ICT - Computer Networking - ICT Associate Apprenticeship

The programme may commence at any point during the calendar year, depending on a wide range of factors affecting delivery and placement. Programmes typically comprise classes of 15-20 apprentices. The frequency of programmes and the selected locations will be related to regional demand from employers for the Computer Networking Apprenticeship programme.

Apply Online

FIT recruits candidates who express an interest in joining the programme by completing an online application form available on www.fit.ie. In the first instance, the application is subject to screening regarding the defined criteria noted. Successful candidates will also be registered with SOLAS as the regulatory authority for the registration of apprentices in Ireland.

All candidates will be required to meet the specific entry requirements. Once the screening process has been finalised/completed, FIT will organise interviews between candidates and prospective host employers who will provide the mentored work placement opportunity to the candidate. The employer will select the applicant(s) to whom they will offer a role in their organisation as a full time employee for the duration of the programme. This decision is exclusively made by the employer and FIT has no role in influencing that decision-making process.

Since 2018, FIT has instigated several supports for candidates who may have additional support needs and who notify FIT of a disability at the candidate application stage. These supports range from assistance navigating the candidate application process to ongoing support during participation in the programme.

FIT is an industry-led not-for-profit organisation that develops and provides innovative education and training programmes. As Coordinating Provider, FIT is responsible for the operation and quality assurance of the programme. FIT works closely with its training delivery partners (ETBs), employers, and regulators (Quality and Qualifications Ireland, SOLAS, National Apprenticeship Office) to ensure that the ICT Apprenticeships meet the needs of all stakeholders.

Apprenticeships are an exciting and proven way for employers to develop talent for their company and industry. Apprenticeships are designed by industry-led groups to support growth and competitiveness. Apprentices earn while they learn, and build valuable work-ready skills in a chosen occupation.

Apprenticeships open up exciting and rewarding careers, with learning grounded in the practical experience of undertaking an employment opportunity. Helping more people discover and develop their talents through training is at the heart of the national apprenticeship system. Assisting people to find opportunities through the acquisition of tech skills is at the heart of Fastrack into Information Technology’s mission and we warmly welcome you to take part in this journey with our support and encouragement.

The Computer Networking Associate Apprenticeship is a two-year programme designed for those who have recently completed second-level education or mature learners who are seeking to retrain. It is a dual-education programme involving both college-based and workplace learning. This college-based learning is state-funded and apprentices receive a salary from their employer while on the programme. The programme provides apprentices with the theoretical and practical skills required to secure and retain employment in creating, managing and modifying wide and local computer networks. In early 2023, FIT concluded the first formal large-scale review of this programme, culminating in a modified programme targeted toward meeting contemporary business needs.

In summary, the revised programme includes updated content in customer support training, extended periods for apprentices to build basic computer networking skills, and the opportunity to practice on various network topologies. In addition, the revised programme refocuses basic health and safety considerations towards a deeper appreciation for safe work systems while significantly enhancing the apprentices’ understanding of contemporary/agile project management approaches and methodologies such as Lean and SCRUM, etc. The programme will expose apprentices to popular virtualisation solutions and contemporary practice, also offering the opportunity to complete CompTIA certification, as noted in Section 6.

A computer networking associate/specialist designs, installs, maintains and supports communication networks within and between organisations. Network specialists maintain high levels of network availability in order to provide maximum performance for their users (colleagues, clients, customers, suppliers etc.). They understand network topologies, cloud services, network administration and monitoring tools. They are able to give technical advice and guidance. Typical job titles for people with this skillset include: Network Engineer, Network Technician, Network Specialist, Systems Engineer, Network Administrator, Network Support or Data Centre Technician.

Award Title, Level and QQI Certification
Successful completion of all modules on this programme leads to apprentice attainment of a Quality and Qualifications Ireland-accredited Advanced Certificate in Computer Networking, which is placed at Level Six on the National Framework of Qualifications.

Programme Aims and Objectives
The Computer Networking Associate Apprenticeship programme aims to enable participants to secure and retain employment in a computer networking role. Onboarded apprentices will be able to combine technical, communications, project management and personal development skills to meet the employer’s requirements and should be able to act autonomously or as part of a team as the occasion demands.

Modular Components
Based on the allocation of 200 FET Credits, this programme is split into fourteen modules, NE-TA-001– NE-TA-014. Modules NE-TA-001–NE-TA-012 are completed by apprentices in off-the-job training mode under the guidance and direction of an off-the-job tutor. Self-directed learning hours relating to these modules are comprised of learning formation activities conducted in the workplace throughout the two-year programme. Modules NE-TA-013 and NE-TA-014 relate to on-the-job activity, specifically the demonstration and application of learning in the workplace.

Module Course Type FET Credits Directed Self-Directed
Programme Induction N/A 0 31.5 0
NE-TA-001 Networking Fundamentals I Off-the-Job 15 94.5 55.5
NE-TA-002 Customer Support Provision for the ICT Professional Off-the-Job 05 31.5 18.5
NE-TA-003 Configuring and Testing of ICT Systems Off-the-Job 10 63 37
NE-TA-004 Cloud Technology Implementation & Maintenance Off-the-Job 15 94.5 55.5
NE-TA-005 Data & Cyber Security Off-the-Job 5 31.5 18.5
NE-TA-006 Safe Systems of Work Off-the-Job 5 31.5 18.5
NE-TA-007 Virtualsiation Management Off-the-Job 15 94.5 55.5
NE-TA-008 Project Management & Agile Systems of Work Off-the-Job 10 63 37
NE-TA-009 ICT System Security Policies Off-the-Job 10 63 37
NE-TA-010 Networking Fundamentals II Off-the-Job 20 126 74
NE-TA-011 Intermediate IT Support Off-the-Job 10 63 37
NE-TA-012 Intermediate Network Management Off-the-Job 15 94.5 55.5
NE-TA-013 Applied Learning in the Workplace Year 1 On-the-Job 25 525 0
NE-TA-014 Applied Learning in the Workplace Year 2 On-the-Job 40 1672 0

Programme elements are assessed in different ways. During the completion of off-the-job modules, apprentices will undertake a series of assessment tasks for each module that demonstrate apprentice attainment of the required minimum standards. Apprentices complete assessments in a controlled tutor-invigilated environment that is time-bound against set and diverse assignment briefs. Typically assessment aligned to a particular module is completed within the final days of the delivery of a particular module. As apprentices progress through the programme, they will have the opportunity in modules NE-TA-010 and NE-TA-011 to complete CompTIA certification, which typically necessitates attendance at a defined testing centre location. Workplace learning is monitored through apprentices providing written responses regarding the completion of defined and relevant workplace tasks of both a hard technical nature and concerning the application of transversal skills. These activites are monitored by the Workplace Learning Officer, reviewed by the Workplace Mentor and assessed by a FIT-appointed Workplace ICT Assessor.

FIT Contact Information
Phone: 01 8825570
Email: info@fit.ie Web: www.fit.ie

Generation Apprenticeship