Xplore Your Future

The "Xplore Your Future" Fingal TY Skills Expo will take place on Tuesday, 14th October 2025 at The Helix DCU. This is the third running of the expo following a very successful inaugural event in 2023 and 2024. Hosted by Fingal County Council, this free interactive event is designed to help TY students explore lots of future career possibilities and meet with young people already on these career paths. This is a schools-only event, not open to the public.
If you're wondering about your future career, consider this: a skills-based career could be an amazing choice for you.
Why? Well, first off, it's like having a superpower in the job market. You can adapt to new industries and technologies as they come along, which means you won't be left behind.
Plus, it's all about job security. Skills are always in demand, so you'll have more stability. And let's talk money - skills-based jobs often pay well and offer room to climb the career ladder.
But here's the coolest part: you get to make a real impact in your chosen field. And guess what? Many skills-based jobs let you learn on the job, which means you're earning while you're learning. So, think about it – a skills-based career might just be your ticket to an exciting, fulfilling future, and the chance to grow every step of the way!
See what our Students and Teachers had to say about Xplore Your Future 2024:
Previous Years
Xplore Your Future 2023 - Student Testimonials
Xplore Your Future 2023 - Teacher Testimonials
Remember, the opportunities in skills are truly endless, and the pathways are more accessible than ever. Don't hesitate to reach out to your teachers, explore the things that ignite your interest, and ask about the pathways to those careers. You can also check out the incredible resources available on this webpage. Your future is what you make it, and with the right skills, the possibilities are limitless. So, go on, seize those opportunities, and shape a future that's uniquely yours!
Xplore The Sector Competition
Fingal County Council is delighted to announce the launch of our new “Xplore The Sector” Skills Competition which is part of the “Xplore Your Future” TY Students Skills Expo. For more information, click here.
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Careers at Amazon
Amazon offers diverse career opportunities in their data center operations, providing a dynamic work environment with continuous professional growth potential. As the world's leading cloud platform, Amazon offers various entry paths including work-based learning programs, scholarships, and internships. Amazon Data Centers offer a wide range of roles including Data Center Operations Technician (DCO), Infrastructure Delivery Technician, and Logistics Specialist positions, among many others. These roles are suitable for enthusiastic individuals with a "can-do" attitude!
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Amazon Data Centre Technician Program - TU Dublin & DIFE
Amazon partners with both Technological University Dublin Tallaght and Drogheda Institute of Further Education to deliver a part-time Level 6 Data Centre Technician Course. This scholarship program is designed for students with a Leaving Certificate or equivalent who are 18 years or older, providing them with specialized education and training in data centre operations, with an opportunity for a career in Data Centres.
Generation Ireland is a non-profit creating social impact through free education to employment programmes, part of the Generation global non-profit network which includes 17 countries around the world.
They transform education to employment systems to prepare, place, and support people into life-changing careers that would otherwise be inaccessible.
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AWS re/Start
This programme trains you to become a AWS Cloud Support Practitioner – a Cloud Practitioner is someone who works with cloud technology to design and develop cloud-based solutions for companies. AWS stands for Amazon Web Services, a popular cloud platform used by a wide variety of companies across many different industries. Find out more here
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IT Support with Cyber Security
This free 9 week skills bootcamp will help you to build your confidence in a supportive environment and land your first job in IT Support with the tools to progress into in-demand and high paying cyber security roles within 3-5 years. Find out more here
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Data Analytics
Demand for data skills has tripled in the past five years and it is one of the fastest growing areas in tech! On this free 11 week bootcamp, we’ll provide you with the perfect launchpad to enter this career. Find out more here
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Solar Installer
Do you like working outdoors in a hands-on role? Looking for an in-demand career with plenty of job and progression opportunities, while having a positive environmental impact? If yes – Solar Installer is the career for you! On this 5-week programme you’ll get all the knowledge and skills you need to kickstart your career and land your first solar role. Find out more here
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DCU Access Service
DCU Access is a higher education admissions scheme for Leaving Certificate students (under 23) whose economic or social background are underrepresented in higher education
To find out more click here
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International Financial Services Associate Apprenticeship
The IFS Associate Apprenticeship offers a two-year full-time job with a leading financial services company whilst studying to achieve a Level 6 Higher Certificate in International Financial Services. The IFS Apprenticeships allow you to 'earn while you learn' by combining paid on the job training with academic study which is delivered at National College of Ireland.
This two-year programme is suitable for leaving certificate students (or those with an equivalent qualification) who have an interest in pursuing a career in the financial services sector. The apprenticeship is delivered on the basis of one day a week studying with NCI, and four days a week working in a leading financial services company.
Find out more here
LinkedIn Page: IFS Apprenticeships
Established in 1999, FIT is dedicated to addressing the skills requirements of Ireland’s increasingly digitalised economy. Promoting inclusion and diversity FIT consistently demonstrates that wider access to tech skills training leads to exciting career paths and quality employment opportunities for all those who have a curiosity and passion for technology.
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Software Development Apprenticeship
The Software Development Apprenticeship programme is a two-year, level 6 programme where students get to earn a salary, work with a leading company and gain an industry-recognised certificate. The training is completely free, so you don't need to worry about fees or tuition over the two-years. We have nationwide intakes, with programmes happening both in-person and online. And, best of all - we accept applications all year round! Find out more here.
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Computer Networking Apprenticeship
The Computer Networking Apprenticeship programme is a two-year, level 6 programme where students get to earn a salary, work with a leading company and gain an industry-recognised certificate. The training is completely free, so you don't need to worry about fees or tuition over the two-years. We have nationwide intakes, with programmes happening both in-person and online. And, best of all - we accept applications all year round! Find out more here.
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Introduction to Manufacturing Processes - Traineeship
This local training initiative (LTI) programme is designed for people who may wish to pursue a role or aspire to work in manufacturing settings. This QQI level 4 course aims to provide a hands-on and supported foundational learning environment. There is no previous experience required, and this full-time course is free of charge. More information here.
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Cybersecurity Apprenticeship
The Cybersecurity Apprenticeship programme is a two-year, level 6 programme where students get to earn a salary, work with a leading company and gain an industry-recognised certificate. The training is completely free, so you don't need to worry about fees or tuition over the two-years. We have nationwide intakes, with programmes happening both in-person and online. And, best of all - we accept applications all year round! Find out more here.
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iFIT - all Female Software Development Apprenticeship
The iFIT programme is a dedicated all female Software Development Apprenticeship programme. This two-year, level 6 programme gives students the opportunity to earn a salary, work with a leading company and gain an industry-recognised certificate. The training is completely free, so you don't need to worry about fees or tuition over the two-years. We have nationwide intakes, with programmes happening both in-person and online. And, best of all - we accept applications all year round! Find out more here.
Facebook page: fasttracktoit
Instagram handle: @fasttracktoit
X: @FasttrackintoIT
Munster Technological University is a multi-campus technological university, contributing to the region through the provision of academic programmes that support student development and opportunities, education, and research.. It is based in Cork and Kerry.
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Bachelor of Science Nautical Science
Nautical Science has three main elements: navigation, cargo operations, and ship operations. In other words, the control of a ship; the safe operation of a ship, including the protection of life and the environment; Shipboard administration, and the handling, loading and care of cargoes which may be as diverse as petroleum products, general cargo, or thousands of new cars or passengers.
This course is designed for those who wish to pursue a career as a deck officer aboard ship. It provides a comprehensive education in navigation and other ship board activities. Students who successfully complete year 1 can expect to be placed on a series of commercial ships in year 2, gaining between twelve and fifteen months seatime for practical training experience, and to gain the necessary ‘seatime’ for the Department of Transport Certificate of Competency and professional examinations. In addition, students must complete a comprehensive workplace training programme including training records, journals and other documents associated with the training programme, as specified from time to time. More information here.
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Bachelor of Engineering Marine Electrotechnology
An Electro-technical officer (ETO) operates, maintains and calibrates all electrical, electronic and ship’s equipment. The ETO’s role is not restricted to the engine room and they may also work on complex systems located throughout any vessel. This is an exciting programme to cater for the growing need on board ship for a specialist in electrical/electronic/networking systems. The course shares its first two semesters with MT 764 BEng in Marine Engineering. Having completed year 1, Marine Electrotechnology students begin specialist electrical and electronic training. As well as lectures, training is provided in a variety of workshops and laboratories. This practical work is given to enhance the students’ learning experience. Practical knowledge of fundamental theory is gained in electrical, electronic, communications, and control laboratories. A broad understanding of ships and ships’ systems is delivered in electrical workshops and in the College’s own engine room. Students who successfully complete year 1 and 2 are expected to be placed on a commercial ship, for practical training experience, and to gain the necessary ‘seatime’ for an internationally recognised Certificate of Competency. While at sea they must complete a comprehensive workplace training programme. More information here.
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Bachelor of Engineering Marine Engineering
The function of the marine engineer is to operate and maintain the engines, boilers, generators and other systems of ships. Most of the mechanical equipment aboard ship is operated and maintained by marine engineers. This course aims to provide a sound knowledge base of marine engineering.
As well as lectures, training is provided in marine, electrical, welding and mechanical workshops, supplemented with practical work in the College engine room, and simulation exercises in the machinery and cargo handling simulation suites. Students who successfully complete year 1 and 2 are expected to be placed in a commercial ship, for practical training experience, and to gain the necessary ‘seatime’ for the Department of Transport Certificate of Competency, in their third year. In addition, while at sea, students must complete a comprehensive workplace training programme including training records, journals and other documents associated with the training programme, as specified from time to time. More information here.
Instagram page: @mtu_ie
The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) is the governing body for association Football for the Republic of Ireland.
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FAI/ETB Player Development Course
Full time Football Association of Ireland player development Academy located in Cabra in conjunction with DDLETB Baldoyle. For more click here.
Follow @FAI_ETB_Cabra on Instagram
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Diploma in Beauty Specialist Techniques
This course offers the opportunity to develop skills in beauty therapy providing the foundation for a range of work opportunities in an industry which is dedicated to helping people look and feel their best. Practical skills are developed in the industry standard commercial salon when working on clients. Learners also develop critical skills such as communication, customer service and teamwork to support progression to the next level or into employment.
Health, Safety & Hygiene
Client Care and Communication
Facials
Eyelash and Eyebrow Treatments
Waxing
Manicure
Pedicure
Make up
Practical work takes place in the centre’s purpose-built beauty room, providing a realistic working environment where treatments are performed on clients. Guest lecturers from product companies, enrichment trips complement the study programme. This qualification involves practical and written examinations.For more information, click here
Follow BCTC on social media: @blanchctc on Instagram.
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BSc in Vet Nursing
This course is specifically designed to ensure students receive as much ‘hands-on’ practical and workplace-orientated training as possible, meaning that employers value our graduates’ attributes and the course accredited by the Veterinary Council of Ireland. In addition to being able to join the Irish Register of Veterinary Nurses, the qualification is also recognised by the European Accreditation Committee for Veterinary Nurse Education (ACOVENE) and the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons in the UK. Graduates can immediately register and work as veterinary nurses or decide to progress on to the BSc (Hons) in Advanced Veterinary Nursing.
For more see here
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BSc (Hons) in General Nursing
Students will learn the theory and evidence-based principles of nursing to help people prevent and overcome illness and enable them to take ownership of their own health and well-being. Students will learn the practice of nursing by working with registered nurses in clinical areas who act as preceptors, assisting students to apply their knowledge and skills to real-life situations. More information here.
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BSc(Hons) in Mental Health Nursing
Over the duration of the course, students will develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes to care for people experiencing mental health challenges. Student’s academic and clinical knowledge will be developed using simulated learning environments and modern learning spaces. Students gain their clinical experience in a diversity of clinical placements, caring for people experiencing mental health challenges. Mental health nursing clinical placements account for fifty percent of this course. In preparation for clinical placement students attend practical classes in the Clinical Skills Laboratory. More information here.
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BSc(Hons) in Intellectual Disability Nursing
Over the duration of the course, students will develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to meet the specific needs of people with an intellectual disability in a safe, competent, and compassionate manner. Students’ academic and clinical knowledge will be developed throughout this rewarding course using simulated learning environments and modern learning spaces.
Students gain their clinical experience in a diversity of placements, caring for people with an intellectual disability across their lifespan. Intellectual disability nursing placements account for approximately fifty percent of this course. Students will receive theoretical classes in nursing-related subjects, psychology, sociology, biological sciences, research and management. It also includes practical sessions in the Clinical Skills Laboratory, in preparation for clinical placements. More information here.
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BSc(Hons) in Midwifery
Over the duration of the course, learners will develop the knowledge, skills, and professional behaviours, that are necessary to become compassionate, competent, and committed healthcare professionals. Academic and clinical knowledge and skills will be developed throughout this rewarding course, using inclusive, authentic, learning approaches and simulated learning environments. Students will gain their clinical experience in our partner clinical sites; Our Lady of Lourdes Maternity Unit, Drogheda, Cavan Hospital Maternity Unit and Letterkenny University Hospital Maternity Unit. Students will engage with both theoretical and practical learning opportunities, in preparation for their clinical placements. Many of these will take place within our state-of the- art clinical skills laboratories. Midwifery clinical placements account for fifty percent of this course and enable students to develop the professional knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to fulfil the role of a midwife. More information here.
Follow DkIT on Social Media. @DkIT_ie on X and Instagram
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Trainee Aircraft Engineer Programme
The 4 year Trainee Aircraft Engineer Programme is split between our Base Maintenance Facility at Dublin Airport and a Part 147 facility. Upon successful completion, you will receive an EASA Part 66 Cat A & B Aircraft Maintenance Licence. The programme will include Aircraft Engineers inspections, maintain and repair airframe structures, engines, electrical and avionics systems.
Dublin Aerospace conducts heavy checks on APUs and a range of aircraft including Boeing and AIrbus.For more information on the programme, click here
Follow Dublin Aerospace on social media:
@dublinaerospace on LinkedIn and TikTok
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Commis Chef Apprenticeship Programme
2 year apprenticeship. QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Culinary Arts. Attend training weekly as part of your working week. Apprenticeship is completely FREE for the apprentice. Your training centre will provide uniforms, a full set of knives, ALL course material and books along with the use of a laptop FREE OF CHARGE. You will develop your skills in the workplace under the guidance of your designated workplace mentor.
Find out more here.
Instagram and TikTok: @commischefapprenticeship
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Student Enterprise Programme - Turn Your Ideas into a Business, with Support from LEO Fingal
Have a business idea? Want to learn how to turn it into reality? The Student Enterprise Programme helps you explore entrepreneurship by starting and running your own mini-business in school. With support from LEO Fingal, you’ll gain real-world experience, develop key skills like teamwork, creativity and problem-solving, and discover what it means to be your own boss. LEO Fingal will guide you every step of the way - from your first idea to growing your business, and even scaling it to become one of Ireland’s leading companies.
Some of the world’s biggest companies started out in a back yard shed - proving that big ideas don’t need fancy beginnings. The future belongs to young people and their innovative ideas. Why not start yours today? Find out more here.
- Follow LEO Fingal on Social Media: Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn.
With a firm commitment to excellence, reliability, and efficiency, Aramex offers a range of tailored B2B logistics services designed to meet the unique demands of your operations.
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Logistics Associate Apprenticeship
Becoming an apprentice with Aramex will develop an individual’s experience and advance skills required in this progressive industry. The apprenticeship will benefit the individuals by experiencing daily tasks, and projects while putting practical experience to use from academic education with TU Dublin City Campus.
This is an exciting role well suited to anyone looking for a new challenge and being part of a hardworking and collaborative team. Aramex can offer career development and progression with many of our team members excelling in their roles and enjoying the fast-paced world of logistics and supply chain.
This 2-year apprenticeship is standards-based, comprising of 1-day release to 3rd Level education during regular college semesters, culminating in annual examinations leading to a QQI Level 6 Higher Certificate in Logistics.
Applications open June each year for starting in September
- Follow Aramex Ireland on LinkedIn.
The National Talent Academies is an initiative by Screen Ireland to drive Irish creative talent from diverse backgrounds and disciplines at all levels into the sector and develop greater awareness of the sector as a career path.
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Passport to Production
This 6-day programme is one of the most beneficial stepping-stones to access the film & TV industry and forms the basis of the new entrant’s journey to working in the industry. The programme will give a broad overview of all the departments and help equip new entrants with the knowledge and some of the essential skills to work on set. There will be some practical elements during the programme which will be part of a hybrid approach consisting of group activities, industry panel experts and case studies. Other important elements of the programme include Health and Safety, set etiquette, script breakdown, self-management, and soft skills in the industry. Industry feedback internationally and nationally continually highlights the need for future skills such as problem-solving, adaptive thinking, creative collaboration, and emotional intelligence. The essential learning from the programme will be put into practice on the 3-week paid structured work placement. Find out more here.
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2025 WRITERS CLUB with The GALPAL Collective
The Writers Club will be a space for the writers to develop their skills and a short film projects while receiving feedback from an organically diverse range of people and peers. The club aims to create a cultivation of original storytelling that often doesn't get space to flourish in many development spaces. All applicants will be asked to submit a short film project that they would like to develop and work on as part of the Club. The GALPAL Collectives ethos is to support storytellers and creatives as they take their first steps into the film industry, with extra emphasis on working with writers from marginalised and underrepresented backgrounds. Find out more here.
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Animation, VFX & Games Graduate Traineeship 2025
The Traineeship, which has been running since 2016, has a strong track record with over 90% of participants going on to gain further work in the industry either with their host studio or with another studio. Additionally, according to the First Steps in the Animation Industry report, over 90% of respondents also said that the Traineeship adequately prepared them for the professional workplace and that they would recommend it to prospective new entrants. Find out more here.
Follow National Talent Academies on all regular social media platforms: @nationaltalentacademies
Teagasc is the authority responsible for research and development, training, and advisory services in Ireland's agri-food sector.
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Horticulture Apprenticeship
This is a two year higher cert in Horticulture which is consortium led and delivered in the Teagasc College in the National Botanic Gardens. Apprentices spend two years in an approved Horticulture business and attend the college on block release days. For more information see here.
Visit https://teagasc.ie
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BA Tourism Management
Tourism management focuses on the broad tourism industry and includes a professional internship, practical modules and academic subjects, while preparing students for leadership in this field. It combines academic knowledge with field trips, site visits, and practical work experience in the tourism industry.
A key focus of the course is on applied management and business subjects; for example, accounting, information technology, human resource management, marketing and communications. These are complemented by more tourism and field-specific subjects, such as tourism studies, sustainable tourism, tourism policy and planning, tourism service operations, and heritage, culture and tourism. More information here.
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International Hospitality & Tourism Management (Tallaght Campus)
Do you seek an exciting career in the international hospitality and tourism industry? This course can turn you into a business-ready graduate, with special knowledge and skills in tourism, food and beverage, sales and marketing, innovation, human resources, communication and IT. And you’ll acquire real-world experience thanks to the six month professional internship at home or abroad.
This course was developed in partnership with industry representative associations and leading practitioners from the food, leisure and business tourism sectors. You’ll study a range of business and cultural topics and develop essential business skills in tourism, sales and marketing, enterprise, human resources, IT, teamwork and problem-solving. More information here.
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International Hospitality Management (Grangegorman Campus)
This course will give you the management, technological and operational skills you need to work in the international hospitality industry. Specific modules enhance the international focus of the course and the international experience of the student. You’ll develop the strong communication, interpersonal, management and leadership skills that have been identified by the hospitality industry as essential for career success. Key areas of study are Communications, Management, Law and Industry Studies. Find out more here.
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Hospitality Management (Grangegorman Campus)
In this dynamic course, you’ll learn how to be a competent manager in any functional area in a hospitality business, whether in a top hotel or resort, or to open your own restaurant, hotel or bar.
The industry-focused curriculum is taught through a range of practical and academic learning styles to maximise the learning experience. You’ll learn all the business skills you need to equip you for management while getting plenty of opportunities to put your skills into practice.
The combination of key business subjects such as Management, Communications, Finance, Marketing and Human Resource Management with essential operational subjects such as Hospitality Industry Studies, Rooms Division, Food and Beverage Management, ensures that our graduates are well equipped for a successful career in the sector. Find out more here.
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Tourism and Digital Marketing (Grangegorman Campus)
This course focuses broadly on business and management subjects and more specifically on digital tourism marketing, to reflect the changing needs of the industry in light of technological advances. A suite of modules has been designed on the marketing and management of tourism enterprises such as visitor attractions, destination management companies, tour operators, travel agencies, hotels, conference centres and management bureaux.
You’ll acquire theoretical and practical knowledge of tourism and marketing practices, gaining an understanding of the operation of the tourism industry and the use of digital tools for tourism marketing. Find out more here.
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Sports and Leisure Management (Grangegorman Campus)
The B.Sc. in Sports and Leisure Management takes a student-centred approach to learning. Students engage with the Sports, Leisure and associated sectors through innovative teaching and actively learning by doing. Real-life problem solving takes place through engagement with community and industry, and collaborative and reflective learning will include using case studies, guest lectures from experts in their field, and site visits to a range of Sports and Leisure facilities.
The course is a mix of business, sports and leisure theory and applied modules providing you when you graduate with a wide range of competencies and attributes that you will find valuable working within the Sports, Leisure and associated sectors. You will study topics such as Communication, Marketing, Intercultural Competence, Leadership in Health Activity and Nutrition, Entrepreneurship, Leisure Law, and Facilities Management. Graduates will build the attributes and competencies required to work in the field. Find out more here.
Social Media Pages:
TikTok: @tudublin_school_tourism
X: @TUDublinTHM
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Insurance Practitioner Apprenticeship - BA (Hons) Insurance Practice
A three-year, work-based training programme that combines academic learning with on-the-job experience, enabling apprentices to develop both technical and soft skills. As an apprentice, you will be recruited into an insurance organisation, where you will learn the practical aspects of the job while studying towards your degree. All study is done online through ATU Sligo and The Insurance Institute or LIA.
More information here.
Social Media:
Follow The Insurance Institute on LinkedIn.
- Electrical Apprenticeship (Domestic & Industrial)
- Professional Driving Courses
- Retail Selling & Customer Service
- TY Skills Sampling Programme
- Electrician Apprenticeship
- Aircraft Landing Gear & Aircraft Structures Apprenticeships
- Carpentry & Joinery, Retrofit & Welding (CDFET)
- Construction Apprenticeship / Roofing and Cladding Apprenticeship (CDFET)
- BIM,CAD & Retrofit (CDFET)
- Interior Design (CDFET)
- Irish Traditional Music Performance & Traineeship In Instrument Making, Repair And Maintenance
- Performing Arts & Drama
- TV & Media Traineeship
- Accounting Technicians
- Housing (Ballsbridge). Auctioneering and Sales Apprenticeships
- Laboratory Techniques
- Dental Nursing
- Pre-Hospital Emergency Care
- Health & Beauty Therapy & Massage Therapy
- Men's Grooming Traineeship
- Hairdressing Apprenticeship
- Commis Chef (IHF Apprenticeship)
- Life in Architecture & Engineering
- Careers in Sport
- Voter Registration
- Life in Local Government
- Fingal Libraries
- Digital Services
- Future Build programme
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Robotics and Control Automation
- Immersive Technologies
- Transport & Logistics Apprenticeships
- Advanced Healthcare Practitioners
- Marine Science
- Personal Training and Beauty Therapy
- New NAO apprencticeships
