Get into AI & Automation
— Fully Funded Training (Ireland)
No experience required. Interview opportunities with employers on completion. Limited places available.
You'll be taken to the LCETB portal — no cost, no obligation at any point.
€0
Fully funded — no cost
12
Weeks, fully online
12 month
Paid traineeship pathway
15
Places — limited intake
Who is this for?
Is this course right for you?
This course is ideal if you are:
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✓Currently unemployed and based in Ireland
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✓Interested in starting a career in AI, automation, or tech
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✓Looking to change careers into a high-growth industry
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✓Comfortable using a computer and learning online
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✓Available Monday to Friday, 9am–4pm for 12 weeks from 25 May
What you will gain
Your outcomes from this programme
In-demand skills in AI and automation
A clear pathway into tech and digital roles
Interview opportunities with employers on completion
Support throughout the full programme
How it works
The application process — 4 steps
From interest to course start in four straightforward steps.
1
Register your interest
Click the button below and submit your details to get started
2
Apply via the ETB portal
Complete your formal application on fetchcourses.ie — this is the official LCETB step
3
Interview with SOA
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview and a 2-day assessment
4
Start the programme
Successful applicants begin on 25th May 2026 — fully online
Important — places are very limited
- Only 15 places are available on this programme
- Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis
- Once the course is full, applications will close
We recommend applying as soon as possible.
Success stories
Real people. Real jobs. In Ireland.
Every person below started exactly where you are now — unemployed and without a tech background.
Through the incredible support of the School of Automation, I was able to go from a novice to a UiPath certified developer. The chance to gain real-life work experience led to my current position as an RPA Developer with the HSE.
JH
Jack Higgins
RPA Developer — Health Service Executive (HSE) Ireland
SOA helped me empower myself to chase my dream of a career in automation. I progressed to the 12-month traineeship and worked on real projects for the Department of Education Ireland. I then accepted an offer as an RPA Developer with Digital Workforce Ireland.
MW
Marlena Woloszyn
RPA Developer — Digital Workforce Ireland
Eligibility
Eligibility requirements
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✓Must be unemployed at the time of application
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✓Must be based in Ireland — course is open to all counties
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✓No formal qualifications required — basic literacy and numeracy is all that's needed
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✓Basic computer skills recommended — you need a Windows PC or laptop with internet
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✓Non-EEA applicants must hold a GNIB Stamp 4 or Labour Market Access Letter
Not ready to apply yet?
Register your interest first
Not sure if you qualify or want to speak to someone before applying? Register your interest and a member of our learner engagement team will contact you within 24 hours.
Apply via ETB portal →
What you will learn
Industry-recognised certifications
You earn a UiPath diploma for each module — qualifications that employers recognise and actively hire for.
Intro to RPA developer role
Variables, data types & control flow
Data manipulation
Excel & data tables
Project organisation
Selectors & UI interactions
Error & exception handling
Debugging techniques
PDF automation
Email automation
Orchestrator for developers
Robotic enterprise framework
Employer partners
Jobs are already waiting
Graduates are actively placed with leading organisations hiring in Ireland. These partners are involved with the course from day one.
UiPath
ABP Consultancy
Health Service Executive (HSE)
IBM
Digital Workforce Ireland
Department of Education Ireland
Common questions
Answers before you apply
Is it really completely free?
Yes. The course is 100% funded by the Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board (LCETB). There is no cost to you at any point.
I have no tech background — is that really OK?
Absolutely. No prior tech experience is needed. Many of our most successful graduates had zero tech background when they started. If you are motivated and can commit to the hours, that is all we need.
What happens after the 12 weeks?
Graduates can apply for our 12-month Software Process Automation Traineeship — also funded by LCETB — with a paid training allowance and real project experience with employer partners. SOA then supports you for 6 months as you move into full-time employment.
Do I need to be based in Limerick or Clare?
No. The course is fully online and open to unemployed people across all of Ireland. You just need a Windows laptop and a good internet connection.
What is Agentic Automation?
Agentic Automation uses AI-powered software robots to automate repetitive tasks — processing forms, moving data between systems, generating reports. It is one of the fastest-growing areas in tech globally, and organisations across Ireland are struggling to find people with these skills right now.
⚠️ Only 15 places available — applications close when the course is full — course starts 25th May 2026
Applications open now — 15 places only
Ready to start your career in AI & Automation?
Fully funded. No experience needed. Employers already waiting. Don't miss your place on the 25 May start.
Applications close when all 15 places are filled — course starts 25 May 2026