Local authorities are boosting their cyber-security systems with the official launch of Ireland’s first tailored IT apprenticeship programme for county and city councils.
Ten local authorities across Ireland have joined the initiative, which aims to equip staff with the skills and expertise to protect local government networks and data from cyber-attacks.
The Cybersecurity Apprenticeship Programme, which allows employees to train while they work, was officially launched by Minister of State at the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Marian Harkin and Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, John Cummins in Dundalk, Co Louth. Representatives from the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA), which has collaborated with FIT (Fastrack into Information Technology) to deliver the programme, also attended the launch.
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.
Minister Harkin said the programme opens doors for new talent but also empowers local government’s existing workforce.
“This apprenticeship is a powerful example of how targeted education and training can support the evolving needs of our public sector,
“By investing in both new talent and upskilling existing staff, we are not only strengthening cyber resilience within local government, but also building a future-ready workforce equipped to meet the challenges of a digital society. In addition, this programme supports a number of Government priorities, including growing the number of apprentices within the Public Service.”
Minister Cummins added: “The Government is committed to expanding apprenticeship and traineeship numbers on a sectoral basis alongside established primary recruitment processes. Today marks an important step in building cyber resilience within local government.
“As global vulnerabilities continue to rise in threatening the security of our IT systems, this pioneering programme showcases the dedication of public servants in safeguarding our communities through stronger cyber resilience. This programme demonstrates the commitment of the local government sector to achieve the targets set out in the Public Service Apprenticeship Plan to provide programmes that offer a route to qualifications and careers in a range of diverse areas and to establish the sector as an employer of choice by attracting, retaining and developing its staff.”
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: “We are proud to launch Ireland’s first workforce development apprenticeship for local government.
“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 LGMA, 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 said: “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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