Civil Engineering Level 7 Apprenticeship Programme (3 years) SDCC is an equal opportunities employer. Canvassing will automatically disqualify. Opportunity starts here Come to SDCC to do your greatest work. Were forward-thinking and focused on diversity, inclusion and community. As an equal opportunities employer, were opening the doors to new careers, creating flexible ways of working and putting people at the heart of everything we do. Were the people responsible for local government in South Dublin County. Aside from the exciting range of opportunities to make a real difference in your community, SDCC is a great place to work. Working with us will give you the opportunity to gain experience at the heart of local government and to develop your career in a diverse work environment. At SDCC we provide plenty of opportunity for career progression with structured training, personal development, coaching and mentoring. We offer flexible working including blended working arrangements and a positive work environment. Read our accompanying Employee Value Proposition to find out more. Welcome to a team thats making a difference powered by people like you. Applications ApplicationswillonlybeacceptedthroughSDCCse-Recruitmentsystem beforemidnightonThursday,23rdApril2026. Note All candidates who apply for this apprenticeship will be required to undertake online psychometric ability tests. These tests will be conducted by the recruitment agency appointed to conduct assessment testing on behalf of South Dublin County Council. Being called to undertake testing should not be taken as an indication of eligibility; eligibility checks will be undertaken in tandem with testing. Please carefully review the additional information booklet for full recruitment details. AcceptanceofOffer SDCC will require persons to whom appointments are offered to take up such appointments in early August 2026. If they fail to take up appointment within such period or such longer period as the Council in its absolute discretion may determine, the Council will not appoint them. Background With a minimum of 3,000 new civil engineers needed to ensure the successful delivery of Project Ireland 2040, the National Development Plan and Climate Action Plan 2019, an alternative delivery model for civil engineering needed to be developed to entice stronger uptake of the profession. As a profession listed on the critical skills occupation list, additional approaches for recruitment in this field are needed to address challenges in the public sector. To aid in this objective, Atlantic Technological University (ATU) have engaged with the Local Authority sector to develop a programme where new entrants to engineering disciplines can gain suitable academic qualifications while also engaging in workplace-based learning. With campuses in Donegal, Sligo, Mayo, and Galway, ATU serves a diverse community of learners, staff, and organisations and offers a unique blend of academic excellence, research innovation, and quality of life. With a student body exceeding 26,000 across 600+ undergraduate and doctoral programs, ATU fosters a community where success is elevated through shared goals and achievements. Their commitment to academic excellence empowers students to become responsible citizens, critical thinkers, and lifelong learners. SDCC is now offering two, 3-year Civil Engineering (Level 7) Apprenticeships in partnership with ATU. Upon the completion of this 3-year Civil Engineering Apprenticeship, the successful candidate will receive a Bachelor of Engineering (Level 7) in Civil Engineering with the possible opportunity to progress to Level 8 with ATU. This is an exciting new initiative, creating an alternative career path to the Civil Engineering profession in Ireland based on an earn and learn model. The civil engineering apprenticeship programme is planned to be transformational, and, over time, bridge the shortfall in supply of engineers in Ireland, providing those skills critical to the delivery of Project Ireland 2040. Designed to develop the skills, knowledge and competencies to meet the future needs of the industry, this programme will appeal to those seeking to build a career in civil engineering. The Role The apprentice will be assigned to either the Planning and Transport Directorate or the Climate Action Directorate. Planning & Transport is responsible for the following areas of operation: RoadMaintenance,VillageRenewalandPublicLighting The Road maintenance section is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the roads, bridges and footpaths in the County. Work includes: preparationofroadworksandfootpathprogrammefortheyear preparationoftenderdocumentsforroadandfootpathschemes supervisionofcontractorsanddirectlabourcrewsonsite designing,procuringcontractorsandoverseeingvillageanddistrictcentre renewal schemes. maintainingthelightingnetworkandrollingoutanewLEDprogrammeInputting of road schemes on MapRoad system carryingoutyearlysurveysofroadconditions ManagesandupgradesthepubliclightingstockintheCounty Manages the design and construction of new and improved roads TrafficmanagementandRoadsforwardplanning The Traffic Section is responsible for mobility planning across the entire County, working with the National Transport Authority (NTA), Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), Irish Rail as well as developers to identify and plan for the delivery of a comprehensive sustainable transport network across the County. Work includes: preparingplansandstrategiestopromotesustainabletransportandmeasures to help manage congestion assessmentofplanningapplicationsandTransportAssessments provision and maintenance of traffic signals and signage. ThisrolealsoincludesthedeploymentofIntelligentTrafficsystemsandreal time traffic information. Buildingcontrol&takingincharge ThissectionisresponsibleforBuildingControlandtheTakinginCharge of completed developments. Climate Action is responsible for the following areas of operation: NaturalWaterandFloodManagement The Natural Water Section is responsible for the operation and maintenance of a stormwater network of approximately 900 linear km. The main objectives are to protect and improve the quality of South Dublins water bodies, including rivers, streams. lakes, ponds, and wetlands etc., and to remove/reduce pluvial and fluvial flood risk in South Dublin, whilst maintaining, improving and expanding the stormwater network to cater for an expanding population, increased developments of lands and changes in climate. A critical aspect of this work is the promotion and implementation of Sustainable Drainage (SuDs). SDCC delivers a minor works programme and various capital projects. SDCC also works in partnership with the Office of Public Works (OPW), to undertake large flood alleviation schemes. In relation to water quality and the protection of our natural waters, SDCC Water Pollution team actively monitor the water quality of the countys rivers and streams. The council is tasked with responding to water pollution incidents, with the aim of identifying and rectifying the pollution source. Mechanical section South Dublin County Council operates a fleet of approximately 250 vehicles. The Mechanical Section is responsible for the sustainable, efficient and cost-effective management of the council fleet and stormwater pumping station sites. A key part of the operations is the implementation of the fleet decarbonisation and renewal strategy, with a focus on energy efficiency and reducing CO2 emissions in line with national climate action targets. Climate Change SDCC have a robust Climate Action Plan (CAP) in place for 2024-2029 to meet our targets for carbon emissions, energy reductions and to reduce the impacts of climate change, ensuring that policies and strategies align with the national plans and legislation. The team facilitates delivery of projects identified in the CAP across six action areas including Energy and Buildings, Transport, Flood Resilience, Nature Based Solutions, Circular Economy and Resource Management, and Community Engagement, while working with other SDCC departments, Local Authorities, state bodies, relevant stakeholders and communities in South Dublin. Climate Action Delivery In line with SDCC Climate Action Plan (CAP) 2024-2029, SDCC are delivering climate action projects including, but not limited to, the delivery of Energy Performance Contracts for the large SDCC owned buildings, the retrofit of public buildings, development of public EV charging infrastructure, installation of solar panels on council owned buildings and lands, and the continued development and expansion of district heating. The team works to identify opportunities to improve energy efficiency and to reduce carbon and greenhouse gas emissions. Public Realm Project management, design, construction and supervision of the Public Realm Capital Programme. On-going maintenance of Public Realm infrastructure including Outdoor Leisure Operations - Parks, Pitches, Playgrounds, Burial Grounds and street cleaning. Enforcement and Licencing The Waste Enforcement and Licencing section has responsibility for monitoring and enforcing waste related activities subject to the Waste Management Act 1996, as amended and other EU and national waste legislation and policy. It works with other local authorities, the EPA, the NWCPO and other stakeholders to deal with environmental waste crime. It carries out onsite inspections of waste facilities, waste collectors, construction sites, and residential and commercial properties to ensure compliance with the various byelaws and regulations under its remit. Waste Management The waste management section is responsible for the after care of landfill sites and management of the contract for the operation of the Ballymount Civic Amenity Recycling Centre and the operator licence for the Ballymount Waste Transfer Station and includes ensuring compliance with the EPA waste licence for the facility. Other areas of responsibility are the implementation of the community recycling strategy. The waste management section also has responsibility for the management of the road sweeping and associated services contract. EmergencyPlanning SDCC MajorEmergencyManagementTeamis responsibleforSDCCs obligationsasaLocalAuthorityunderthenationalFrameworkforMajor EmergencyManagementandareactiveparticipantsatlocal,regionalandnationallevelcommitteesdealingwithvarious aspectsofmajor emergenciesanddeliveringtrainingandexercisesonaninteragencybasis. Active Travel This Active Travel section manages the design and construction of new and improved walking and cycle infrastructure. Salary / Wages Year One and Two: €539.90 per week Year Three: €589.46 per week Hours of Work reservestherighttoalteryourhoursofworkfromtimetotime. Annual Leave Annual leave entitlement for this position is 20 days. Qualifications Character Candidates will be of good character. Health Eachcandidatemustbeinastateofhealthsuchaswouldindicateareasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service. Age Eachcandidatemust,onthelatestdateforreceipt ofcompletedapplication forms, be18years ofageorolder. Essential Education, Training and Experience Each candidate must, on the latest date for receipt of completed application forms1 meet one of the following three criteria: Irish Leaving Certificate Requirement Aminimum of5gradesO6/H7orhigherLeaving Certificatesubjects Theapplicantmustalsosatisfythemathsrequirementasoutlinedbelow: H7inHigherLevelMathematics,or O6inOrdinaryLevelMathematics,or F2 in Foundation Mathematics. Candidates sitting their Leaving Certificate in 2026 can apply OR FETAC Awards and Entry TheminimumentryrequirementsforgraduatesofFETACtothis programmeisafullcognateFETAC(Level5)awardorhighertoinclude distinction grades in at least three components. A full FETAC Level 5 majorawardwillhaveaminimumcreditvalueof120.Componentawards,orachievementoflessthan120credits,donotconstituteafullaward. Applicants will be expected to include a specific maths module within their FE award or to have achieved the minimum Maths requirement in the Leaving Cert. Applicants with QQI awards at Level 6 or higher may be considered for advanced entry, i.e. into Year 2 in a cognate area. OR Mature Students Mature applicants (defined as who are over 23 on January 1st of the year of entry), do not require the above minimum entry requirements and acceptance will be based on experiential learning, commitment to course objectives and an interview. Mature students will be assessed in interview using the form and guide available from the programme team. NOTE: Applicants who already have a level 7 or higher degree in Civil Engineering are not eligible to apply. Atlantic Technological University may consider exemptions for previously unassessed modules or qualifications under their marks and standards policy. All learners will be provided with appropriate information in relation to the procedure for RPCL (recognised prior certified learning) on their acceptance for a place as appropriate. All exemptions must be agreed prior to commencement on the apprenticeship. Candidate must also demonstrate AninterestinCivilEngineeringandthebuiltenvironment. Solidliteracy,verbal,andnumeracyskills. Abilitytoplanandpreparework. Goodanalyticalandproblem-solvingskills. ExcellentcomputerskillsincludingtheuseofallMicrosoftapplications Good interpersonal skills. Theyaresafetyfocused. Abilitytoworkindependentlyandaspartofateam. Candidates are also required to hold a full driving license, Category B, free from endorsement. The apprentice will be obliged to pay an annual student registration charge for each year of study. The current charge is €1,200 paid annually by the student directly to the College. Please note that the fee may change from time to time based on instruction from HEA, Dept. of Education and Skills or other state agencies. Key Competencies / Skills Deliveringresults PerformancethroughPeople Personaleffectiveness Candidates are requested to give an example of a situation which highlights the behaviour, skills and attitude that underpin effective performance in these areas and which demonstrates their suitability to meet the challenges of this role. Candidatesshouldensuretheexampleusedclearlydemonstratestheirabilityinthisareaandthatthescaleandscopeoftheexamplegivenisappropriatetothe post and level of the post. Programme Structure Apprentices will be trained and assessed both on and off the job. On the Job training will be carried out with the support of their industry mentor and will include: ApprenticeWorkplaceLogbook CaseStudies TechnicalProjects HR Performance Reviews Off the Job training will include: 1 week residential (week one) Project based learning at the start of the academic year at ATU Sligo Lecturesdeliveredonlineon1fullday(8hrs)perweek. Apprentices will attend campus on 1 additional day (Friday) per month to carry out Labs/ workshops which are held in Sligo. The apprentice will, at the end of their programme, have gained the educational base for professional registration with Engineers Ireland at either Technician or Associate Engineer level.