FIT

What FIT does

FIT Ltd. (Fastrack into Information Technology) is an Irish non-profit organisation and registered charity (RCN 20044572), founded in 1999 and headquartered in Glasnevin, Dublin, with offices in Cork and a training centre in Ballina, Co. Mayo. The organisation operates as Ireland's national coordinating provider for Tech Apprenticeships, delivering two-year earn-while-you-learn programmes in Software Development, Computer Networking, and Cybersecurity that culminate in a QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate. These apprenticeships combine off-the-job training delivered through Ireland's 16 Education and Training Boards (ETBs) with on-the-job application at employer workplaces, supported by government apprenticeship incentives of €3,000 per hire.

The core product portfolio has expanded into a broader training ecosystem, including Pre-Tech Apprenticeships as pathway preparation, the I-FIT all-female Software Development intake, and the Cuimsiú Programme supporting neurodivergent and disabled learners. Supplementary offerings span the Choose Tech school taster programme (214 participating schools), HERo in Tech and Female in Tech Expos (1,000–1,400 students annually), the GreenShift EU-funded mobility-skills initiative, a forthcoming AI Training Centre of Excellence, and partnership-branded programmes such as IBM SkillsBuild, Microsoft StepIn2Tech, and Accenture Skills to Succeed Academy. Manufacturing-focused traineeships in Mayo extend the portfolio beyond pure ICT.

FIT's revenue model is hybrid-non-profit: primary funding flows from SOLAS (Ireland's Further Education and Training agency) and the Department of Education through ETB delivery, supplemented by corporate grants and sponsorships from Salesforce.org, J.P. Morgan, Google, and other technology multinationals. Training is free to learners, with training allowances for those in receipt of social welfare payments. Since 1999, FIT has trained more than 15,500 job seekers and placed more than 12,500 into employment, with current annual throughput including 504 quality employment placements, 3,560+ Core Employment Support beneficiaries, and a cumulative 841st Tech Apprentice enrolled by 2024. The organisation is governed by an industry-led Board comprising executives from Microsoft, Google, IBM, Accenture, Workday, Salesforce, Citi, and other major employers — a structural feature that aligns curriculum directly with employer demand.

Name

FIT

Legal name

FIT Ltd.

Website

https://fit.ie

Company type

Private

Founded year

1999

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

FIT Ltd. is an Irish non-profit, founded 1999, that delivers Tech Apprenticeships and training in Software Development, Cybersecurity, and Networking, serving job seekers, school students, neurodiverse learners, and employers through SOLAS, ETB, and corporate partnerships nationwide.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Vocational Education and Training

NAICS

Apprenticeship Training (611513), Computer Training (611420), Technical and Trade Schools (6115), Professional and Management Development Training (611430)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Employment Agencies (7361)

akta.pro primary industry

Internship/Apprenticeship Matching & Work-Based Learning Platforms (EDAFAMAL)

akta.pro secondary industries

Apprenticeships, Internships & Work-Based Learning Programs (BPACANAK), Technical Bootcamps & Accelerated Reskilling (Full-time/Part-time) (BPAEANAE), Cloud, DevOps & Software Engineering Certifications (EDAAANAH)

Keywords

• Tech apprenticeship programs
• Vocational training services
• Workforce skills development
• Digital skills training
• Inclusive employment programmes

Headquarters

HQ city

Glasnevin

HQ country

Ireland

HQ region

Europe

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Government Funding: FIT receives funding from SOLAS (State Organisation with responsibility for funding, planning and co-ordinating Further Education and Training) and operates as a registered charity (RCN 20044572). Revenue comes from government grants and funding for training programmes.
2. Corporate Grants and Sponsorship: FIT receives grants and sponsorship from corporate partners including Salesforce.org ($100,000), J.P. Morgan (supporting 150 young women), Google (€50,000 Impact Challenge grant), and other technology companies for specific programmes and initiatives.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels11 records

Core offering

FIT delivers earn-while-you-learn tech apprenticeships and training programmes leading to QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificates in Software Development, Computer Networking, and Cybersecurity. The organisation combines off-the-job skills training with on-the-job application across a two-year model, supplemented by pre-apprenticeship pathways, inclusive programmes for neurodiverse and female learners, and corporate-sponsored digital skills initiatives delivered through a nationwide ETB partner network.

Product overview

FIT offers a comprehensive portfolio of technology education and training programmes. The core offering is the Tech Apprenticeships programme (Software Development, Computer Networking, Cybersecurity) delivering QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificates through a two-year earn-as-you-learn model. Supporting products include Pre-Tech Apprenticeships for pathway preparation, the I-FIT Female Tech Apprenticeship for gender inclusion, and the Cuimsiú Programme for neurodiverse and disabled learners. Supplementary offerings include Choose Tech school taster programmes, HERo in Tech annual expo, Green Skills sustainability programmes, AI Training Centre of Excellence, IBM SkillsBuild, Skills to Succeed Academy, StepIn2Tech with Microsoft, and Skills for Jobs with Microsoft. Manufacturing-focused programmes include Introduction to Manufacturing Processes and Manufacturing Technician Maintenance Skills Traineeship. The portfolio is delivered through partnerships with Education and Training Boards, industry employers, and technology companies.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• I-FIT: Ireland's Females in Tech - an exclusive two-year all-female Software Development Associate intake programme aimed at enabling women to attain tech skills and qualifications.
• Cuimsiú Programme
• HERo in Tech
• Choose Tech
• GreenShift

Products and services

• Tech Apprenticeships Two-year earn-while-you-learn programmes combining off-the-job skills training with on-the-job application, leading to a QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Software Development, Computer Networking, or Cybersecurity. Available to individual apprentices and to employers seeking to hire apprentices.
• I-FIT Female Tech Apprenticeship Annual all-female Software Development Associate intake programme designed to increase female participation in tech apprenticeships, enabling women to attain tech skills and ICT qualifications.
• Pre-Tech Apprenticeships Pre-apprenticeship programmes providing skills sampling in Network Engineering, Software Development, Cybersecurity and Project Management, creating pathways into formal technology apprenticeships.
• Cuimsiú Programme Inclusive pathways programme supporting neurodivergent and disabled learners on a structured pathway to tech employment, providing a supportive environment to build confidence, independence, and practical skills.
• Choose Tech Programme Taster programme for secondary school students in DEIS and Youthreach schools, inspiring young people to develop tech skills and learn about pathways to tech careers as an alternative to traditional college routes.
• AI Training Centre of Excellence Training programmes that build AI capability for organisations and future talent across a range of skill levels, including generative AI awareness and application training.
• GreenShift / Green Skills Programmes Sustainability-focused training programmes including the EU-co-funded GreenShift initiative for green mobility and FIT Green Skills training in White Goods and Consumer Electronics repair, supporting the circular economy.
• Ukrainian Training & Employment Services Hub Training and employment services hub supporting Ukrainian nationals in their pursuit to secure employment in Ireland.
• Manufacturing Technician Maintenance Skills Traineeship Traineeship programme providing the foundation for individuals launching careers in the manufacturing industry, including hands-on maintenance skills training.
• Introduction to Manufacturing Processes QQI Level 4 course providing hands-on training in manufacturing settings, covering communications, electronics, mathematics, workplace safety, and continuous improvement skills.
• Cybersecurity Apprenticeship for Local Government Ireland's first bespoke cybersecurity apprenticeship tailored for local government workers, with ten participating local authorities enhancing network protection and ICT capability.
• Skills for Jobs Digital skills programme delivered with Microsoft and LinkedIn to help learners discover new career paths and learn relevant skills for in-demand jobs.
• IBM SkillsBuild Open access to in-demand technology skills and professional development resources through FIT's partnership with IBM.
• Skills to Succeed Academy Career planning, job acquisition, and future skills development programme delivered in partnership with Accenture.
• StepIn2Tech Career reboot programme with Microsoft providing digital skills and mentoring support through an engaging online learning platform.

Quantifiable outcome

• 15,500+ job seekers trained since inception
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability4 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and major.

• SalesforceflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019Salesforce issued $750,000 in grants to support Irish students, with FIT receiving funding to help young people make informed career choices, gain basic technology skills and inspire them to choose a technology apprenticeship pathway. Over 15,500 trainees from disadvantaged communities have progressed into employment through FIT.
• SOLAScoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2013SOLAS is the State Organisation with responsibility for funding, planning and co-ordinating Further Education and Training in Ireland. Established under the Further Education and Training Act 2013 as an agency of the Department of Education and Skills. SOLAS manages the National Apprenticeship system and has been a key funding partner for FIT's programmes.
• Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerQQI is an independent State agency responsible for promoting quality and accountability in education and training services in Ireland. FIT's Tech Apprenticeships result in QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificates.
• Education and Training Boards Ireland (ETBI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerETBI is the national representative body for Ireland's sixteen Education and Training Boards. ETBs deliver FIT programmes across communities throughout Ireland.
• Department of Education and SkillscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment department with mission to provide high-quality education enabling individuals to achieve their full potential and contribute to Ireland's social, cultural and economic development.
• The Apprenticeship CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLaunched by the Minister for Education and Skills in November 2014 to expand apprenticeship into new sectors and identify where new apprenticeships can make a difference to employers and employees.
• IBMmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIBM Dublin hosted FIT Tech Taster Days at their Mulhuddart Campus to introduce participants to the world of tech and female tech roles. 100% of survey respondents said they would consider a tech career after attending. IBM also provides IBM SkillsBuild programme access through FIT.
• WorkdaymajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWorkday founded Workforce Week, an annual workforce development programme that equips individuals facing barriers to employment with soft skills and technical training. FIT partnered with Workday for workshops in Dublin HQ and virtual events.
• MicrosoftmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMicrosoft partners with FIT on Skills for Jobs programme, a global skills initiative designed to help learners discover new career paths and secure in-demand jobs. Also partnered on StepIn2Tech programme supporting 10,000 people affected by the pandemic.
• CompTIAcoreTechnology or IntegrationCompTIA, the non-profit association for the global technology industry, has embedded its certifications in FIT's national Tech Apprenticeships in Cybersecurity and Network Engineering, providing globally recognised standards.
• AHEADmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAHEAD (Association for Higher Education Access & Disability) collaborated with FIT from March 2021 to develop a Tips Sheet for Employers on Being Disability Inclusive in Apprenticeships, aiming to increase access and inclusion for apprentices with disabilities.
• GCSmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGCS partnered with FIT to host Tech Ascent, the FIT Tech Apprenticeship Expo in Croke Park, Dublin. The expo explored existing and future tech employment opportunities and offered facilitation to employers to recruit tech candidates.
• AccenturemajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAccenture partners with FIT on Skills to Succeed Academy helping individuals plan their career, get a job and build skills for the future. Accenture also supported FIT's Upskilling Report.
• MicrosoftmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMicrosoft participates as an exhibitor at FIT events including HERo in Tech Expo and Female in Tech Expo, engaging directly with students about career opportunities.
• TikTokmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTikTok participates as exhibitor at FIT events engaging with students about career opportunities in the tech sector.
• LinkedInmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLinkedIn participates as exhibitor at FIT events and partners on Skills for Jobs programme with Microsoft, providing career pathways and professional development resources.
• GooglemajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGoogle participates as exhibitor at FIT events engaging with students about career opportunities.

Scale indicators13 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Apprenti: Washington-state nonprofit registered apprenticeship organisation placing diverse candidates into tech roles at employers through earn-while-you-learn programmes. Structurally analogous to FIT's apprenticeship coordination role at a sub-national level.
• Year Up: US nonprofit providing young adults from low-income communities with year-long training, internships and corporate placement in tech and business roles. Operates a similar apprenticeship/internship hybrid model serving underrepresented talent for major employers.
• Per Scholas: US-based nonprofit offering tuition-free tech training (software engineering, cybersecurity, IT support) to individuals from underserved communities, with strong employer hiring pipelines. Closely mirrors FIT's earn-while-you-learn apprenticeship and employer placement model.
• Generation: Global nonprofit founded by McKinsey that runs employment-focused tech and digital training programmes targeting unemployed/underemployed adults. Closely comparable mission to FIT — bridging disadvantaged populations into tech careers through employer-aligned curricula.
• Skillnet Ireland: Irish state-supported enterprise-led learning network delivering workforce upskilling and apprenticeship-style programmes across sectors. Directly comparable Irish peer operating under a similar industry-led, government-funded model.
• NPower: US/Canada nonprofit delivering free IT and cybersecurity training to veterans and young adults from underserved communities, with pathways to employment at corporate partners. Direct analogue to FIT's mission and apprenticeship-style training for disadvantaged talent.

Emerging players

• Code Institute: Ireland-based accredited tech training provider offering full-stack software development bootcamps with employer-aligned curricula. Competes for the same Irish tech-apprenticeship pool with a faster, more commercial bootcamp delivery model.
• Multiverse: UK-based tech apprenticeship provider delivering on-the-job training in software engineering, data and AI for major employers. Competes in the same employer-paid apprenticeship category but operates as a venture-backed commercial provider rather than a charity.

Others

• CompTIA: Global tech industry association whose certifications (CompTIA Security+, Network+, A+) are embedded directly into FIT's Cybersecurity and Network Engineering apprenticeships. Strategic ecosystem partner rather than a competitor, but shapes FIT's curriculum and credentialing framework.

Regional players

• Springboard+: Irish Government initiative offering free/ subsidised higher-education upskilling courses in technology, data and digital skills. Competes with FIT for the same Irish job-seeker audience and tech employer demand, though delivered through higher-education institutions.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/FastrackintoIT
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@FastrackIT
• Facebookfacebook.com/fastrack.toit
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/fit-ltd
• Instagraminstagram.com/fastrackintoit
• TikToktiktok.com/@fastrackintoit1

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments2 records

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about FIT