Diversity of career options on the rise

Opportunities in biopharmachem, ICT and elsewhere, says Susan Gill

ITH the Government committed to modernising and expanding the national apprenticeship system, the diversity of programmes is ever increasing. Up to 74 apprenticeship disciplines are expected to be on offer by the end of 2019 in a variety of new sectors such as recruitment, supply chain and telecommunications. With 45 apprenticeships available right now, let’s take a look at the current sectors offering these fantastic career opportunities.

Biopharmachem

Ibec estimates that approximately

8,400 jobs will be created in the biopharmachem sector within the next five years. The Laboratory Technician (L6) and Laboratory Analyst (L7) apprenticeships are excellent entry points into this field, offering a range of career options in medical devices and diagnostics, analytical testing and chemical manufacturing.

Construction

The construction industry has a long history of providing quality apprenticeships in areas such as Brick and Stonelaying (L6), Carpentery and Joinery (L6) or Stonecutting and Stonemasonry

(L6). According to the Construction Federation of Ireland, no sector will grow as

quickly as construction will in the next few years, with the Government targeting the creation of 60,000 new construction jobs by 2020.

Electrical

Electrical apprenticeships continue to be the country’s most popular choice, and with such a variety on offer it is no surprise. From Aircraft Mechanics (L6), Electrical (L6) and Instrumentation (L6) to Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, these highly popular programmes continue to attract apprentices due to their career longevity and excellent advancement options.

Engineering

The sheer diversity of engineering apprenticeships creates a multitude of progressive career opportunities. Established programmes such as Sheet Metalworking (L6) and Metal Fabrication (L6) sit alongside newly developed ones such as Polymer Processing Technology (L7) and Manufacturing Engineering (L7), expanding the sector and providing hugely valued industry-ready skills.

Finance

The ‘Insurance

2020’ strategy aims to employ 35,000 people by 2020 and the Insurance Practitioner (L8) apprenticeship, also

the country’s first honours degree-level apprenticeship, responds to this need. Elsewhere in finance, the International Financial Services Associate (L6) and the International Financial Services Specialist (L9) apprenticeships offer two entry points into this rapidly growing industry.

Hospitality

With a growing number of

Michelin Star Restaurants in Ireland, a future culinary superstar may be among the new Commis Chef (L6), Chef de Partie (L7) or Sous Chef (L8) apprenticeship programmes. Offering various entry points into this career, these apprenticeships address the deficit of chefs in the hospitality industry, providing structured training to meet sector demand.

ICT

With a welldocumented skills shortage in the ICT sector, the newly established Network Engineer (L6), Software Developer (L6) and Cybersecurity (L6) apprenticeships offer fantastic opportunities across a range of roles. Such is the demand for ICT skills that the Civil Service are offering these apprenticeships with their trainees taking a front seat in the Irish Government’s digital transformation programmes.

Logistics

Already proving incredibly successful, the new and innovative Logistics Associate (L6) apprenticeship addresses the growing demand for just-in-time management and transportation. Leading to careers in supply chain management, process engineering and shipping amongst others, it is an incredibly timely apprenticeship which will no doubt continue to grow.

Motor

Apprentices in the motor industry may find themselves in Construction Plant Fitting (L6), Agricultural Mechanics (L6) or Motor Mechanics (L6), depending on their own particular interests. Highlighting the different paths that are available for those interested in the sector, these programmes have been stalwarts of the national apprenticeship system.

Property Services

The Auctioneering and Property

Services (L6) apprenticeship meets the growing demand for estate agents and property managers. Attracting a high number of candidates, the interest in this apprenticeship is down to its expertly industry-driven programme, which prepares learners for entry into the sector or for further study.