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Civil Engineering Apprenticeship Consortium Win Outstanding Contribution Award at 2024 Regional Skills West Awards
The Civil Engineering Apprenticeship Consortium were honoured with the Outstanding Contribution to Industry Award at the 2024 Regional Skills West Awards, held last week, at the Galway Bay Hotel. This annual event celebrates excellence and innovation in industry-focused education and training across the region.
The Civil Engineering Apprenticeship Consortium along with Atlantic Technological University (ATU) as coordinating provider, and key partners such as the Construction Industry Federation, the Civil Engineering Contractors Association, Transport Infrastructure Ireland, the Association of Consulting Engineers of Ireland, Uisce Éireann, the Irish Universities Association, and Local Government Management Association received the award for their ground-breaking work in developing and expanding apprenticeship programmes in civil engineering. These initiatives aim to address the growing demand for highly skilled engineers while providing learners with a clear pathway from Higher Cert to eventually Master’s via apprenticeship.
The Consortium has successfully introduced two innovative civil engineering apprenticeships at Levels 6 and 7. In response to the evolving needs of the industry, they are now in the process of developing additional apprenticeship levels, including Level 8 and even a Master’s programme, offering learners the opportunity to progress through to the highest levels of qualification.
“We are extremely proud to be recognised with this prestigious award,” said Dr Emma Britton, Director of Civil Engineering Apprenticeship. “This achievement reflects the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in the development of these programmes. The civil engineering industry is facing a critical skills shortage, and by creating these apprenticeships, we aim to provide a sustainable, accessible route for learners to acquire the skills and qualifications needed to excel in the field.”
Dr Orla Flynn, President of ATU said, “ATU have a very proud history of developing Consortium led apprenticeships with industry partners and are delighted to be leading out in the provision of these civil engineering programmes to address skills deficits in sectors of key strategic national importance. The demand for these programmes is significant, and as a result, the programmes will be rolled out by additional providers in due course.”
The new apprenticeships are designed to offer an alternative, work-based pathway into civil engineering, combining hands-on experience with academic learning. This approach not only equips learners with essential practical skills but also allows them to earn while they learn, making it an attractive option for those looking to enter the industry.
The Civil Engineering Apprenticeship Consortium is committed to working closely with industry partners to ensure that these programmes remain relevant and responsive to the needs of employers. With plans to further expand the apprenticeship offerings, the Consortium is laying the groundwork for a new generation of civil engineers equipped with the knowledge and experience to drive industry innovation and development.
The Outstanding Contribution to Industry Award is a testament to the transformative impact these programmes have already had on the civil engineering sector and their potential to help address the severe shortages being observed by the industry.
For further information on these programmes please contact civilapprenticeships.sligo@atu.ie.
![Pictured at the ATU Conferrings in ATU Mayo, back row, L to R: Stephen Mudzatsi from Roscam, Co Galway; Eleanor Ryder from Foxford, Co Mayo; Enda Daly from Roscommon; Carmel Gethin from Riverstown, Co Sligo, Kathleen Lenehan from Westport, Co Mayo; Aisling Moroney from Craughwell, Co Galway; Thelma De Paor from Knocknacarra, Co Galway; Sarah Kelly from Westport, Co Mayo; Donna O’ Grady from Castlebar, Co. Mayo; Sanae Needham from Castlebar, Co Mayo; Sinead Quinn from Swinford, Co Mayo. Front Row, L to R: Michael Gill, Head of Department of Organisational Development; Caroline Clarke, Lecturer & Programme Chair; Dr Seamus Lennon, Head of School of Business; Noeleen Hussey from Oranmore, Co Galway, Graduate & Academic Achievement Award Recipient. [Missing from photo are graduates Anna Duffy, Declan McCann, Stephanie Molloy, Karina Nee, Audrey Coleman, Shane Byrne, Niamh Hearns, Declan Hoban, Celene Dunphy, Clodagh Geraghty].](https://www.atu.ie/app/uploads/2024/12/First-hons-cohort-of-HRM-prog-ATU-640x0-c-default.webp)
