Civil Engineering Apprenticeship Programme - Castlebar
Description
Uisce Éireann Civil Engineering Apprenticeship Programme 2026
(Batchelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering L7 BEng)
Lough Mask Water Treatment Plant, Castlebar
We live water. Start your career with a splash.
Finishing school and wondering what’s next — or thinking about a practical new start in engineering?
The Uisce Éireann Civil Engineering Apprenticeship L7 (BEng) offers a paid, hands‑on route into engineering, combining real work experience with a nationally recognised qualification. You’ll earn while you learn, gain valuable skills, and contribute to projects that make a real difference to communities across Ireland.
Location: This role is based in Lough Mask Water Treatment Plant, Castlebar.
Programme Requirements:
Key Dates: Applicants must be available to interview between July 6th and 17th and be ready to commence the programme on September 3rd.
Travel: Please note that this role requires extensive travel during the first four weeks to facilitate company and college induction; thereafter, regular nationwide travel will be a standard requirement of the role.
Assessment: As part of our selection process, candidates may be required to complete a psychometric assessment. Your details may be shared with our third-party testing partner for the purpose of administering this assessment.
Why choose an apprenticeship with Uisce Éireann?
As Ireland’s national water utility, Uisce Éireann offers scale, stability and structured career pathways
— making it a strong environment to learn, grow and develop.
Apprentices will:
Get paid from day one
Earn a nationally recognised qualification (L7 BEng)
Gain hands‑on experience in real engineering environments
Learn from experienced engineers and professionals
Work on projects that benefit communities nationwide
Build skills for a long‑term career, not just a job
About Uisce Éireann
Uisce Éireann is responsible for delivering safe, secure and sustainable water and wastewater services to homes, schools, hospitals and businesses across Ireland. Our work protects public health, supports economic growth, and safeguards the environment for future generations. To deliver on this, we invest in our people — developing the next generation of engineers through practical training and real‑world experience.
What is a Civil Engineering Apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is a full‑time, paid programme that combines work‑based learning with study. As a Civil Engineering Apprentice with Uisce Éireann, you will:
Be employed full‑time while completing your training
Learn on the job in real work environments
Develop technical, practical and workplace skills from day one
This programme offers a practical alternative to full‑time college, allowing you to apply what you learn directly in the workplace.
How the programme works
Duration: 3 years
Training provider: Atlantic Technological University (ATU)
Learning model includes:
Regular online learning
In Person Workshops and laboratories
Practical, on‑the‑job training with Uisce Éireann
On successful completion, apprentices will achieve a Batchelors / Ordinary Degree Level 7, a nationally recognised qualification on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ). Attendance at all scheduled training and successful completion of each programme element are mandatory.
What you’ll be working on
As a Civil Engineering Apprentice, you’ll gain exposure to a wide range of activities, including:
Supporting water and wastewater infrastructure projects
Assisting with site inspections and surveys
Working alongside engineering and project teams
Learning how major infrastructure projects are planned, delivered and maintained
Alongside technical skills, you’ll also develop valuable workplace skills such as teamwork, communication and problem‑solving.
Who should apply?
This programme is suitable for:
School leavers with an interest in engineering who will be 18 years of age by 1 September 2026
Applicants must have completed the Leaving Certificate (or equivalent QQI Level 5 qualification) with a minimum of five subjects at O6/H7 or above, including a Maths requirement of at least H7 (Higher Level), O6 (Ordinary Level), or F2 (Foundation Level
Applicants who are awaiting Leaving Certificate results may apply and will be required to provide evidence of results once issued.
Those looking for a practical, paid alternative to full time college
Mature applicants, career changers, and those returning to education are also welcome
No previous engineering experience is required.
We’re looking for people who:
Have an interest in engineering or infrastructure
Enjoy hands on learning and practical problem solving
Have good numeracy and communication skills
Are motivated to learn and develop new skills
Are adaptable and able to work well as part of a team
Have access to a location where a role is available
Our commitment to inclusion
Uisce Éireann is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce, where people from all backgrounds, experiences and perspectives are valued. We believe diversity strengthens our organisation and supports better outcomes for the communities we serve.
What happens after the apprenticeship?
This apprenticeship is designed to build a talent pipeline for the future.
On successful completion, apprentices may progress into permanent civil engineering roles within Uisce Éireann, subject to vacancies. Ongoing learning, development and career progression opportunities are available.
T&Cs
This role is offered under a fixed‑term apprenticeship contract. Salary will commence at €29,000 and will progress annually over the three‑year duration of the apprenticeship. Continued participation in the programme is subject to satisfactory academic progression and on‑the‑job performance. The full terms and conditions of employment will be set out in the contract of employment issued to the successful candidate.
Full programme details are available from Atlantic Technological University (ATU):
Civil Engineering Apprenticeship – Programme Overview
https://www.atu.ie/app/uploads/2025/05/civil-engineering-apprenticeships-brochure.pdf
Uisce Éireann is an equal opportunities employer.
We are committed to providing a diverse and inclusive place of work and have a robust strategy and framework called ibelong to enable this. We are an equal opportunity employer and through our recruitment process we welcome and encourage applications from interested and suitably qualified individuals regardless of gender, age, racial or ethnic origin, membership of the traveller community, religion or beliefs, family or civil status, sexual orientation/gender identity or disability.