Apprenticeship ยท Level 7 ยท Engineering

Polymer Processing Technology

A three-year degree apprenticeship in making plastic products. It suits science-minded people who want to work in high-tech manufacturing.

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
3 years
Award
QQI Level 7 Bachelor of Science Degree in Polymer Processing Technology
Where you train
  • Higher education institution (off-the-job); managed by Plastics Ireland / Polymer Technology Ireland (Ibec)
Pay
Employer pays a salary; rate agreed with your employer.
Costs
Student contribution payable to the higher education institution over three years.

Entry requirements

  • Aimed at people with an existing qualification
  • Full criteria are in the apprenticeship brochure

How to apply

You must be hired by an approved employer. Enquire or register interest on the Polymer Technology Apprenticeships website.

Register interest (Polymer Technology Apprenticeships) โ†— Official page on apprenticeship.ie โ†—

What you'll learn

  • Injection, blow and extrusion moulding
  • Setting up polymer materials and equipment
  • Troubleshooting and root cause analysis
  • Fast tool changeovers
  • Using processing equipment, robotics and measurement safely

Where it can lead

  • Polymer processing technologist in medical devices, engineering, packaging, moulding and domestic appliances

Useful Leaving Cert subjects

Chemistry, Physics, Engineering, Technology

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

Other Engineering apprenticeships

Tertiary degrees in Engineering and Engineering Trades

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.