Are you FIT for a Tech Apprenticeship!
26th October 2019
Irish tech company VRAI has teamed up with FIT, the national coordinating provider for tech apprenticeships, to offer women an opportunity on Ireland’s first-ever female-only tech apprenticeship: I-FIT.
VRAI is an innovative Irish tech company focused on immersive technology (VR/AR) and data who are working with leading clients such as Samsung, IAG, ESB, and the United Nations. FIT, an industry-led not for profit organisation, previously ‘road-tested’ a pilot programme for tech apprenticeships with leading technology companies with great success. VRAI have adopted an innovative ‘Triple Bottom Line’ approach to their business where the focus of the business is not only on profit but also on people and the planet.
Commenting on the scheme, VRAI Managing Directors Niall Campion & Pat O’Connor said: “We hope to provide opportunities to women who want to be in tech, but who have never had the opportunity to pursue it. Sometimes working in tech can be the preserve of the privileged and we want to ensure the industry is open to anyone who wants to work in it and has the aptitude. Diversity and inclusion are not just about gender and ethnicity, it is also about diversity of mindset, of culture, of background.
Data from the Central Statistics Office show that in Ireland, there are approximately 117,800 people working in jobs that utilise STEM skills and the proportion of women employed in such roles is less than 25 per cent. Our aim is to work together in raising those numbers across the board.”
VRAI will sponsor the candidate throughout their apprenticeship, including their educational training and facilitated on-the-job learning. Apprentices will learn new software development skills in a supportive learning environment while also contributing to VRAI’s product development and tech innovation in the workplace.
The I-FIT programme is the first fully-fledged female class and a pioneering approach in boosting participation and showcasing untapped talent and was a successful finalist in this year’s Google Impact Challenge.
Commenting on the programme, FIT Operations Manager, Edel Hesnan said:
“Participating companies aim to attract and grow the female tech talent pipeline while enabling apprentices to ‘earn while they learn’. Tech Apprenticeships are endorsed by the Apprenticeship Council and are supported by SOLAS, the Further Education and Training Authority who is responsible for programme delivery. With such key stakeholder collaboration, the diversity of our tech workforce is a priority”
This exclusive tech apprenticeship is open to all women aged 18 and up with a minimum of Leaving Certification (including Maths & English) or equivalent. Participating companies employ the apprentice throughout their apprenticeship and facilitate the on-the-job application of learning. Off-the-job training will take place in Liberties College – the heart of Dublin City, with the valued support of the City of Dublin Education and Training Board (CDETB).
Interested candidates should apply directly online to FIT here>>
