Tipperary man among first cohort of Civil Engineering Apprentice graduates from ATU

A total of six apprentices have completed the Higher Certificate in Civil Engineering by Apprenticeship, a programme designed to meet the growing demand for skilled engineers in the construction and infrastructure sectors across the region.

One of these graduates is Tipperary’s Dale Fitzgerald.

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Four of these six are furthering their studies by progressing on to the Level 7 BEng in Civil Engineering by apprenticeship.

Launched in September 2022, the Civil Engineering Apprenticeship combines on-the-job training with academic study, allowing apprentices to earn while they learn.

Throughout the programme, apprentices have been involved in a range of real-world engineering projects, from infrastructure design and surveying to sustainable construction and specialist supply, while gaining valuable experience with industry-leading employers.

Partner companies supporting the programme include Punch Consulting Engineers, Shay Murtagh Precast Ltd, Coolsivna Construction Ltd and TG Lenihan and Co., who work closely with ATU to ensure apprentices gain the practical skills and technical knowledge needed to thrive in the industry.

One of the graduates, Brian McNamara from Co Clare, shared how the apprenticeship transformed his career path: “The Civil Engineering Apprenticeship has been a fantastic experience, and I’ve learned so much already, both technically and professionally. The combination of work and study has given me real confidence in my career choice, and I would recommend it to anyone considering a similar path.”

Another Graduate, Vidmantas Kulevicius, originally from Lithuania,also shared his experiences: “I moved to Ireland seven years ago at 23 and I have worked with Shay Murtagh since that time. The programme is intense, but the practical knowledge gained is invaluable. Being part of a new initiative has been exciting, and I can see this apprenticeship growing in popularity in the near future.”

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Dr Trevor McSharry, Head of School of Building and Civil Engineering at ATU, reflected on the achievement, saying: “The success of this first graduating cohort reflects the strong partnership between ATU and the regional engineering sector. The Civil Engineering Apprenticeship is already having a significant impact across Ireland, developing work-ready graduates who are helping to address skills shortages, support sustainable development, and strengthen local construction and infrastructure projects. The programme has been successfully delivered on ATU’s Sligo and Galway campuses for the past few years, and this year has seen the further expansion to MTU Cork, meaning we now have over 200 learners across three locations.”

L-R Back row: Prof Graham Heaslip, Dean Faculty of Engineering and Computing at ATU, Dr Orla Flynn, ATU President, Dr Trevor McSharry, Head of School of Building and Civil Engineering at ATU, Dr Emma Britton, Director of Civil Engineering Apprenticeship, Dr Ruth Quinn, Head of Department of Civil Engineering and Construction, Dr Billy Bennet, Registrar and Chief Academic Officer at ATU.

L-R Front row graduates: Vidmantas Kulevicius, Brian McNamara, Arvydas Serapinas, Oisin Gilligan and Dale Fitzgerald. (One graduate unable to make it- Daniel Murphy).