Callout for next generation of engineering technicians

This is an exciting opportunity to be part of the €1.3 billion commitment from Government to protect communities threatened by river and coastal flood risk.

Flood relief schemes are proposed for some 300 communities throughout the country, which will protect approximately 23,000 properties.

“We are seeking to attract bright, enthusiastic people to join our team. We need to expand to continue our dedicated work in the area of risk management and climate adaptation. We want people to ask themselves, ‘Could I do that?’,” said Jim Casey, Head of Flood Risk Management in the Office of Public Works.

“With this apprenticeship approach to learning, while being paid and mentored by experienced engineers, we hope to attract and develop people from a broad and diverse range of backgrounds who have an interest and passion for helping communities adapt to the challenges of the future and to thrive,” said Jim.

The apprenticeships offer an ‘earn and learn’ approach to realising a rewarding career as an Engineering Technician. The apprenticeship runs for two years combining work-based learning with a formal training programme. Successful candidates will be based out of the Mallow office of the Office of Public Works.

“I completed a summer work placement with the OPW when I was a student and loved it," said Denise Delaney, one of the most senior grades of engineers in the Office of Public Works.

“It's so rewarding to work on major projects that have a genuinely positive impact on people's lives.

“We have a lovely team of people from all across the country, working together to deliver high quality, sustainable engineering projects that we can all be proud of. We’re at the top of our game and the work is very rewarding, in lots of ways,” added Denise.

The formal training component will be delivered through Atlantic Technological University, who act as the co-ordinating provider for Civil Engineering Technician Apprenticeships in Ireland. The academic modules will be delivered online one day per week, with one day per month requiring attendance on the ATU Sligo campus to facilitate laboratory work and face-to-face tuition.

Combined with the protection provided by existing schemes and those that are in the process of delivery, OPW Flood Plans show how it is feasible to protect approximately 95% of at-risk properties assessed under the National Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management Programme.

FURTHER DETAILS

More information is available at www.gov.ie/en/publication/57495-become-a-skilled-apprentice-with-the-opw/