“I Nearly Talked Myself Out of It” – Westmeath Apprentice Encourages Women to Take the Leap into Tech

As International Women’s Day highlights the importance of women pursuing careers in every sector, one young woman from Athlone, County Westmeath, is sharing her story of resilience and why she believes sometimes the biggest barrier is self-doubt.

Jessica Hoey, a Software Development Apprentice with FIT (Fastrack into Information Technology) and Zinkworks, did what many students do after their Leaving Certificate: she went straight to university to study Computer Science.

“I went the traditional route,” Jessica explains. “I finished my Leaving Cert and went to university to study Computer Science. But when Covid hit, I dropped out and worked full-time.”

Unsure if she would ever find her way back into tech, but determined not to give up on her passion for tech, Jessica completed a PLC course to rebuild her confidence and skills. It was there she first heard about Tech Apprenticeships.

FIT is the national coordinator of Tech Apprenticeships in Ireland, with programmes in Software Development, Cybersecurity, Computer Networking, and a new Data Analytics programme launching in 2026 (subject to QQI validation).

“I argued with myself about applying and wasn’t sure if I should do it. But I decided to just go for it – and I was lucky enough to get a place.”

That decision, she says, changed everything.

For Jessica, the appeal of FIT’s Tech Apprenticeship programme wasn’t just gaining another qualification; it was gaining experience.

“I already had some technical knowledge, but getting your foot in the door of a company is extremely hard,” she explains. “With the Tech Apprenticeship programme, I have two years of industry experience, and that’s invaluable.”

She believes the combination of work and study offers something unique.

“I’m learning things I would never learn in a classroom. I get to see how the industry works from the inside. And I work alongside people who have years of experience – the advice and knowledge they share will stay with me throughout my career.”

Tech Apprentices earn a salary while they learn, gaining a nationally recognised qualification and valuable on-the-job experience with a company over two years.

As International Women’s Day shines a light on increasing female representation in technology, Jessica hopes her story resonates with other young women in Westmeath who may doubt whether they belong in the industry.

“If I hadn’t applied, I’d still be wondering ‘what if?’” she says. “Now I’m building a career I’m genuinely excited about.”

Since completing her Tech Apprenticeship, Jessica is now a full-time Junior Software Engineer with Zinkworks, a global leader in software innovation based in Westmeath.

Applications are currently open for FIT’s upcoming Software Development programmes taking place in Dublin this April, with further intakes scheduled for Dublin and Galway in October.

For those considering a future in technology, Jessica’s advice remains simple: take the chance.

To learn more or apply, visit FIT’s website at www.fit.ie or email them at info@fit.ie today.