Public Works Operations and Maintenance

NFQ Level 4 + 5

Prepare for entry-level roles in construction and local services with this hands-on Traineeship. Gain industry certification and the essential digital and communication skills for today’s workforce.

Thank you for your Interest!

Online applicants will be redirected to fetchcourses.ie to complete the application process.

What You'll Learn

On successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

Demonstrate knowledge of health and safety requirements relevant to their field of operations.
Use digital tools and technologies to access, exchange, and manage information effectively.
Work safely and competently in confined spaces and with hazardous materials.
Apply ground work skills in construction and maintenance across various environments.
Prepare and maintain parks, green spaces, and similar outdoor areas to industry standards.
Operate confidently in water-based environments, including piers and harbours.
Understand and meet customer service expectations in public-facing roles.
Communicate effectively and demonstrate personal responsibility in a workplace setting.

Tá an Clár Oiliúina i Sainscileanna arna chomhchistiú ag Rialtas na hÉireann agus an Aontas Eorpach. #EUinMyRegion

Specific Skills training is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union. #EUinMyRegion

On successful completion of this course, you will receive:

The Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) Level 4 Special Purpose Award Certificate in Construction Groundwork Skills.

The City & Guilds Level 2 Certificate in Practical Horticulture, which is comparable to a Level 4 qualification on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ)

The Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) Level 3 Award in Leadership and Management which is comparable to Level 5 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ)

All standalone ICDL modules lead to profile certification, providing industry-recognised digital competency.

Individual industry certification will be provided on successful completion of relevant modules, find full list – below.

Timetable & Modules

Timetable:

This course is delivered in person – Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and a half-day on Fridays.

Timetable
Day	Morning	Afternoon
Mon	✔	✔
Tue	✔	✔
Wed	✔	✔
Thu	✔	✔
Fri	✔

Module	Title
4N2848	Laying Kerbs, Flags & Paviors
4N2849	Concreting
7573-159	Laying Hard Surfaces for External Landscaping
7573-160	Construct and Maintain Boundaries
7573-201	Prepare Ground or Area for Planting
7573-203	Plant a Tree
7573-224	Build Garden Walls and Pillars
7573-238	Mow Turf Using a Pedestrian Controlled Mower
8600-304	Writing for Business
ICDL-COE	Computer and Online Essentials
ICDL-19	ICDL Workforce – Documents
ICDL-04	ICDL Workforce – Spreadsheets
6160-01	Working in Low Risk Confined Spaces
PPST STCW-95	Personal Survival Techniques
EFA STCW-95	Elementary First Aid
IOSH-MS	Introducing Managing Safely in Construction
34P	Location & Avoidance of Underground Services
32P	Signing, Lighting & Guarding at Roadworks
33P	Health & Safety at Roadworks
PHECC – FAR	First Aid Response
	Manual Handling For Workplace
	Safepass
	EUSR National Water Hygiene
	EUSR Utility SHEA Water Passport

Progression / Career

This traineeship provides a strong foundation for entry-level employment in construction, local authority services, and environmental maintenance.

Students will gain industry-recognised health and safety certification, practical experience in areas such as groundworks, parks and open spaces, water services, and general construction.

The course also supports progression through the development of essential digital, communication, and personal effectiveness skills, helping you to adapt to workplace technology and customer service needs.

Graduates will be well-positioned to move into further training, apprenticeships, or specialised roles within the public and private sectors.

Entry Requirements

Students should have a valid category B Driving Licence or hold a valid provisional category B Driving Licence with intentions to have passed their test before the course end-date.
Students must have level 4 skills and knowledge from the National Qualifications Framework (NFQ) to succeed in this course. You can also show this through relevant life and work experience.
A basic knowledge of computer skills would be an advantage but not a requirement for entry.
Applicants should have an interest in outdoor operations and maintenance roles within the utility / construction or local authority sectors in areas such as parks and open spaces, piers and harbours, water services, road and paving construction, or general construction opportunities.

Eligibility

Non-EU/EEA applicants need permission to work in Ireland. For more details, see our eligibility section.

Cost / Fees

You may be eligible for reduced course fees or a fee waiver.

We will talk to you about the possible low/no cost fees options during your application process.

Share This Course:

Real Students, Real Results!

While the focus for most of us on the course was achieving the D licence, there were lots of extras like First Aid, Tourism Visitor Care and Gluais training which I found very useful when I went looking for a job as I had more than just the D licence to offer to an employer.

Dylan Robinson

Qualified Tour Bus Driver, Driving With Tourism Graduate,

“I couldn’t recommend further education and training with Donegal College enough as it provides a great way back into education, to further education or to get a job.”

Shannon Shelby Driscoll

Qualified Teacher and Early Childhood Care and Education Graduate

“I thought there was never a chance for me to go and do nursing. I left school early because I became a mum at a young age and I didn’t have a Leaving Certificate. This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone.”

Elaine Tinney

Tertiary Degree Access Route into General Nursing (B.Sc. Hons) Recent Graduate

“The support started from the reception, when you come to Donegal College it is a special atmosphere.”

Yuliia Vaniukova

ACCA Graduate

“With a small class we were able to get comfortable around each other and we were never afraid to ask a question.”

Miranda Darnell

Animal Care Graduate

“It has brought me on so much to believe that any of us are capable of something in the right environment and with people supporting you.”

Lisa Doherty

Pathway to Special Needs Assisting and Early Learning Studies, Graduate

Need Help Applying For a Course at Donegal College?

If you are unsure about what course to do or need help in finding out which level is most appropriate for you then our admissions team are here to help you….

Courses FAQ's

Who can apply for Donegal College courses?

Our courses are open to school leavers, lifelong learners, job seekers, employees, and employers looking to upskill or reskill.

How do I apply for a course?

You can make your applications for full-time and part-time courses online; you can start the process here on the Donegal College website. Click ‘APPLY‘ on the course of your choice; this redirects you to Fetchcourses.ie, where your application will be processed using the FETCH Courses website and system.

If you haven’t signed up for a FETCH account, you’ll be required to do so first; this is a one-time setup.

Are the Donegal College courses accredited?

Yes. Many of our courses lead to nationally recognised qualifications on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ), typically Levels 4–6, as well as awards from ILM, City & Guilds, and other industry-recognised bodies.

Where do the courses take place?

Courses are delivered across Donegal at one of our 19 Donegal College campuses, certain courses are delivered in community venues in your local area, various courses are delivered online or through blended learning, and training can be offered on-site at your business, depending on the course.

Can I apply for an Apprenticeship?

The first step is to secure a job with an approved apprentice employer. An Apprenticeship is a three-way contract of employment between you, your employer and SOLAS, with on-the-job and off-the-job training delivered in phases. Full details are available on: www.apprenticeship.ie

To find out more about becoming an apprentice or an approved apprentice employer please contact our Apprenticeship Services Team: Tel: 074 9120500 or Email: apprenticeship@donegaletb.ie