Cyber security Apprenticeship Programme takes in first cohort of 14 participants
Local authorities are boosting their cyber security systems with Ireland’s first tailored IT apprenticeship programme for county and city councils.
Ten local authorities have joined the initiative, which aims to equip staff with the skills and expertise to protect local government networks and data from cyberattacks.
The scheme features a 70:30 split between workplace learning and off-the-job training. This means the participants are applying the most up-to-date theoretical knowledge to IT practice in local authorities.
When completed, the programme will equip participants with the skills and knowledge to work in cybersecurity roles within the local government sector, and they will receive an Advanced Certificate in Cybersecurity (NFQ Level 6).
The first cohort of 14 participants began in June, serving their apprenticeships in 10 local authorities and the LGMA.
Training takes place online and in person in the Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre of Excellence in Dundalk, where the launch took place.
This initiative supports key goals outlined in the Local Government Digital and ICT Strategy 2030 and the Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021-2025, contributing to the development of a skilled digital workforce in the local government sector.
The training programme is being delivered by FIT. CEO Peter Davitt said: “By embracing tech apprenticeships, this model proactively addresses the challenge of skills obsolescence in today’s fast-evolving digital landscape, ensuring that public sector digital services remain robust, secure, and future-ready for the benefit of communities nationwide.”
Chief executive officer of the Local Government Management Agency Pauline Mulligan added: “Upskilling current local authority employees is central to our digital transformation strategy, ensuring that they are equipped with the expertise needed to safeguard public services in an increasingly complex cyber landscape. This initiative reflects our commitment to inclusive growth, innovation, and excellence in public service.”
Director of LMETB’s Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre of Excellence (AMTCE) Gerard Smith added: “This programme is just one of a wide range of training initiatives AMTCE provides to companies and employees in the cybersecurity space. From foundational awareness to advanced threat detection, our goal is to equip the workforce with the practical skills needed to protect critical infrastructure. Our state-of-the-art Training Security Operations Centre (SOC) enables us to simulate real-world cyber scenarios, ensuring learners are prepared for the threats they’ll face on the ground.”
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