}

Apprenticeships

A career path for life

My apprenticeship with Designer Group has opened doors and given me more experiences than I ever thought possible. Starting at an older age, I was unsure what to expect. But, after my first day I was delighted. You are given ample opportunities and training. I'm looking forward to what the future has in store.
Mark Fitzgerald 4th year apprentice

Come and join us

Every member of our workforce makes a difference.

If you are looking for a career in engineering and want to train on the job, Designer Group offers electrical and mechanical apprenticeships to those who are committed to learning and want to grow with us.

Helping people discover and develop their talents through training is at the heart our apprenticeship scheme. It takes 4 years to become a qualified tradesperson and we will support you at every step, ensuring you gain the relevant skills, which are all to industry standard. As an apprentice, you will work alongside industry experts and gain a vast amount of knowledge and experience to complete your apprenticeship.

We commit to taking several exceptional newly qualified tradespeople into the business every year and after you have qualified, our in-house Training Academy allows you to receive continuous training and upskill, with a wide range of courses to further develop your career.

Programme overview

Applicants will be required to meet Designer Group’s criteria before being considered for the apprenticeship programme.

Ireland - Apply here
UK - Apply here
Our apprenticeship programme has a mixture of both on and off the job training. There are 7 phases that are completed over a minimum period of 4 years. There will be assessments throughout your apprenticeship, and you will be required to complete practical and theory-based exams.

At the end of the training you will be a Qualified Tradesperson with industry recognised qualifications.

Phase 1 – A minimum of 12 weeks on-site training. Designer Group provide introductory training to Health & Safety, Tools & Equipment, and Basic Skills and you are given a qualified tradesperson who will support you.

Phase 2 – Completion of 22 weeks in an Educational Training Board Centre where you will learn both theory and practical knowledge required to further your on-the-job training.

Phase 3 – A minimum of 24 weeks of on-site training. During this phase, you are given the opportunity to practice skills acquired from off-the-job training.

Phase 4 – A total of 11 weeks in an educational college where you will continue to expand and grow in your role.

Phase 5 – A minimum of 24 weeks of on-site training. At this stage, you will be acting as a role model for the new apprentices.

Phase 6 – This is a minimum of 11 weeks in an educational college and is the final off-the-job training period.

Phase 7 – The final phase. A minimum of 12 weeks where you begin putting into practice everything you have learnt and start to demonstrate your skills. During this time, you will be required to interview to secure a role as a Qualified Tradesperson with Designer Group.

APPLY NOW







    There is also an element of learning in a class environment, to ensure that you receive all the training you need to qualify. At the end of your training, and subject to all the necessary tests, you will receive an industry recognised qualification. We work closely with JTL, the largest provider for apprentices in construction in the UK.

    Everyday our apprentices receive hands-on experience by working with Designer Group on one of our sites, with one day in the week spent at college. You’re not on your own either, each apprentice is assigned a personal ‘mentor’, who is there to help advise, guide and support you through to qualification.

    Once you have qualified, you will have the opportunity to discuss your career choice, which will include becoming a qualified electrician or plumber with Designer Group.

    APPLY NOW







      Training Academy

      Since 2016 we have delivered our own in-house training in all disciplines across the business at our very own Training Academy. Our high-tech base provides outstanding skills training to our apprentices and tradespeople and ensures that everyone is health and safety compliant.

      FIND OUT MORE
      I began the start of my career with Designer Group in November 2020 and am a first year electrician. Taking an apprenticeship with Designer Group was one of the best decision I have made, not only are you learning a trade you are starting off in your career. The world becomes your oyster and the opportunities are endless. Such as climbing up the career ladder becoming more experienced, gaining more responsibility, going to college and becoming more experienced in the company. It has been an absolutely fantastic experience so far. I have learned so much in the few months I have been with Designer Group. Everyday you have the opportunity to learn something new no matter how big or small.
      Erinn Desborough 1st Year Apprentice
      I joined Designer Group as a 1st year plumbing apprentice with no previous experience on building sites. I learned a lot from all the projects I have worked on and I will always be grateful for the opportunity Designer Group gave me as an apprentice. Near the end of my apprenticeship I was asked to develop my career with Designer Group by undertaking Building Services Engineering course in DIT and to move over to the Planning Department to become a Junior Project Planner.
      Catalin Tibre Junior Mechanical Engineer
      I began working for Designer Group in 2016 where I joined the group as a 2nd Year Mechanical Apprentice. My first project was working on Student Accommodation. From the moment I walked onto site I was made welcome and guided by excellent management and site team who we happy to help with any questions or queries. In 2018, I was selected as one of two mechanical apprentices to represent Designer Group in the first ever ‘Generation A Competition. We won!
      Conor Cregan Planning intern

      Apprenticeship Awards

      From bright ideas to work-ready, our apprenticeships are an exciting and proven way for people to develop their talent, and as a Company we support your growth and competitiveness, giving you access to exciting opportunities.

      We are proud to say that our Designer Group apprentices have taken part in several national apprentice competitions over the years. With both finalists and winners under our belt, including Apprentice of the Year at both Irelands National Electrical Awards and Irelands Plumbing and Heating Awards. In addition, participation in the Generation Apprenticeship competition since its inception in 2018, where we have been awarded ‘Large Employer of The Year’ in recognition of our apprentice training system, promotion of gender balance, supporting local youth VET training in Kenya and engaging in career events with local employment authorities.

      Benefits

      •
      Industry recognised qualification
      •
      On and off the job learning
      •
      Earn while you learn
      •
      Assigned a mentor
      •
      Paid for attending college
      •
      Regular events
      •
      Training and support

      Exciting news

      Designer Group is delighted that Brendan Kearns, Training Director, has been selected as Ireland’s Ambassador for the European Vocational Skills Week 2020.

      Brendan is one of a group of Ambassadors, from different EU Member States, chosen for this prestigious role due to his outstanding achievements in the field of vocational education training, and has volunteered to spread the word.

      I am delighted to have been selected to be an EU Ambassador.  The Ambassador role will inspire people  from  all  backgrounds, especially  young people deciding on future careers  and adults looking to  upskill, reskill  or  pursue  a lifelong learning experience.
      Brendan Kearns Training Director

      Take your first steps into the world of work

      APPLY NOW