FIT sets Tech Apprenticeship Expo for 7 March

Event marks 25 years futureproofing Ireland’s tech talent pipeline

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Image: Shutterstock/Dennis

In association with FIT

The inaugural Tech Ascent – Tech Apprenticeship Expo organised by FIT (Fastrack into Information Technology) and GCS Recruitment will take place on 7 of March 2024 at Croke Park, Dublin.

To mark its 25th anniversary, FIT are launching their first immersive and innovative Tech Ascent Apprenticeship Expo, will be a creative, collaborate space, embracing Ireland’s leading technology industry champions with future tech sector talent. The Expo will welcome 1,400 tech enthusiasts, graduates, tech inspired learners and apprentices, each with a primary interest in technology and representatives from an array of successful technology focused companies, with an interest in talent acquisition, through an innovative forum, exploring existing & future tech employment opportunities in the Irish and global technology sector.

Minister of State for Further & Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Niall Collins said: “This event underscores the vital link between education and the tech industry, emphasising the need for a skilled workforce to meet the demands of this rapidly evolving field. I am eagerly looking forward to the launch and attending this expo, which will undoubtedly pave the way for the development of a highly trained workforce essential for driving innovation and growth in the tech sector.

“It provides a valuable opportunity to connect with industry professionals, exchange ideas, and further enhance our understanding of the evolving landscape of technology apprenticeships.”

Visitors will be able to participate in an interactive tech arena, featuring emerging technologies including artificial intelligence, robotic cars, augmented and virtual reality, machinery and much more. Central to the Tech Ascent Expo, will be live Q&A sessions, featuring keynote addresses by a panel of tech industry leaders’, apprenticeship employers and apprentices, promoting, inspiring, and fuelling ambition to enter further education and careers in technology, amongst a new generation.

A key focus of the Tech Ascent Expo will be FIT’s Tech Apprenticeship Programme. FIT is the national co-ordinator of QQI Level 6 Tech Apprenticeship Programmes in Software Development, Computer Networking and Cybersecurity.

FIT’s Apprenticeship Programme joins over 200 tech related courses, delivered by FIT, to learners across Ireland. To date, 48,500 individuals have completed FIT training and further education, provided with industry led skillsets in areas such as advanced manufacturing, robotics, artificial intelligence, white goods & consumer electronics. Some 35,000 of FIT’s learners have continued into secure employment in technology and related sectors. FIT’s education, training, and employment programme is the centrifugal force driving the organisation’s Mission Statement – to promote an inclusive and sustainable smart economy ensuring access to in-demand tech skills for quality employment and shared prosperity, maximising opportunity through technology and making technology work for all.

The Tech Ascent Expo is an exciting partnership between FIT, primely positioned as conduit between education and the Irish tech sector and GCS Recruitment, a key agency and leader in recruitment. Through the Tech Ascent Expo, FIT and GCS Recruitment will create a community and conversation between an extensive portfolio of professionals and employers with young & old, adult learners, tech inspired students, career changers, up-skillers, tech enthusiasts, existing and former FIT tech apprentices, enthused and motivated to be considered as future tech talent.