Apprenticeship ยท Level 10 ยท Engineering

Principal Engineer

This programme is for people already working or qualified in the area, not usually school leavers.

A four-year doctorate apprenticeship for experienced engineers who want to do research on real industry problems. Not an entry route straight from school.

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
4 years
Award
QQI Level 10 Doctorate in Engineering
Where you train
  • University of Limerick (CONFIRM Smart Manufacturing)
Pay
Employer pays a salary; rate agreed with your employer.
Costs
Qualifier module fee EUR 250 plus EUR 35 registration fee; student contribution payable to the higher education institution over four years.

Entry requirements

  • Aimed at people already working in engineering
  • Must pass Qualifier Module PT 8001 to gain entry
  • Full criteria are in the Principal Engineer brochure

How to apply

You must be hired by an approved employer. Express your interest on the UL website or contact CONFIRM Smart Manufacturing.

UL Principal Engineer apprenticeship โ†— Official page on apprenticeship.ie โ†—

What you'll learn

  • Solving abstract problems
  • Research and inventive problem solving
  • Numerical and statistical methods
  • Simulation and software tools for engineering
  • Leading complex design and research projects

Where it can lead

  • Principal engineer in ICT, software, manufacturing, chemical, pharma and medical devices

Useful Leaving Cert subjects

Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics

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.