FIT
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.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1999
- HeadquartersGlasnevin, Ireland
- Headcount251–500
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
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.
FIT firmographics
Firmographics- 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
FIT industry classification
Industry- 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
Where FIT is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Glasnevin
- HQ country
- Ireland
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices4 records
Markets served
FIT business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others
Revenue model
- 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.
- 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
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Freemium | Pay-as-you-go | Free training programmes for job seekers and learners |
| Subscription | Monthly | Tech Apprenticeship - Earn while you learn |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels11 records
FIT product offering
Product offeringCore 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
Companies that use FIT
Customer profileNamed customers10 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
FIT technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
AI capability4 records
Feature6 records
FIT partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
17 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and major.
- SalesforceflagshipSalesforce 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.
- SOLAScoreSOLAS 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)coreQQI 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)coreETBI 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 SkillscoreGovernment 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 CouncilcoreLaunched 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.
- IBMmajorIBM 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.
- WorkdaymajorWorkday 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.
- MicrosoftmajorMicrosoft 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.
- CompTIAcoreCompTIA, 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.
- AHEADmajorAHEAD (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.
- GCSmajorGCS 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.
- AccenturemajorAccenture 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.
- MicrosoftmajorMicrosoft participates as an exhibitor at FIT events including HERo in Tech Expo and Female in Tech Expo, engaging directly with students about career opportunities.
- TikTokmajorTikTok participates as exhibitor at FIT events engaging with students about career opportunities in the tech sector.
- LinkedInmajorLinkedIn participates as exhibitor at FIT events and partners on Skills for Jobs programme with Microsoft, providing career pathways and professional development resources.
- GooglemajorGoogle participates as exhibitor at FIT events engaging with students about career opportunities.
Scale indicators13 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights6 records
FIT competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect 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
FIT social profiles
Digital presenceFIT financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
FIT leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
FIT funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
FIT M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments2 records
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about FIT
What does FIT do?
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.
Is FIT a public or private company?
FIT is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was FIT founded?
FIT was founded in 1999. It employs 251 to 500 people.
Where is FIT based?
FIT is headquartered in Glasnevin, Ireland, in the Europe region.
How does FIT make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Government Funding is the primary driver. The others are corporate Grants and Sponsorship.
Who are FIT's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Apprenti, Year Up, Per Scholas, Generation, Skillnet Ireland and NPower. Emerging players are Code Institute and Multiverse. CompTIA is listed as an others. Springboard+ is listed as a regional player.
Does FIT have an API?
No public API is recorded for FIT.
What industry is FIT in?
FIT's product category is Vocational Education and Training. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAFAMAL, Internship/Apprenticeship Matching & Work-Based Learning Platforms, with a secondary code of BPACANAK, Apprenticeships, Internships & Work-Based Learning Programs. Its NAICS code is 611513 and its SIC code is 8200.