotics and Automation apprentice you must pass the Ishihara Colour Vision Test (24 Plate Edition). For further information, contact your local Education and Training Board. 

3. Register as an apprentice 
Once employed, your employer must register you with the relevant ETB/SOLAS within the first two weeks of your employment. 

4. Alternate learning phases 
your training will alternate between on-the-job work at the employer and off-the-job study in a training centre. 

5. Assessment and progression 
You will be assessed through modular coursework, practical assessments, and workplace competence assessments. 

Search currently available apprenticeship programmes via our apprenticeship explorer search apprenticeships.

To find an apprenticeship, you can search apprenticeship vacancies and a list of currently approved apprentice employers on the Apprenticeship Jobs & Employers Portal. You can search for vacancies by location, and employers in each apprenticeship.

Use this link to explore a list of Approved Employers by Region and by Apprenticeship type.

You can explore all your currently available education, training, and employment opportunities in Engineering and Construction sectors explore career sectors.

The Robotics and Automation Apprenticeship has been developed by the National Apprenticeship Office (NAO)    , Louth Meath ETB (LMETB)    , and Advanced Manufacturing and Training Centre of Excellence (AMTCE)     as Coordinating Provider. 

The programme will be delivered at the Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre of Excellence (AMTCE) in Dundalk, Co Louth.

This apprenticeship is managed by Louth Meath Education and Training Board. If you are interested in the Robotics and Automation Technician apprenticeship you should make contact with Louth Meath Education and Training Board via the contact details below. 

The National Programme Manager
Louth Meath Education and Training Board
AMTCE Building B, Xerox Technology Park, Dundalk, Co Louth, Ireland, A91 Y319
Tel: + 353 (0) 42 941 9040/ +353 86 8383404
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.roboticsapprenticeship.ie

Full eligibility criteria are available at www.roboticsapprenticeship.ie.

Finding an Employer

Finding an employer or registering your interest with an official Coordinating Provider is one of the first things you need to do to start an apprenticeship.

To find an apprenticeship and secure an apprenticeship work contract you can search apprenticeship vacancies on the Apprenticeship Jobs Portal . You can search for vacancies by location and by apprenticeship type.

Your local Education and Training Board may also hold details of employers seeking to employ an apprentice.

You should also directly connect with local employers who might be interested in taking on an apprentice. It is a great idea to get a part time job with a local employer who might be more inclined to take you on as an apprentice following a successful work experience placement or a part time job contract.

Online Job Sites

Here are some direct links to employment websites that frequently list apprenticeship vacancies.

Note: These websites may include vacancies that are not QQI accredited Apprenticeships.

As an apprentice, you earn while you learn. The employer pays you a salary while you are being trained on-the-job and off-the-job. The rate of pay is agreed between you and your employer.

Apprentices are not required to pay a student contribution for this apprenticeship.