Fast Track to IT: Upskilling jobseekers for the IT industry

The Fast Track to IT (FIT) initiative aims to help people develop the skills they’ll need to succeed in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) industry. If you are interested in getting a job in ICT, a FIT course or apprenticeship may be for you.

What is the Fast Track to IT (FIT) initiative?

FIT programmes support people who are at risk of, or are currently experiencing long-term unemployment to secure employment. They do this through training people in new ICT skills. The programmes are developed and regularly updated in response to the needs of employers in the tech field. Through their programmes, you can learn new skills and receive professional development, career guidance and job placement supports. 

FIT Training and Employment Officers provide expert career advice and support to all students throughout and after their course. Your Training and Employment Officer will provide CV workshops, mock interviews and company visits to prepare you for your future career.

What courses does FIT offer?

There are a number of courses available from FIT that help you build up a wide variety of skills. FIT initially focused on meeting the employment needs of the ICT sector and then expanded its range of courses to include the needs of all sectors of ICT as well as emerging technology sectors such as wind energy, cloud, cybersecurity mobile apps and medical devices. Find out more about the FIT courses available.

What apprenticeships does FIT offer?

FIT coordinates the delivery of Level 6 Technology Apprenticeships in Ireland. The current apprenticeships on offer include Software Development, Network Engineering & Cybersecurity and there are plans to add to these in response to industry demands.

These two year apprenticeships combine skills training with on-the-job experience for a well-rounded learning experience. Upon successful completion of the programme, apprentices will be awarded a QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Network Engineering (Computer Networking), Software Development (Computer Programming) or Cybersecurity.
Find out more about what is involved in an apprenticeship.

Need more information?

We are here to answer your questions and talk through your options. Our online chat service is for 16 to 25 year olds and is available Monday to Friday, 4pm to 8pm. Chat to us now about your situation.

• Chat now to a trained Youth Information Officer
• Or leave us a message and we will email you back