Please do not apply through our website for this position. All applications must go through the FIT recruitment process and meet the FIT Criteria.
Please apply through this link here - Apply for ICTAP Tech Apprenticeship - FIT - Tech Apprenticeships and Courses
Zinkworks partners with leading Telecommunications and Financial Services organizations to modernize legacy systems, migrate mission-critical platforms to the cloud, and engineer AI-driven automation. We work with clients across telecommunications, cloud, AI and financial technology. We build practical software solutions while helping people develop strong engineering skills through hands-on learning, teamwork and real project experience. FIT is our training partner for this apprenticeship.
Our culture is built around three core pillars:
Teamwork we support each other, work openly, and succeed as a team.
Learning we build new skills, take feedback, and improve through practice.
Professionalism: we take responsibility, communicate clearly, and hold ourselves to high standards.
We are now hiring Software Developer Apprentices to join our in-office apprenticeship programme in Athlone.
As a Software Developer Apprentice, you will join a structured training and on-the-job learning programme designed to help you grow into a capable software engineer. You will learn core programming concepts, software development practices, cloud technologies, teamwork skills and professional delivery habits.
The programme combines formal apprenticeship training with FIT and practical, on-the-job experience at Zinkworks.
You will develop skills across the following areas:
Programming Foundations: Python, Java, object-oriented programming, data structures and core software fundamentals
Data and Databases: SQL, databases, JDBC and working with data-driven applications
Backend Development: Spring Boot and basic backend application development
Frontend Basics: HTML, CSS and JavaScript
Testing and Quality: JUnit, Karate, validation, error handling and writing reliable code
Cloud Foundations: Google Cloud Platform, Cloud Run, Spanner and GCP exercises
Deployment and CI/CD: Docker, Docker Compose, deployment basics and GitHub Actions
AI and Modern Tools: Google Gemini, Google Agentic Development Kit (ADK), natural language-to-SQL concepts and responsible use of AI tools
Teamwork and Professional Practice: Scrum, code walkthroughs, feedback, conflict resolution and professional communication
As a Software Developer Apprentice, you will be expected to:
Complete all assigned FIT training and homework in a timely manner
Complete assigned programming exercises and project tasks
Work as a team to complete projects and solve problems
Take part in team ceremonies such as daily scrum, planning, reviews and retrospectives
Ask for help when needed and act on feedback from mentors and tech leads
Maintain a learning journal or reflection habit where required
Work professionally with teammates, trainers, mentors and wider Zinkworks staff
This apprenticeship is a learning opportunity, but it is also a professional role. We expect apprentices to show commitment, curiosity and responsibility from day one.
You will be supported by trainers, technical leads, mentors and teammates, but you will also be expected to take ownership of your own learning.
We particularly value apprentices who:
Work well with others
Show up prepared and ready to learn
Keep improving after feedback
Take pride in doing things properly
Communicate early when they are stuck
Contribute positively to the team environment
This is an in-office role based in Athlone. Apprentices are expected to be present in the office every working day. This includes training days, project days, team activities and any programme-related sessions.
At Zinkworks, we are deeply committed to fostering a culture of diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We believe that our strength lies in the unique backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences of our team members. By embracing an inclusive environment, we empower innovation and collaboration across all levels of our organisation. Based in Ireland, we are proud to support and engage with our local communities through meaningful initiatives that promote equity and opportunity. Our commitment extends beyond the workplace, as we actively contribute to creating a more inclusive and connected society for all.

Zinkworks is a global leader in software innovation, specializing in cutting-edge technologies for the Telecommunications and Financial Services industries. With over 200 engineers working for clients around the world, we deliver custom solutions that accelerate innovation and enhance operational efficiency. Our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction has earned us a reputation as a trusted partner for businesses operating in technically complex environments.
We partner with global leaders including Vodafone, VMO2, Google, Ericsson, Citi, and many more.
𝗧𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺 𝗢𝗘𝗠𝘀: We provide software development teams to speed up innovation in oRAN, Cloud architecture, and AI-powered network automation.
𝗧𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺 𝗖𝗦𝗣'𝘀: We modernize legacy OSS to cloud-native environments, enabling advanced AI and autonomous network management.
𝗧𝗶𝗲𝗿 𝟭 𝗕𝗮𝗻𝗸𝘀: We modernize backend and middle-office systems, transitioning from legacy to scalable, cloud-native, microservices-base architecture.
Partnering with Zinkworks means access to:
𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲: Quality in every solution delivered.
𝗔𝗴𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝗠𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗱𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝗶𝗲𝘀: Fast, flexible delivery tailored to evolving business needs.
𝗗𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗲: Specialized knowledge in Telecoms and Finance.
𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗥𝗢𝗜: Significant returns and measurable impact.
𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐮𝐧𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐤 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐞𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐜𝐮𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠–𝐞𝐝𝐠𝐞 𝐬𝐨𝐟𝐭𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬? Visit our website, follow our LinkedIn page, or contact us to learn how Zinkworks can transform your business.