Graduate and Apprenticeship Opportunities

The OPW is offering training opportunities for three Apprentice Civil Engineering Technicians to be part of the teams working within Flood Risk Management in Mayo and Kilkenny. These roles offer an exciting opportunity for those who want to be involved with and play a significant role in defending Ireland from flood risk.

Closing date for applications is 5:30pm Thursday 10th April 2025

The National Botanic Gardens (NBG) is offering a number of paid positions from September 2025 for recently graduated horticulturists. The positions are for 12 months and will be a blend of practical work in the gardens and comprehensive tuition in botanical and horticultural topics once a week. The purpose of the programme is to enhance your graduate qualification with in-depth experience and training in heritage garden management and plant collection management. You will have the opportunity to work with specialist collections, propagation programmes, record-keeping and botanical scientists. The diverse collections, experienced horticultural team, and on-site facilities provide an incomparable and exciting opportunity for enthusiastic horticulture graduates.

Closing Date: 5:30pm Wednesday 30th April 2025

OPW Engineering Services provides a range of services across the spectrum of engineering disciplines to Government bodies, academic institutions, private sector professionals and the general public.

This programme is an opportunity for recently graduated engineers to gain valuable engineering work experience under a temporary two-year contract. The Graduate Development Programme covers the following disciplines;

• Mechanical & Electrical Engineering

• Civil & Structural Engineering

• Civil Engineering

• Mechanical Engineering Field Services

• Fire & Security.

Become a skilled apprentice with the OPW. Apprentices come from a wide range of backgrounds and skill sets. For some, it is the opportunity to change careers; for others, it is the beginning of a life of craft mastery. Ireland’s rich archaeological, built and cultural heritage creates a need for a broad mix of conservation skills. To meet this need, the OPW run a 4-year apprenticeship programme in a wide range of areas, such as the following:

• Craft Stonemason and Stonecutter in National Monuments Depots, Nationwide
• Craft Carpenter and Joiner in National Monuments Depots, Nationwide
• Craft Carpenter and Joiner in Building Maintenance Service, Dublin
• Craft Wood Manufacturer and Finisher, Furniture Branch, Dublin
• Craft Construction Plant Fitter, Drainage Divisions, Nationwide
• Craft Metal Fabricator, Central Engineering Works, Dublin

Please note this is not an exhaustive list.

Apprenticeship training comprises the following:

• on-the-job training on location
• off-the-job day or block release training at a SOLAS Training Centre, an Institute of Technology, or a College of Further Education.

OPW is committed to providing apprenticeships across a wide range of skills and these positions will be advertised on our website from time to time. Applications for apprenticeships will only be accepted when a specific apprenticeship is advertised.

If you are interested in becoming an apprentice, visit the Solas website to learn more.

For a full list of competitions currently advertised by the Office of Public Works, please see Current Vacancies .