Ministers Harkin and Lawless announce launch of new Level 8 Civil Engineering and Quantity Surveying apprenticeships at Atlantic Technological University
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Ó: An Roinn Breisoideachais agus Ardoideachais, Taighde, Nuálaíochta agus Eolaíochta
- Foilsithe: 20 Bealtaine 2026
- An t-eolas is déanaí: 20 Bealtaine 2026
Minister of State with responsibility for Further Education, Apprenticeship, Construction and Climate Skills, Marian Harkin TD alongside Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD, today announced two new apprenticeships in civil engineering and quantity surveying at Atlantic Technological University (ATU).
Minister Harkin said:
“Civil engineers and quantity surveyors are in huge demand. Increasing apprenticeship training pathways for civil engineering and quantity surveying will help build a sustainable pipeline of workers to support our national housing and infrastructure goals, and it’s a strong example of how the apprenticeship system can respond directly to critical skills needs within a sector.
“Today’s announcements demonstrate ATU’s role in supporting regional development, talent retention and sustainable enterprise in the West and North-West.”
Minister Lawless said:
“I am delighted and proud to launch two new apprenticeships at ATU today. A Level 8 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Civil Engineering by Apprenticeship and a Level 8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Quantity Surveying.
“Government investment in apprenticeships is showing real results. The €79 million investment in apprenticeship in Budget 2026 is the highest investment in core apprenticeship funding since the establishment of DFHERIS – more than doubling the total annual investment in apprenticeship delivery from €184 million in 2020 to €415 million in 2026.
“The range of apprenticeship options has expanded significantly. We now have over 80 programmes, nearly three times the number a decade ago, reshaping public perceptions and opening new pathways to qualifications that were not previously accessible.
“Apprentice civil engineers and quantity surveyors will get hands-on industry experience, setting them up for a sustainable career pathway.”
President of ATU, Dr Orla Flynn said:
“I would like to sincerely thank Minister Harkin and the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science for their continued support for apprenticeship development and for recognising the importance of programmes such as these. I also want to acknowledge the commitment of our industry partners, whose collaboration has been central to shaping apprenticeships that are relevant, responsive and grounded in real practice. Together, this partnership between government, higher education and industry is delivering meaningful pathways for learners and supporting the development of a skilled workforce for the future.”
These new programmes form part of a wider suite of apprenticeships set to launch in 2026, which are expected to become an increasingly important source of talent as well as support the Government’s target of 12,500 apprentice registrations per annum by 2030.
Notes
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Civil Engineering (Level 8)
The Level 8 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Civil Engineering by Apprenticeship was developed in response to the growing demand for civil engineers. While you can do the course as a 4 year apprenticeship, it also offers a clear and structured progression pathway for apprentices who are doing or have completed ATU’s two-year Level 6 Higher Certificate in Civil Engineering apprenticeship or three-year Level 7 BEng in Civil Engineering apprenticeship.
This Level 8 course will allow eligible students with the Level 7 qualification to progress their studies via the L8 add-on course. The proposed number of apprentices for the first intake is 32 apprentices in Year 1 of both programmes, giving a total of 64 apprentices.
Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Quantity Surveying (Level 8)
For an apprentice to become a chartered quantity surveyor and register under the Building Controls Act, the apprentice will need a minimum of a level 8 qualification.
This course will cover both pre- and post-contract processes associated with more complex commercial and multi-functional project development and civil engineering infrastructure projects. The goal of this course is to provide specialised knowledge and skills in the core competencies of quantity surveying and prepare the apprentice as a practicing professional.
Useful links
https://www.atu.ie/
https://apprenticeship.ie/