• Minimum requirements for a PDEng would typically be a 2.1 honours degree in a relevant area, or equivalent, in the broad field of engineering and related disciplines and not less than 5 years’ experience.

• The consortium would also facilitate recognition of prior learning (RPL) and would recognise candidates with a lower qualification provided they have considerable industrial experience, and evidence of the ability to study at Masters level or above.

• Research-based patents or peer-reviewed publications would also be recognised. Applicants in this category may be required to complete some additional learning activities prior to starting the apprenticeship. Also, modules taken under the auspices of the Engineers Ireland, the Irish Computer Society, and other providers CPD programs could be accumulated to meet entry criteria.

• As part of the supports in making the decision to undertake the Principal Engineer apprenticeship it is proposed to offer a preparatory module to interested apprentices so that they can better understand the requirements of the apprenticeship and make an informed decision as to whether the apprenticeship is in line with their career plans.

The lead industry partner for this apprenticeship is CONFIRM Smart Manufacturing. The apprenticeship is a 4 year programme is delivered by The University of Limerick.  It involves a mix of face to face and online delivery of modules:

• 270 ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) in total. 198 ECTS of research, 54 ECTS of taught material and 18 ECTS (3 x 6 ECTS) of evidence of progression at the end of Years 2, 3 & 4. There are 12 taught modules delivered to students on the programme. These are all marked on a pass/fail basis. Six of the modules form the Certificate in Generic and Transferable Skill available to all doctoral students. The remaining 6 are specific to the programme.
• 70% delivered "on-the-job" in the workplace through self-directed research and academic supervision.
• 30% delivered in face-to-face and online modules delivered through the University of Limerick.

Qualifier Module - The PT8001 is the Professional Portfolio qualifier module. This will give you an understanding of the structure of the Professional Doctorate, how to develop a professional portfolio and how to deliver a unique contribution to professional knowledge. You will be required to identify a problem that is significant to your industry or profession and to propose an appropriate approach to solving this problem.

Year 1

Research Support Modules (to be completed between May & August)

Year 2

Research Support Modules & Professional Doctorate Progression Report 1

Year 3

Research Support Modules & Professional Doctorate Progression Report 2

Year 4

Professional Doctorate Progression Report 3 & Research Dissertation Submission

• Exercise original thought, technical credibility and independent judgement.
• Deep understanding of organisational behaviour.
• Exercise personal responsibility and largely autonomous initiative in complex and unpredictable situations, professional or equivalent contexts.
• Communicate results of research and innovation to peers.
• Act in a wide and unpredictable variety of professional levels and ill-defined context.
• Engage in critical dialogue, and critique the broader implications of applying knowledge to particular contexts.
• Excellent leadership, interpersonal, problem solving, negotiating and communication skills.
• Demonstrate sound moral and ethical principles in research and professional capacity.
• Confidentiality and capability to build trust and comply with legal obligations and requirements.
• Encourage honest and open communication and effective relationships within and between co-workers.

• Research new algorithms and techniques to improve automatic, self-aware, evolutionary systems.
• Theoretical analysis, functional design and prototyping of capabilities which transform industry practice.
• Design, develop, and execute research experiments/POCs and prototypes in an individual or collaborative team based environment.
• Implement industry best practices and address gaps in state of the art methodologies.
• Develop approaches for self-managing, learning and adaption at scale.
• Contribute to company intellectual property, evaluate patents for specific technology areas and participate in patent filings.
• Form strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders

The role is found across industries, including: Information Communication Technology, Software, Manufacturing, Chemical, Pharmaceutical, Medical Devices, Electronics, Automotive and Areospace.

Note: People in employment have a number of options for both Educational and Career Progression. It might also be possible to gain promotion within your existing company.  By using your existing qualifications and your experience you might to able to secure an alternative position in a more senior role in another company. It may also be possible to set up your own company based again on your existing qualifications and experience.  Whatever route you decide to take remember education is a lifelong pursuit and you can always continue to up skill and/or retrain, whatever your age.  Links to some educational and enterprise supports can be found below.  

Enterprise and Self-Employment Support:

On completion of anapprenticeship if you feel you have the appropriate knowledge, skills and experience you may decide to set up your own business. The links below might be useful to support you:

• 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. 

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.

This apprenticeship is managed by CONFIRM Smart Manufacturing. If you are interested in a Principal Engineer Apprenticeship you should make contact with CONFIRM Smart Manufacturing via the contact details below.

Full eligibility criteria for this apprenticeship are available in the Principal Engineer Apprenticeship brochure.

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.