FIT provides access to tech skills training for job seekers and career changers, aiming to secure quality employment in Ireland's vibrant tech industry; the domestic ICT workforce comprises of 80,000 workers with 12,500 tech vacancies emerging within the Irish labour market per annum. Half of the ICT workforce is composed of international talent. In Ireland, 90% of university entrants come from middle and higher-income communities, typically progressing into well-paid tech careers. Only 10% of young people from low-income backgrounds and usually within the national deprivation index, enter higher education, leading to significant under-representation in the tech sector. FIT addresses this disparity by offering alternative pathways for those unable to pursue university degrees. FIT is National Coordinator of ICT Tech Apprenticeships in Network Engineering, Software Development, Cyber Security & Data Analytics. FIT ensures these opportunities are accessible to all who meet the entry requirements. Trends have shown FIT applicants from advantaged backgrounds overshadow those submitted by disadvantaged youths. FIT responded with a Pre-Tech Apprenticeship Programme in 2019, and subsequently the Choose Tech Programme in 2020, widening access for young people who do not consider tech careers due to lack of education, self-belief, or support. Choose Tech is a explorative online micro credential programme, for 15-20 yr olds, with over 9,000 learners completing the programme to date.
FIT is a licensed delivery partner of the Inspiring Digital Enterprise Award (iDEA), rebranded as Choose Tech in Ireland. Delivered via an interactive online platform, Choose Tech offers 80+ micro-courses in key tech areas like AI, Cybersecurity, Networking, Software Development, and Data Analytics. Learners progress through Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards, earning points across subgroups: Citizen, Maker, Worker, Entrepreneur, and Gamer.
Bronze requires 250 points; Silver builds on this with themed badges in Foundation, Activation, and Resolution stages. Gold offers advanced content in AI, Robotics, Ethics, and Healthcare Tech. Choose Tech is flexible, accessible year-round, and aligns with the Gaisce President’s Award. It enhances CVs and supports entry into FIT and other further education pathways.
Since 2020, over 9,000 learners across 200+ Irish education centres have participated in the Choose Tech Programme, including DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opporunity in Schools) & non DEIS Secondary Schools and Youth Reach Centres nationwide. Over 1,000 Bronze and 100+ Silver Awards have been earned by Choose Tech Learner. Choose Tech supports CPD for educators through the Tech Ambassador Recognition Programme and is available for use by 15-20 yrs olds but primarily delivered in Transition Year (age 15–16) additionally supports Leaving Cert and Youthreach curricula. Choose Tech includes career insights and guidance for educators, helping bridge knowledge gaps in tech pathways.
The scale-up of the Choose Tech Programme was led by FIT’s Choose Tech Team and the FIT Coalition for Tech Apprenticeship Access and Inclusion Advisory Group—a consortium of 20 national education and employment bodies. Launched during the pandemic, the team quickly adapted to remote learning, promoting Choose Tech as a free, device-friendly platform accessible to all educators, with a focus on DEIS schools and Youthreach Centres.
Since 2020, FIT has expanded the programme through educator training, newsletters, school career fairs, and national events like the TY Summit, World Skills Expo, and FIT’s Heroes in Tech. Choose Tech has been featured in campaigns, stakeholder platforms, and recognised by the HEA, JMB, LCA Conference, and Mastercard’s Global Pro Bono Challenge.
A new collaboration with Tusla and TESS aims to bring Choose Tech to young people distanced from education via the School Completion Programme and iScoil. Choose Tech demonstrates cross sectoral ability to enthuse and re-engage young people in learning and retention in education. Choose Tech continues to be ‘an access route and a learning tool for young people and educators across Ireland, to spark a sense of curiosity, awareness and imagination in technology. The Choose Tech Programme aligns with the FIT mission which is the promotion of an inclusive and sustainable smart economy, ensuring access to in-demand tech skills for quality employment, shared prosperity, and making technology work for all.
Explore the Choose Tech platform for free by registering at https://idea.org.uk/register. There are two registration options: individual learners can select Create Account, while individuals representing organisations (eg a school) should choose Create Organisation. To register, visit the iDEA homepage, click Sign Up, and follow the prompts. Features of Organisation accounts include the ability to set up virtual classrooms (Organiser Groups), onboard learners, track learner progress, and invite team members (other educators) who must first register individually to be added. Learners can also sign up independently without being linked to an organisation. A support facility, including an FAQ section and self service tutorials are available on the platform to assist users. FIT also provide ongoing training to educators on platform usage and have created navigational guides to support educators on the platform.
