A brand new apprenticeship - the first of its kind in Ireland - has been launched by Liebherr.

The new three year Industrial Coating Apprenticeship will have a mixture of practical and theoretical elements and give students an opportunity to earn an internationally recognised accreditation.

Intake for the apprenticeship begins in spring 2022 and training will be delivered in the workplace, as well as through classroom workshops and online learning modules.

The theoretical element is a mixture of on-site tuition from Liebherr experts along with modules from providers, ICATS and Train the Painter both of whom are the world’s leading, industry recognised and accredited Industrial Coatings Applicator Training Programmes.

“For us at Liebherr it is an honour to lead the way and be the first to introduce an Industrial Coating Apprenticeship to Ireland," Liebherr’s Managing Director Engineering, Charlie McCarthy, said.

"Industrial coating, is typically a multistage process involving shot blasting, priming and painting. We have made significant investments in both our shot blasting and painting facilities and now have the most advanced and sophisticated facilities in Ireland. Many of our container handling cranes are destined for port environments and are subject to harsh corrosive coastal conditions, with expectations that the coating protection will last the entire lifetime of the crane. With this in mind, we have recognised that the introduction of an accredited trade which can provide the necessary skills and knowledge is long overdue."

He added that this apprenticeship will be a great opportunity for someone to get trained on the latest techniques from experts in the field.

"Over three years, the apprentices will benefit from a mixture of theoretical and practical tuition. As part of the training the successful applicant will also have an opportunity to visit our sister companies in Austria and Germany where they will get to take part in our apprentice exchange programme in year three, an added bonus to add to an already valuable training experience.”

To apply, applicants should send an up to date CV and a cover letter specifying why they are interested in this apprenticeship to apprenticerecruit.lcc@liebherr.com.

Further documents such as academic results, training certificates, references, project details and awards etc. should also be included. The closing date for receipt of completed applications is March 25 next.

Applicants should ideally have Junior Certificate English and Maths or equivalent, and must be at least 16 years of age on January 1, 2022.