Ireland’s Transport Operations and Commercial Driving Apprenticeship Programme is continuing to provide an important new route into the haulage and logistics sector.
The two-year “earn while you learn” programme combines full-time employment with academic study through ATU Sligo. Apprentices spend four days a week gaining practical experience with their employer and are released for online lectures one day a week during the academic term.
Successful participants graduate with a Level 6 Higher Certificate in Business in Transport Services, a Category C/CE driving licence and the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence.
The programme is open to applicants aged 18 or over who hold a full Category B driving licence and meet the relevant educational, medical and eligibility requirements. Recognition of Prior Learning and mature-applicant entry routes are also available in certain circumstances.
The first CDAP apprentices graduated in November 2024, marking an important milestone for what is Ireland’s first nationally recognised apprenticeship linked directly to the commercial driving profession.
Recruitment has continued for the September 2026 intake, with companies including DACHSER Ireland and CDS recently advertising apprentice positions. This demonstrates that employers increasingly see the programme as a practical way to recruit, train and retain the next generation of professional drivers.
Employers taking part must provide apprentices with a minimum two-year employment contract, a workplace mentor, an appropriate role and paid release for academic studies. Registered employers may also qualify for the national Apprenticeship Employer Grant, currently worth €2,000 per apprentice annually.
At a time when the Irish road transport sector continues to face an ageing driver population and persistent recruitment difficulties, CDAP offers a structured solution. It gives new entrants a recognised professional qualification while providing employers with drivers trained in road safety, compliance, logistics, customer service and modern transport operations.
Companies interested in employing an apprentice can contact the programme on 01 844 7516 or info@cdap.ie. Further information and current opportunities are available from the Commercial Driver Apprenticeship Programme and Generation Apprenticeship.
