Apprenticeship ยท Level 6 ยท ICT

Computer Networking Associate

A two-year apprenticeship designing, installing and supporting computer networks. It suits creative problem solvers who like computers and ICT.

How apprenticeships work: you are hired by an approved employer and paid while you learn, mixing work with blocks of training in a college or training centre. You don't apply through the CAO and you don't need CAO points.

Key facts

How long
2 years
Award
QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Computer Networking
Where you train
  • National programme co-ordinated by Fastrack into Information Technology (FIT)
Pay
Employer pays a salary. โ‚ฌ312 per week in year 1 and โ‚ฌ408 per week in year 2.
Costs
No student contribution is required.

Entry requirements

  • You must be hired by an employer approved by SOLAS
  • Full eligibility criteria are in the programme syllabus

How to apply

You must be hired by an approved employer. Search the Apprenticeship Jobs page or apply online on the FIT website.

Apply Online (FIT) โ†— Official page on apprenticeship.ie โ†—

What you'll learn

  • Designing simple, secure networks
  • Installing switches, routers and firewalls
  • Monitoring and optimising network performance
  • Diagnosing network problems
  • Giving technical support to users

Where it can lead

  • Computer networking associate in any sector using networks
  • ICT companies that design, sell, install and maintain networks

Useful Leaving Cert subjects

Computer Science, Technology, Applied Mathematics

These help with the content of the programme; they are not entry requirements unless listed above.

Other ICT apprenticeships

Tertiary degrees in ICT

Not sure which route suits you?

Our CAO Interest Test matches you to course areas, and now shows apprenticeships and tertiary degrees in your strongest areas too.

Take the CAO Interest Test โ†’ Try the free 3-minute test

Information from apprenticeship.ie, checked November 2026. Details can change, so always confirm on the official page before applying.