From:Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD, visited Louth and Meath Education and Training Board (LMETB) to officially launch a new apprenticeship in Robotics and Automation as well as a new Tertiary Degree in Agricultural Science.The Robotics and Automation Apprenticeship has been developed in response to growing industry demand for skilled technicians in industrial robotics and automation. Delivered through the apprenticeship model of earn while you learn, the two-year programme leads to a level 6 Advanced Certificate on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ). LMETB serves as the coordinating provider, with Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR) as the industry lead. The apprenticeship is now open for recruitment at www.roboticsapprenticeship.ie.

Speaking at the launch, Minister Lawless said:

“The Robotics and Automation Apprenticeship illustrates how new, agile learning pathways are helping industry respond to a rapidly changing industrial landscape. With automation now embedded across sectors, businesses are increasingly seeking talented technicians with the expertise to develop, operate, and maintain these advanced systems.“This new apprenticeship provides a clear route into that future, offering practical, on-the-job experience with cutting-edge technologies, a QQI level 6 qualification, and the benefit of earning while gaining valuable skills.”

Sadie Ward McDermott FET Director LMETB said:

“Robotics and Automation Apprenticeship represents a significant step forward in how we prepare our workforce for the future of industry. As manufacturing continues to embrace digital transformation, the demand for highly skilled automation technicians has never been greater. This programme provides a direct, accessible pathway into those careers while supporting industry to innovate and grow.”

Minister Lawless also launched a new Tertiary Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Science during the visit. The BAgrSc (Hons) is the latest addition to the Tertiary Degree Programme for the 2026/27 academic year, offering an innovative pathway into one of Ireland’s most important sectors.The programme enables students to complete their first year at Dunboyne College of Further Education before progressing to University College Dublin (UCD) to complete the remaining four years of the Bachelor of Agricultural Science (Honours) degree. It provides an alternative route to higher education that removes traditional CAO points barriers, while maintaining the same academic standards and graduate outcomes as the direct-entry programme.

Announcing the programme, Minister Lawless said:

“This new Tertiary Degree in Agricultural Science reflects our commitment to widening access to higher education while supporting one of Ireland’s most vital sectors. It allows students to begin their studies locally in Dunboyne before progressing to UCD and graduating with an honours degree through a more flexible pathway.“Agriculture remains central to Ireland’s economy and rural communities. This programme will help develop the next generation of highly skilled graduates by providing a clear and accessible route from Further Education through to an honours degree at UCD.“Last year, the CAO points requirement for Agricultural Science at UCD was 431. Tertiary Degree programmes remove that barrier, offering students a new and practical route to achieving this qualification.”

Designed to support the future needs of Ireland’s agri-food sector, the programme combines the supportive learning environment of Further Education with a clear progression pathway to one of the country’s leading agricultural science degrees. Students will benefit from smaller class sizes and a learner-focused approach in Dunboyne, before transitioning to UCD to develop the scientific, technical, and practical skills required for careers in agriculture, food production, sustainability, environmental management and agribusiness.

LMETB FET Director Sadie Ward McDermott said:

“This initiative reflects LMETB’s strong commitment to delivering high-quality education and training that responds to the changing demands of the agricultural sector and the employers who sustain it. Developed in partnership with UCD and Dunboyne College of Further Education and Training (DCFET) to support regional development and strengthen a sector that lies at the heart of Ireland’s economic and rural prosperity.“Supported by the Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre of Excellence (AMTCE), the introduction of this degree recognises the growing impact of technology on agriculture and the need to equip learners with the skills to work in an increasingly innovative and data-driven industry.”

This course is the latest addition to the Tertiary Degree Programme, which allows students to begin their studies locally with no tuition fees for the first year, before progressing to a higher education institution. More information is available at the National Tertiary Office website: nto.hea.ie.

Robotics and Automation apprenticeshipRobotics and Automation apprenticeship is a 2 year, National Framework of Qualifications level 6 advanced certificate. The Coordinating Provider is LMETB and the Industry Lead is Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR). The programme will be delivered at the Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre of Excellence (AMTCE) in Dundalk, Co Louth.The apprenticeship is designed to provide a talent pipeline for employers in the Advanced Manufacturing sector who have a need for skilled technicians in the fields of Industrial Robotics and Automation. The programme provides apprentices with the theory and practical skills required to be employed as a Robotics or Automation technician. It is for those who have recently completed second level education or mature learners who are seeking to retrain. The programme will develop highly skilled technicians capable of designing, installing, maintaining, troubleshooting, and optimising modern automated manufacturing systems.Learners will cover: Fundamentals of robotics, control systems, and automation, programming, integration, and troubleshooting of industrial systems, maintenance, calibration, and optimisation of smart technology, digital tools, data analytics, and Industry 4.0/5.0 practices as well as communication, teamwork, and project leadership.

Tertiary ProgrammeThe Tertiary Programme is now in its fourth year, and its continued expansion reflects strong and sustained demand for alternative, more accessible routes into Higher Education. These routes are designed to break down barriers. There are no points required, and no tuition fees while studying in an ETB for the first 1 -2 years, with students progressing to graduate from Universities and Technological Universities with the same recognised bachelor’s degree.The number of students starting Tertiary Bachelor’s Degree programmes increased by over 218% since the programme's introduction, growing from 148 students in 2023 to 471 students in 2025. In response to this demand, 1,200 tertiary places will be available to applicants in 2026 outside of the traditional points system. This expansion significantly increases the Tertiary Bachelor’s Degree route options for students to 78 and delivers opportunities in 24 counties in Ireland.