Whitewater Group launches new engineering apprenticeship scheme in Ireland

New apprenticeship offers an earn-while-you-learn pathway into engineering.

Whitewater Group has launched a new OEM Engineering Apprenticeship programme, creating a practical route for people interested in building a career in engineering while gaining recognised qualifications and hands-on industry experience.

Leo Picard has become Whitewater Group’s first OEM Engineering Apprentice, marking the beginning of the company’s new apprenticeship pathway.

The three-year programme combines structured college-based learning with on-the-job training at Whitewater Group. Apprentices complete 16 weeks of off-the-job training each year through Cavan Monaghan ETB or Limerick Clare ETB, with the remainder of the year spent applying their learning in the workplace.

On successful completion, apprentices graduate with an Advanced Certificate as an OEM Engineering Technician, a Level 6 qualification awarded by Quality and Qualifications Ireland. Graduates may also progress to a range of degree-level programmes.

As an international water engineering company, Whitewater Group delivers water treatment and cooling infrastructure for data centre, pharmaceutical, power and industrial clients across Europe. Apprentices joining the company will gain exposure to a rapidly expanding engineering business and contribute to the manufacture, installation and servicing of critical water systems.

The programme covers a broad range of disciplines, including engineering drawings, electrical and electronic technology, mechatronics, testing and measurement, industrial robotics and PLCs, applied engineering, problem-solving and team leadership.

Andrew Dowling, Senior Technical Advisor, Power and Advanced Technologies at Whitewater Group, said:

“Developing the next generation of engineering talent is essential to the continued growth of our business and our industry. The OEM Engineering Apprenticeship gives participants the opportunity to earn while they learn, gain a recognised qualification and build practical experience across a wide range of engineering disciplines.

“For Whitewater Group, this programme is an investment in people. It creates a clear pathway into a rewarding engineering career while helping us develop the technical skills and capabilities needed to support our continued expansion across Europe.”

Leo Picard, Whitewater Group’s first OEM Engineering Apprentice, said:

“The apprenticeship is a good way to experience different aspects of the engineering industry. You get to see different types of engineering, including electronics, commissioning, design and metalwork.

“It is great to understand the theory and practical work in college and then apply what we have learned at Whitewater Group.”

The OEM Engineering Apprenticeship is aimed at people who want to learn through a combination of structured education and practical workplace experience. Applicants must first secure a placement with a SOLAS-approved employer and meet the programme’s educational or recognised prior learning requirements.

Whitewater Group is now accepting applications for the programme.

Applicants should send their CV to hr@whitewatergroup.ie.