Iarnród Éireann Irish Rail - 2026 Apprenticeship Programme!

Apply to our 2026 Apprenticeship Programme!

Applicants must be at least 16 years of age on or before the 1st September, 2026.

Placements will commence in September, 2026

Your future in motion ….

Iarnród Éireann is proud to have a multi award winning apprentice programme. Our programme is one of the most sought after in the country with apprentices trained to the highest possible technical standards in a safety-first environment.

We are seeking enthusiastic people with a drive for practical learning to apply to our programme as we continue to strengthen our future workforce to deliver Ireland’s sustainable rail network, expanding our electrified fleet and network and retain our role as Europe’s safest railway operator.

We are seeking ambitious apprentices to join our diverse team and grow with us across four trades:

• Apprentice Heavy Vehicle Mechanic
• Apprentice Fitter
• Apprentice Electrician
• Apprentice (OEM) Original Equipment Manufacturing/ Engineering Technician

Benefits of an Iarnród Éireann Apprenticeship:

• QQI Advanced Level 6 trade certificate – Nationally/Internationally recognised qualification
• Travel and work around the rail network gaining practical experience
• Learn in a ‘one team’ environment
• Support through our Occupational Health and Wellbeing Programme
• Reduced fares on the network
• Subsidised GP Scheme
• Opportunities for growth and excellent career paths for those who stand out and deliver.

Applications must close on Sunday 15th of March 2026.

Applicants must be at least 16 years of age on or before the 1st September, 2026.

Placements will commence in September, 2026

At Iarnród Éireann Irish Rail we are committed to ensuring diversity and inclusion in all that we do. This starts with how we recruit people into our organisation. We ensure our attraction and selection processes are designed with equal opportunity at the forefront of our minds. It is important to us that all individuals feel welcome to join our organisation and we take great care to create an environment that ensures an even playing field for all

About Iarnród Éireann

At Iarnród Éireann, we deliver transport services that continually meet Our Customers’ requirements and help drive Ireland’s economic development to a greener, brighter future. We are a proud dynamic leader in the transport network.

An Iarnród Éireann Electrical Apprentice who is part of our Signaling, Electrical and Telecommunication (SET) department, will be directly involved in the maintenance of existing control systems (Signals, Points Machines, Axel Counters, Level Crossings etc.) to installation and commissioning of new systems nationwide.

An Iarnród Éireann Electrical/Fitter/HVM/OEM Apprentice who is part of our Chief Mechanical Engineering (CME) department, will assist in the maintenance and overhaul of all fleets in its maintenance depots in Dublin, Drogheda, Portlaoise, Cork and Limerick. Apprentices will be exposed to a wide variety of fleet and facilities.

We have our own purpose-built training facility with state-of-the-art equipment and tooling to provide Apprentices with cutting edge skills in their chosen trade. Each Apprentice will be trained to a very high standard and will be participating in internal and external training courses throughout their programme.

Each Apprentice will be rotated across our network, gain exposure to all elements of the business and get to work on our various fleet types and assets across the rail network. Each Apprentice will be afforded the best opportunities available to them and this will ensure that they become a well-rounded craftsperson.

Our Trades:

Apprentice Electrician

As an Apprentice Electrician with Iarnród Éireann you will get a great insight into both the industrial and domestic work. They will get to work on various different rolling stocks, network assets (Signals, Points Machines, Level Crossings etc.) and will engage in fault finding, exam work, component repairs, testing and diagnostics and much, much more.

Apprentice Heavy Vehicle Mechanic

As an Apprentice Heavy Vehicle Mechanic with Iarnród Éireann you will get to experience all areas of this trade. Apprentices will train to do everything from routine maintenance and services to full engine rebuilds. They will be able to work on all the different rolling stocks from light rail cars to locomotives.

Apprentice Fitter

As an Apprentice Fitter with Iarnród Éireann you will get to experience all areas of this trade. Apprentices will train to do everything from routine maintenance and services up to full engine rebuilds, brakes testing, exam work, fault finding and diagnostics, welding and machine work.

Apprentice Original Equipment Manufacturing (OEM)/ Engineering Technician

As an Apprentice OEM you will work across a range of engineering disciplines while using components and processes to assemble, manufacture and service original equipment. This apprenticeship is a 3 year programme with a QQI awarded NFQ level 6 qualfication, for more information please follow the link Irish Rail recruiting for the OEM Engineering Apprenticeship. | OEM Apprenticeship.

The Apprenticeship Pathway

The Apprenticeship involves assessments throughout the programme, consisting of a mixture of practical and written assessments across the three/four-year programme.The Apprenticeship is across 7 Phases. On-the-job training takes place with Iarnród Éireann during Phases 1, 3, 5 and 7. Off-the-job training is designated by SOLAS during Phases 2, 4 and 6.

Where are the Apprenticeship vacancies located?

There will be a requirement to travel to different locations throughout your apprenticeship training and we will do our best to locate you as close to where you reside during your apprenticeship. However, there will be a requirement to either commute/ re-locate to the following locations:

• Athlone
• Cork
• Drogheda
• Dublin
• Kildare
• Limerick
• Mayo
• Portlaoise
• Tipperary
• Waterford

What age do I have to be to apply?

• Our Apprenticeship is open to anyone aged 16 or over on the 1st of September 2026. That means your year of birth must be on or before 1st September 2010.

What are the entry requirements?

• The following minimum standards must be obtained:Grade C or higher at Ordinary Level in the Junior Certificate (or equivalent) in one sitting in the following subjects:

OR

Grade D or higher at Ordinary Level in the Leaving Certificate (or equivalent) in one sitting in the following subjects:

• Irish or English
• Mathematics
• Science Subject or one of the following: Art, Construction Studies, Design and Communication Graphics, Engineering, Home Economics and Technology
• Any two other subjects. (Agricultural Science, Applied Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Physics and Chemistry).

What does the medical assessment involve?

• All candidates at the final stages of their application will be requested to complete a full body medical examination to assess physical health, including an eye test. This examination will be conducted by a certified member of the CIE Chief Medical Department.

When will the programme start?

• The programme will commence in September 2026.

Do I get paid?

• Yes, Iarnród Éireann support ‘Earn as you Learn’ Apprenticeships. During On-the-Job phases, the Apprentice will be paid by Iarnród Éireann based on a percentage of a qualified craftworkers pay scale and in line with industry standards, this increases year upon year while completing your Apprenticeship Programme. During Off-the-Job phases, the Apprentice will be paid by SOLAS.

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