Staff and students of the Telecommunications and Data Network Engineering Apprenticeship programme and representatives from more than 20 industry partners gathered on the Tallaght Campus of Technological University Dublin recently to celebrate the official opening of an outdoor training site.
The innovative Network Installation Outdoor Training Site provides hands-on training in telecom network installation, including underground, optical fibre, and copper networks.
Shared vision
Launched in 2019, the apprenticeship programme was developed by the university and industry experts with a shared vision for a connected Ireland, which requires a steady stream of skilled technicians with telecommunication and data network engineering skills.
Siobhan O'Callaghan, project manager of the Telecommunications and Data Network Engineering Apprenticeship programme, said: “Embracing innovation and dedication, the Telecommunications and Data Network Engineering Apprenticeship programme is delighted to unveil this trailblazing outdoor training site on TU Dublin’s Tallaght campus.
"This dynamic facility is a beacon of experiential learning, empowering apprentices with hands-on expertise in modern telecom technologies. From underground installations to optical fibre networks, the facility provides a realm where theory meets practice, sculpting tomorrow's telecom leaders.”
Since the programme commenced in 2020, 96 people have graduated, taking on impactful roles such as senior operations manager, front-line manager, and project planner across the 20 companies that support it.
O’Callaghan said: “With Leaving Certificate students preparing for their examinations, we would encourage them to consider exploring telecommunication or data network engineering apprenticeships, with more information available from https://www.tdne.ie/.”