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Ministers Lawless and Harkin welcome the first intake to the Civil Service Digital Marketing Apprenticeship Programme

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science James Lawless and Minister of State Marian Harkin welcomed the inaugural intake of Digital Marketing Apprentices to the Civil Service at Government Buildings. The twelve apprentices have been recruited across ten government organisations.

The two-year programme, launched in partnership with Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim Education and Training Board (MSLETB), is the first of its kind in Ireland, covering key areas such as Generative AI, Digital Marketing Tools and Social Media Marketing. It follows the successful model of earn-as-you-learn, allowing participants to gain valuable hands-on work experience while obtaining a Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Digital Marketing.

Minister Lawless said:

“As Ireland’s largest employer, the public sector must lead by example on the implementation of the Public Service Apprenticeship Plan which set a target of 750 public service apprenticeship registrations per year, starting this year.

“This new Digital Marketing Apprenticeship demonstrates commitment through increased availability of apprenticeship opportunities across the public sector. It will also play a significant role in ensuring government communications are well-equipped for the rapidly changing digital landscape.

“The programme offers a clear path to a long-term career within the Civil Service as well, with apprentices having the chance to apply for permanent Executive Officer roles upon successful completion of their apprenticeship. These apprentices have a bright future ahead.”

Minister of State Harkin added:

“This innovative apprenticeship offers an exciting opportunity for talented people to develop skills in digital marketing, while contributing to the modernisation of government communications. I look forward to seeing what these new apprentices will achieve, and I wish them every success in the programme.”

Tom Grady, Chief Executive, Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim Education & Training Board said:

“By hiring digital marketing apprentices, the Civil Service will benefit from a highly trained and skilled workforce, strengthening its digital marketing expertise. At Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim Education & Training Board, we firmly believe in supporting emerging talent and empowering the next generation of Digital Marketing professionals through this innovative industry-focused apprenticeship programme."

Notes

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An apprenticeship is a full-time programme that combines work-based learning with a formal training programme. Throughout the apprenticeship, the apprentice will work as a full-time member of staff with the government employer, who will release them to attend the structured training programme with the training provider – the earn-as-you-learn approach.

This means that they will be employed, on a full-time basis, by a Civil Service organisation for the 2-year programme, offering an opportunity to develop a career in digital marketing in some of the largest organisations in the state.

Those who successfully achieve all programme elements will attain a Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Digital Marketing (QQI Advanced Certificate Award placed at Level 6 on the National Framework of Qualifications).

For this 2-year programme, the apprentice will be recruited into a Civil Service organisation based in the greater Dublin area. The training partner for the programme is the MSL Education and Training Board and all classroom activities will be held in Dublin.

The apprentice will undertake 12 modules of learning over two years, studying topics like Content Marketing and Generative AI; Digital Marketing, Tools and Tactics; and Social Media Marketing.

The apprenticeship offers a starting salary of €27,033. Upon successful progression to an Executive Officer role, salaries range from €37,544 to €60,610.

The Civil Service organisations taking on an apprentice are:

  • Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
  • Department of the Taoiseach
  • Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform
  • Department of Health
  • Department of Environment, Climate and Communications
  • Department of Social Protection
  • Department of Rural and Community Development
  • Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media (2)
  • Office of Public Works (2)
  • PublicJobs

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