On the 7th of January, 16 apprentices commenced the Geo Drilling apprenticeship in Institute of Technology Carlow.

These apprentices will be the first to undertake the new course.

The 16 apprentices are drawn from the companies and agencies below.

• Priority Drilling
• Irish Drilling
• Boliden Tara
• QME
• Geological Survey Ireland
• Lenihans Well Drilling
• Geo Drilling Solutions
• Meehan Drilling

The objective of the Geo-Drilling apprenticeship is to provide drillers with a dedicated Higher Certificate in Science qualification (National Framework of Qualifications Level Six).

The apprenticeship is a two-year programme which combines ‘on-the-job’ work experience with academic study. Apprentices will work with their employer’s for 41 weeks and attend classes at IT Carlow 4 days a week for 11 weeks.

The apprenticeship is delivered by the Institute of Technology Carlow (ITC) and the lead industry partner is Geoscience Ireland. The need for this qualification was identified by the drilling industry in partnership with Geological Survey Ireland (GSI), IT Carlow and the Irish Mining and Quarrying Society (IMQS).

Further Information

Further information is also available from the industry lead for this apprenticeship:

Stephen Walsh
Geoscience Ireland

Tel: 01 678 2808
Email: stephen.walsh@gsi.ie