Before applying to this apprenticeship, please check that you meet all entry requirements. 

FIT recruits candidates interested in joining the programme through an online application form, available at www.fit.ie. Applications are first screened to ensure they meet the basic eligibility criteria outlined below. All candidates must meet the specific entry requirements.

Successful applicants will also be registered with SOLAS    , the regulatory authority responsible for apprenticeship registration in Ireland.

Once the initial screening is complete, FIT arranges interviews between candidates and prospective host employers, who will provide the mentored work placement. It is the employer’s sole decision to select the applicant(s) they wish to offer a full-time position to for the duration of the programme. FIT does not influence or participate in this selection process.

FIT provides a range of supports for candidates with additional learning needs or disabilities. Applicants are encouraged to disclose any such requirements at the beginning of the application process. Support includes assistance with navigating the application process, as well as ongoing help throughout the programme, including advice on reasonable accommodations.

Minimum candidate entry requirements

A successful candidate:

  Must be 18 years or older.

  Will be required to complete an initial aptitude test.

  Must have achieved a passing grade (or O6/H7) in 5 or more subjects, including Mathematics and English (both at Ordinary Level or above), in the Irish Leaving Certificate.

  Must be eligible to participate in Further Education and Training programmes.

  Must be entitled to study and work in Ireland.

The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process may be used to assess equivalency for candidates who do not hold a suitable Leaving Certificate qualification.

Alternatively, candidates who have completed a FIT-recognised Pre-Tech Apprenticeship programme can provide supporting evidence, along with a copy of their Junior Certificate transcript, as part of the application process.

View more details on eligibility criteria at fit.ie      

Key candidate skills and attributes

A successful candidate must:

  Be numerate and literate.
  Have good learning skills.
  Be interested in technology and customer service.
  Have the ability to absorb product knowledge.
  Be motivated and analytical.
  Possess good communication skills, a pleasant personality, and be determined to succeed.
  Have excellent interpersonal skills.
  Be able to work as a team member.
  Be adaptable and flexible.

It is important to understand the level of commitment required for the Computer Networking Associate Apprenticeship before applying for this programme. 

The ICT Associate Professional programme follows a “learning by doing” approach to ICT skills development, which is endorsed by both industry and government.

This is a two-year programme during which candidates who are competent tech enthusiasts attain a Level 6 ICT and Professional Development Award.

The table below outlines the typical schedule of on-the-job (workplace) and off-the-job (college-based) training for this two-year, full-time apprenticeship programme. Full-day attendance is mandatory for all scheduled training sessions, whether they take place in the workplace or at college.

The college-based training component is primarily delivered in person. Apprentices are informed of the specific training arrangements once they are preparing to begin employment with their apprenticeship sponsor. In most cases, this training is conducted at an Education and Training Board (ETB) facility, located throughout the Republic of Ireland. These facilities are equipped to provide a high-quality learning experience.

Where possible, FIT aims to match the location of college-based training with the geographic area of the employer’s operations. However, this may not always be feasible, and apprentices must be prepared to travel to attend training at designated locations when required.

In certain intakes, and subject to accreditor approval, some college-based training may be delivered through a blended learning model. In these cases, apprentices may complete part of their training remotely—either from home or their workplace—via a virtual classroom. However, some in-person attendance will still be necessary.

What will I study?

• Network Operating Systems
• Networking Technologies
• Internet Server Management
• I.T. Virtualisation
• Implementing an ICT Systems Policy
• Design and Plan for an Internal Network
• ICT Systems and Networks Management

Modules

• Networking Fundamentals 
• Customer Support Provision for the ICT Professional 
• Configuring and Testing ICT Systems 
• Cloud Technology Implementation & Maintenance 
• Data & Cybersecurity: Essentials for Computer Networking
• Safe Systems of Work
• Virtualisation Management
• Project Management &Agile Systems of work 
• ICT System Security Policies 
• Networking Fundamentals II
• Intermediate IT Support 
• Intermediate Network Management 
• Applied Learning in the Workplace

By the end of your training, you will be able to:

• Design simple networks from specification and apply appropriate security products and processes
• Install and configure network components, including switches, routers and firewalls
• Optimise the performance of network systems and services
• Monitor, test and adjust network systems and performance to meet accepted standards
• Apply diagnostic tools and techniques to identify the causes of network performance issues
• Undertake system upgrades to network hardware, software and operating systems
• Interpret written requirements and technical specifications for network activities and maintain accurate records of network maintenance activities
• Log and respond to network service calls and provide technical network support to end users as required.

 To apply for this apprenticeship please click here    .

View Fastrack into IT apprenticeship locations & schedules    

The training is provided by the following institutions:
(Please check with your local ETB as this list may change.)

• Mayo Sligo Leitrim ETB    
• Limerick and Clare ETB    
• Donegal ETB    
• Dublin & Dun Laoghaire ETB    
• Galway & Roscommon ETB    
• Waterford & Wexford ETB    
• Louth & Meath ETB    
• Cavan & Monaghan ETB    
• Laois & Offaly ETB    
• Tipperary ETB    
• Longford & Westmeath ETB    
• City of Dublin ETB    
• Kildare & Wicklow ETB    
• Kilkenny & Carlow ETB    
• Kerry ETB    
• Cork College of FET (Cetb)    
• Kerry College     

Further information is also available from the co-ordinating provider for this apprenticeship:

Fastrack into Information Technology
7A Bellevue Industrial Estate
Glasnevin
Dublin 11

Tel: + 353 (0)1 882 5570
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.fit.ie

Or apply online on the FIT (Fast-track to Information Technology) website    .

Key candidate skills and attributes

A successful candidate must: 

• Be numerate and literate.
• Have good learning skills.
• Be interested in technology and customer service.
• Have the ability to absorb product knowledge.
• Be motivated and analytical.
• Possess good communication skills, a pleasant personality, and be determined to succeed.
• Have excellent interpersonal skills.
• Be able to work as a team member.
• Be adaptable and flexible. 

On successful completion, the Computer Networking Associate will be able to:

Knowlege 

• Understand and apply the principles of networking, protocols and associated technologies (specifically this should include the latest published versions of OSI layer model, IP, TCP/IP, routing and switching, WANs, LANs).
• Understand the causes and consequences of system failure including load balance and storage protocols and responds appropriately.
• Understand the architecture of a typical business IT system, including hardware, OS, server, virtualisation, middleware and applications.
• Understand and respond to security threats, firewalls and vulnerabilities.
• Understand the importance of service level agreements, standards and/or agreed response times and operates within these parameters.
• Understand and operate effectively in the business environment and respond to business issues related to computer networking.
• Understand and apply the applied maths required to be a networking associate (e.g. algorithms, number systems, IT-related units of measurement, probability and statistics).

Skills 

• Design simple networks from a well-defined specification and apply appropriate security products and processes.
• Install and configure network components, including switches, routers and firewalls.
• Optimise the performance of network systems and services.
• Monitor, test and adjust network systems and performance to meet accepted standards using diagnostic tools, analysers and other equipment.
• Apply diagnostic tools and techniques to identify the causes of network performance issues.
• Apply structured approaches to troubleshooting network issues and repair faults in hardware, software products and the network.
• Undertake system upgrades to network hardware, software and operating systems.
• Integrate network-related software into an existing network environment.
• Interpret written requirements and technical specifications for network activities and maintain accurate records of network maintenance activities.
• Log and respond to network service calls and provide technical network support to end users as required.
• Document work done in accordance with agreed procedures.

As a computer networking associate, your job will involve designing, installing, maintaining and supporting ICT communication networks within an organisation or between organisations.

Computer networking associates maintain high levels of network availability in order to provide maximum performance for their users, such as staff, clients, customers and suppliers.

You will understand network configuration, cloud, network administration and monitoring tools, and provide technical advice and guidance.

A FIT ICT associate professional spends much of their time training with a company, helping them to effectively learn the skills needed in the work place using modern technology and equipment and getting involved in real-life work processes.

The expected outcome is that the apprentice will be able to:

• Install, configure, troubleshoot, and maintain a network operating system.
• Understand the principles and components involved in computer networking.
• Design, implement, and support new and existing computer network installations.
• Manage and secure internet servers.
• Understand virtual environments as an addition to more traditional computing arrangements.
• Implement and manage virtualisation environments (for both desktops and servers).
• Use the principles of project management to set up new projects.
• Mitigate risks and develop skills in using management tools to monitor and review projects.
• Understand the importance of effective communication, such as written, verbal, and non-verbal, in a business environment.
• Understand why effective communication is critical for businesses and use appropriate communication methods for specific purposes.
• Understand the systems development life cycle.
• Using a project approach, apprentices will explore the stages in detail, gathering and analysing customer requirements, designing an IT solution, and planning its testing and implementation.
• Identify various relevant stakeholder perspectives to ensure that a solution meets requirements and that broader implications are considered.
• Use different methods and resources available to them to help them plan for their personal and professional development.
• Learn how to identify factors that may affect targets or goals, prioritise actions, and how feedback from others can be utilised to aid personal development and career progression.
• Demonstrate the advanced learning associated with industry-recognised certifications, such as CompTIA A+ and CompTIA Network+.

The Computer Networking Associate Apprenticeship is a two-year programme designed for those who have recently completed second-level education or mature learners seeking to retrain.

Typical job titles for graduates with this skillset include: Network Engineer, Network Technician, Network Specialist, Systems Engineer, Network Administrator, Network Support, and Data Centre Technician.Most computer networking associates will work in sectors that rely on computer network systems to support their operations. 

Others may work within the ICT industry itself, in companies that research, develop, design, manufacture, sell, install, and maintain network systems and related services.

On successful completion of the programme and achievement of the FIT ICT Associate Professional (ICTAP) Award, candidates are expected to transition into full-time roles with their sponsoring employer.

Depending on your skills, knowledge, and experience, some of the opportunities below may be appropriate to help develop your Career pathway.   

Irish Computer Society (ICS)
Participants on the FIT ICT Associate Professional (ICTAP) programme will be offered a pathway to ICS Associate Membership. Upon completing the required level of continuous professional development within the sector, they will be supported in progressing toward full ICS Professional Membership.

Technological Universities/Institutes– Blanchardstown and Dundalk 
FIT has established strong collaborations with TU Blanchardstown Campus and Dundalk IT (DkIT). In both institutions, formal progression routes from the ICTAP programme are being developed to support continued academic advancement. 

FIT collaborates with Atlantic Technological University (ATU) Sligo to create a clear progression route for apprentices completing FIT’s Level 6 ICT Apprenticeships (in Software Development and Network Engineering). ATU Sligo is developing a specific Level 8 Honours Degree in Computer Science aimed at becoming a direct progression pathway for these apprentices.

ATU Sligo's structure supports advanced entry into Year 2, 3, or even Year 4 of the Level 8 programme for learners holding a cognate QQI/FET Level 6 Major award—with the possibility to reduce the total years of study required.

FIT is working towards creating links with providers of further and higher education to facilitate entry/advanced entry to additional programmes.

These include:

• TU Dublin (TU)
• National College of Ireland (NCI)
• Dublin City University (DCU)
• Griffith College
• CCT College Dublin (CCT)

Other pathway options include Springboard and conversion courses or post graduate pathways. 

• Springboard & conversion courses      
• Post Graduate options    

The ICTAP programme is currently being delivered in Dublin, Cork, Galway, Athlone, and Monaghan, with FIT actively engaging employers across these regions to participate in the initiative.

To find out more: e-mail [email protected] or by phone on 01 8825570.

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.

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 employer in each apprenticeship. 

Search a list of Approved Employers by Region and by Apprenticeship type here    .

Choosing the Tech Apprenticeship Route | Interview with FIT on Corks 96FM, May 21, 2025

This apprenticeship is managed by Fastrack into Information Technology (FIT). If you are interested in a network engineer associate apprenticeship you should make contact with FIT via the contact details below.

For more details on FIT, visit Fastrack into Information Technology (FIT)    .

Full eligibility criteria for this apprenticeship are available in the Computer Networking Associate Apprenticeship     brochure.

Further information is also available from the co-ordinating provider for this apprenticeship:

Fastrack into Information Technology
7A Bellevue Industrial Estate
Glasnevin
Dublin 11

Tel: + 353 (0)1 882 5570
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.fit.ie

Or apply online on the FIT (Fastrack to Information Technology) website    . 

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.

Further information about this apprenticeship may be available from the following organisations on this website:

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Organisations supporting this apprenticeship

Where we know of supporting organisations we list these below:

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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.

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