Education Magazine 36-1

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Editor Niall Gormley

Production Michael Farrell

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ISSN 0791-6161

4 News: Harsh discipline increases risk of lasting mental health problems in children - report; HEA launch Anti-Racism Principles for Institutions

5 News: TUI and the ASTI welcome halt to fifth year Leaving Cert exams; THEA, IUA and USI issue joint statement on Leaving Certificate results delay

7 News: New scheme to eliminate the cost of books in primary and special schools; Financial Resilience Training Launch

9 News: Irish Universities among the most constrained on staffing in Europe - IUA; Old Waterford Crystal site to be bought for SETU

11 News: NCCA launches Traveller culture and history report

13 COVER: Theology as an education in wisdom

14 Carving your future with Giraffe Childcare…

16 INTERVIEW: Irish Hockey Captain Katie Mullan

19 News: New TY programme to Teach young people about dementia from the Alzheimer Society

20 Career options in healthcare with the School of Nursing and Midwifery UCC

24 New artificial intelligence workshops for teachers and students; Introducing new #DiscussAI Programmes

26 FEATURE: So you want to be a pilot? Three part feature

29 Registration open for National Flight Centre pilot training courses

30 FEATURE: ‘Fact’s, Faces, Futures’ Why more women and girls are building rewarding careers with Generation Apprenticeship

33 Who are FIT? The route to Tech Apprenticeships

34 ESB Networks Electrical Apprenticeship Programme

36 Jones Engineering - Graduate and Apprenticeship Programmes

38 Transport Operations and Commercial Driving Apprenticeship

41 OPINION: Conventional wisdom on the Irish language and why its not your teacher’s fault

42 Food Village - the new innovative student meal solution

45 News: Stalking victims count cost in new first-ofits-kind UCC study

47 News: Artificial pitches impacting on freshwaterATU and UCD

49 Irish Defence Forces Trainee Technician Scheme

53 The Youthreach Programme

55 Dundrum College - A Hub for Lifelong Learning

57 National Learning Network - Focused on supporting each person in their learning goals

58 Sallynoggin College - offering a broad range of career pathways to students

61 Whitehall College - Education for All

63 City of Dublin ETB - New course highlights diversity and inclusion in further education and training

64 Liberties College - Your Further Education College in the Heart of the City

65 Research News: SEAI €19m in funding for energy research; Maynooth

Cover

Theology as an education in wisdom

Page 13

Interview

Irish Hockey Captain Katie Mullan

Page 16

Feature

So you want to be a pilot? Three part feature Page 26

Feature

Women and girls in apprenticeships

Page 30

Opinion

72 Training Services at Kilkenny and Carlow ETB

75 Green News: 27,200 home energy upgrades through SEAI in 2022; South West College granted £23k to tackle marine litter in Lough Erne And Strule River

Time for bilingual packaging?

Page 41

HEA launch Anti-Racism Principles for Institutions

THE HEA has launched Anti-Racism Principles for Irish higher education institutions aiming to enable them to challenge racism and race inequality. In September 2022, the HEA published a Race Equality Implementation Plan which included the following definition of racism:

“We understand racism to mean the power dynamics present in those structural and institutional arrangements, practices, policies and cultural norms, which have the effect of excluding or discriminating against individuals or groups, based on their identity, as outlined in Article 1 of the International Convention for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (ICERD), which provides: ‘...the term “racial discrimination” shall mean any distinction, exclusion, restriction or preference based on race, colour, descent, or national or ethnic origin which has the purpose or effect of nullifying or impairing the recognition, enjoyment or exercise, on an equal footing, of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the political, economic, social, cultural or any other field of public life.”

More information at hea.ie

Harsh discipline increases risk of lasting mental health problems in children - report

FREQUENTLY disciplining young children harshly puts them at significant risk of lasting mental health problems, a new report suggests. The research by University of Cambridge and University College Dublin found parenting that involves repeated shouting, isolating, and physically punishment made it 1.5 times more likely that a child would be at “high risk” of developing poor mental health by age nine.

Reported in the journal 'Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences', the study, which involved 7,500 children, found some 10% were in the high-risk band for poor mental health, including symptoms of anxiety, aggression, and social withdrawal.

“Our findings underline the importance of doing everything possible to ensure that parents are supported to give their children a warm and positive upbringing, especially if wider circumstances put those children at risk of poor mental health outcomes,” said Associate Professor Jennifer Symonds, from the UCD School of Education.

“Avoiding a hostile emotional climate at home won’t necessarily prevent poor men-

tal health outcomes from occurring, but it will probably help.”

The researchers used data from 7,507 participants in the ‘Growing up in Ireland’ longitudinal study of children and young people, and charted their mental health symptoms at ages three, five and nine.

While the study notes parenting style does not completely determine mental health outcomes, as it found warm parenting did not increase the likelihood of children being at low-risk of developing poor mental health, it does argue that professionals should be alert to the potential influence of parenting on a child who shows signs of having poor mental health.

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TUI and the ASTI welcome halt to fifth year Leaving Cert exams

THE TUI and the ASTI have issued a statement welcoming the shelving of proposed plans for students to sit Leaving Certificate Paper 1 in both English and Irish at the end of fifth year in 2024.

The statement said: "This is a welcome development, as we had stated at all times that this was an educationally regressive move that would have increased pressure on students, who would have faced a high stakes examination in both fifth and sixth year. To make matters worse, those who entered fifth year directly from third year – around 25% of the cohort – would have had three concurrent years of State examinations under the plan."

The unions say that teachers are in favour of positive, coherentlydevised change that enhances the education service. They maintain, however that a clear educational basis for this proposal was never presented.

"In this regard, it is clear that meaningful and continuing engagement and consultation that recognises and acknowledges the voice of the practitioners is required to ensure that future Senior Cycle change is educationally sound and, crucially, does not increase pressure on students", the statement said.

THEA, IUA and USI issue joint statement on Leaving Certificate results delay

THE Union Of Students In Ireland, the Technological Higher Education Association and the Irish Universities Association have joined together to call on the Minister for Education to bring forward the date of the Leaving Certificate results.

The three organisations, representing students and higher education institutions, are calling for this year’s results to be available on their traditional mid-August date. Their joint call follows recent meetings with Department of Education officials who have indicated that 2023 results may not be released until September.

The organisations also want to see an acceleration of the Leaving Certificate examination reform process and say that it is essential that Ireland is brought into line with general EU standards where results are issued no later than end of July each year.

The groups say that this is the fourth year in a row in which the Leaving Cert results will have been delayed. It is acknowledged that the Covid pandemic was responsible for the delay in the first year, but when the rest of society has returned to normal following the pandemic, it is simply unacceptable that Leaving Certificate students are still suffering the after-effects.

The process is clearly cumbersome and overly bureaucratic and reflects a system that could be better connected. The organisations are calling on the Minister for Education to intervene immediately and to ensure that the 2023 results are issued in line with the pre-covid exams timeline. The Minister is also asked to accelerate the reform process to ensure that Leaving Certificate results in future years are published no later than July.

USI, THEA, and IUA say they are taking this stand in support of students. They are acutely conscious of the additional pressures and stresses associated with new entrants seeking to find accommodation at very short notice in an already tight market.

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New scheme to eliminate the cost of books in primary and special schools

THE government has announced details of a new scheme which provides free schoolbooks in primary schools and special schools.

More than 558,000 pupils enrolled in approximately 3,230 primary schools, including over 130 special schools, will benefit from the new scheme. This initiative will provide not only free schoolbooks, but also workbooks and copybooks, easing the financial burdens facing families during back-to-school time.

This funding will also provide schools with an Administration Support Grant to assist with the roll out and implementation of the scheme and to relieve the administrative burden on schools.

The investment of over €50 million significantly increases the funding for school books currently provided to all recognised primary schools in the country and delivers on the commitment in the Programme for Government to extend the free school book pilot, currently in over 100 primary schools in the DEIS programme.

This scheme will ensure that parents and guardians will not be asked to buy or rent any school books, workbooks or copy books as of autumn 2023. The department is issuing guidance for schools and any school with queries about the scheme

can contact the department directly.

This new scheme means that:

➤ schoolbooks, workbooks and copybooks will be provided for all pupils from schools

➤ there is no need parents or guardians to buy or rent these items

➤ schools will be provided with sufficient funding to cover the costs of providing these items

➤ schoolbooks are the property of the school and must be returned at the end of the school year

➤ schools will be provided with additional administration support

To support the administration of this scheme the department is allocating a grant to primary schools for the 2023/24 school year, based on the size of the school, to assist with any additional work required in order to implement the scheme. Schools may use this grant to employ an individual to carry out administrative work on the scheme.

Minister for Education Norma

Foley aid: “By providing our primary school children with free school books, we are enhancing their educational experience, not just in the classroom but reaching out into the family home.”

Financial Resilience Training Launch

TASC, the Think-tank for Action on Social Change has launched a three-year programme on financial resilience training throughout the country to help communities better tackle the cost-of-living crisis. The programme is funded by Aviva Ireland. It will be delivered through frontline charity services and community groups nationally through an interactive and educational financial inclusion and training programme.

The overall aim of the programme is to upskill individuals and households to better manage their finances. The free training will be provided to up to 50 charity staff members and 100 community participants each year, resulting in a positive impact on their families and the wider communities.

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Irish Universities among the most constrained

staffing in Europe - IUA

IRISH universities face greater restrictions and lack of flexibility when it comes to staff recruitment, salary determination and promotions, ranking 24 out of 35 European higher education systems in a detailed analysis by the European University Association (“EUA”).

The restrictions, arising from the government-imposed Employment Control Framework, limit overall staffing and prohibit permanent contracts for non-core staff in universities.

The new scorecard ranks 35 higher education systems across Europe, focusing on autonomy in universities across four dimensions: Organisational, Financial, Staffing, and Academic.

Ireland ranks 18th in financial autonomy, which includes the type and duration of public funding, the ability to borrow money, ownership of assets, and determination of tuition fees for national, EU, and non-EU students.

Ireland ranked 12th in organisational autonomy which encompasses presidential appointments, governing body membership, and development of academic structures.

Ireland ranked 3rd in academic autonomy which includes determining overall student numbers, introducing and terminating programmes, as well as designing content of programmes.

Commenting on the publication of the scorecard, Prof. Kerstin Mey, President of University of Limerick and Chair of IUA Council 2023 said: “The EUA autonomy scorecard is a very good benchmark for Ireland. While the ranking in academic autonomy is to be welcomed, staffing autonomy continues to be a problem in our universities.

“It is essential that the restrictive ceilings imposed by the Employment Control Framework on staff numbers in third level are relaxed or removed. The ECF may have served a purpose more than a decade ago as an austerity measure, but it is now limiting the capacity of the sector to adequately cater for student needs and resulting in an increase in casual or part-time staffing.”

Old Waterford Crystal site to be bought for SETU

THE government has confirmed approval has been given to the South East Technological University (SETU) to expand its presence in Waterford. SETU will purchase 20.3 acres of the 37-acre Waterford Crystal site, the entirety of what was offered to SETU, subject to the necessary due diligence requirements.

The President of SETU Professor Veronica Campbell said: “Our work to realise a University-Enterprise Quarter on the Waterford Crystal site will begin now in earnest and we look forward to developing this vision with all of our stakeholders and regional partners.

“As a university embedded in our region our ambition is to bring together academia, research, industry and our communities to create a hub of knowledge, learning, enterprise, innovation and creativity.”

Speaking in Waterford, Minister Simon Harris said: “We know the history of this site. Once a bustling site of business and tourism, the site has been largely derelict since the closure of Waterford Crystal over 14 years ago. This will become a bustling site for students, research, enterprise and for the people of Waterford through creation of an active and dynamic University-Enterprise Quarter."

NCCA launches Traveller culture and history report

THE Traveller culture and history research report, launched recently by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA), was developed to provide an overview of what is currently known, understood and has been recorded regarding various aspects of Traveller culture and history. It does not set out to cover every aspect of Traveller culture and history.

The research report provides a brief overview of the Traveller population in Ireland, outlines the impact of racism on the community and discusses the history of Travellers.

It examines aspects of Traveller culture, such as nomadism, economic activities, marriage patterns, family structure and religious practices. It also details some of the contributions that Travellers have made and continue to make to Irish society through art, music and sport.

In addition, the research report explores the language of Irish Travellers and its usage in Ireland today. Finally, it looks at Travellers in Ireland today and includes details of their achievements and other positive developments for the community.

The research report will be used by NCCA to:

• Inform the review and updating of existing curricula and the development of new curriculum specifications for early childhood, primary and post-primary education

• inform the development of resources and materials for teachers/ practitioners

• inform our thinking around intercultural approaches to education more broadly.

• This research report contains links to appropriate policy, sites and resources.

There are five sections in the report. Following an introduction, section two provides a brief overview of the population profile of the Traveller community and outlines the impact of racism on the community. It also discusses the history of Travellers.

Section three examines aspects of Traveller culture, such as nomadism, economic activities, marriage patterns, family structure and religious practices. It also details some of the contributions that Travellers have made and continue to make to Irish society through art, music and sport.

Section four explores the research on the language of Irish Travellers and its usage in Ireland today.

Finally, the fifth section looks at Travellers in Ireland today. It traces their mobilisation and activism and includes details of community members’ achievements and other positive developments for the community.

In order to give a central voice to Travellers in developing the research report, an Expert Group comprising Travellers and Traveller representatives was established and reviewed and offered feedback on each chapter within the report.

The report is available at NCCA.ie.

Our BATh opens doors to many careers

Theology as an education in wisdom

THEOLOGY is probably not at the top of a lot of people’s lists when considering what to study at university. After all, not too many people grow up thinking they want to be theologians! But studying theology at St Patrick’s Pontifical University just might be a good choice for you. Let me explain why.

Why study theology?

What kind of student enjoys theology? You do not have to consider yourself religious, but you would need to be open to the bigger questions in life, to thinking about God and meaning and good and evil. Someone who ends up choosing theology will want to make a positive difference, to help others, and to make the world a better and a kinder place. If you are interested in history, in people and society, in what it means to be human, in literature, in culture, in the world as our common home, then theology could be a good fit too.

In the BATh in St Patrick’s Pontifical University, students take theology alongside other subjects from Maynooth University. Most of our students are not setting out to become professional theologians. They could be studying German,

By

Business, Sociology, Criminology, Music, English, Anthropology, Law, Criminology, Geography, or History alongside Theology.

Those combinations open up all kinds of possibilities to grow as a person while being equipped to make a positive difference in the lives of others through a variety of career paths.

Career paths

University is meant to train for life and taking Theology alongside another Arts subject will certainly do that. You would be developing skills such as critical thinking, good communication and the ability to explain and debate issues, clarity of thought and working with complexity.

You would not only be learning things that are useful, but also exploring what is beautiful and what is good. St Patrick’s students become alert to ethical issues and have a greater understanding of the viewpoints of others. Our hope is that they become committed to the common good and reflect on how they can contribute to that wherever their future takes them.

A degree from St Patrick’s Pontifical University lays the groundwork for a wide range of careers. Our

graduates become teachers, journalists, chaplains, pastoral workers, academics and entrepreneurs. They are engaged in community development, administration, business, research, postgraduate study, parish and youth work.

A special place

St Patrick’s Pontifical University is a wonderful place to study for so many reasons. Our campus is gorgeous – steeped in tradition but with state-of-the-art facilities. We are right in the middle of Maynooth, Ireland’s only university town. It is not as hectic or intimidating as Dublin can be, yet the capital is only 40 minutes away by public transport.

Classes are small and the lecturers are friendly and approachable. They are genuinely interested and engaged in the progress of each individual student. Because we share a campus and facilities with Maynooth University, our students are ‘dual citizens’ and can enjoy the buzz of a large campus too; it really is the best of both worlds.

You could think of studying theology as an education in wisdom. It will equip you to experience the true fulfilment that serving others can bring.

Dr. Jessie Rogers, Dean of the Faculty of Theology at St Patrick's Pontifical University

"St Patrick’s Pontifical University, Maynooth students become alert to ethical issues and have a greater understanding of the viewpoints of others"

Carving your future with Giraffe Childcare…

Being part of our future

OUR team are an essential part of our future and success. They are what makes us Giraffe. Ensuring that our teams experience a nurturing, caring environment allows them to develop and grow, as our future leaders. This is something that is truly felt at Giraffe.

Today, over 90% of our centre management team began their careers as care staff. Their hands on experience and knowledge provides our younger team members mentorship and development opportunities.

It gives them guidance to develop and hone their skills. Offer advise on best practice approaches and also giving them opportunities to becoming their best.

At Giraffe it is important to us to continue this path which is why our talent management, staff development and mentorship is core to our care team’s future. Others have developed their careers within the organisation into other central support roles including recruitment, HR, Health and Safety and Area Support Directors.

Meet Kira from Giraffe Childcare, this is her story…

Kira, who joined Giraffe Childcare in 2020 as a student childcare practitioner while studying in Inchicore College today, is a Centre Supervisor in Giraffe Childcare IFSC. Here is her story on how she has quickly developed her childcare career and is on a path that will bring about further development opportunities.

“I began my Childcare career in 2020 when I returned to college as a mature student. I had previously studied Industrial and Environmental Physics but decided that this was not for me. Taking a step back I reviewed what I really wanted to do.

"I always loved working with children. I have a bubbly personality and have always dreamed at working as an Early Years Practitioner. In 2020 I applied to do my QQI Level 5 in Childcare with Inchicore College. I was thrilled!

"As part of my course, we

had to complete a module of work experience. As I am from Maynooth I applied to do my work experience in Giraffe Celbridge. This was a wonderful experience I was instantly made feel like one of the team.

"In the care room I had a mentor who guided me through best practice approaches, how to plan, develop and implement activities for the children, behaviour management, curriculum, encouraging child development. It was fantastic.

"Upon completion of my course, I was asked if I would like to officially join the Giraffe Team as a Childcare Practitioner in Giraffe IFSC. I transferred to Giraffe IFSC and in February 2022 I was promoted to the role of Centre Supervisor. This was fantastic, to be promoted in less than a year of joining the team.

"I continue to receive mentorship from the centre management team, ongoing training and development but also I am growing my own skills as I also provide mentorship to other team members. "

Caring right now

OUR staff are our future but in today’s world it is important to also consider and recognise the here and now.

Acknowledging our employees wellbeing is vital. Ensuring that they have sustainable and financially viable careers is important.

We have developed staff wellbeing into our ongoing training programme and celebrate staff wellbeing, appreciation and acknowledging the value of time off such as extended annual leave days. We also, believe in the value of celebrating the milestone experiences of our team members such as birthdays, weddings, engagements, graduations.

Being my best at Giraffe

AT Giraffe we recongise that being my best allows our team to bring passion, love and the ability to create a world of exciting learning opportunities for young children. To understand this we ask our team daily what do the children in our care expect to see and experience and how will I as a childcare practitioner deliver this. We do this by acknowledging each child individually and this unique value follows through for each of our team members. This is also seen across each of our centres. The personalities of the team and the children is very often reflected in the activities, artwork and culture of our centre. For someone starting their career in childcare this provides them growth, be recognised as an individual to carve out the childcare career that they want with the guidance and security of an experience team with the resources to support them.

Who we are

GIRAFFE Childcare was founded over 20 years ago and is one of Ireland's most successful multi-award winning childcare providers. Today, Giraffe Childcare, are part of the larger Busy Bees family and currently has 22 locations throughout Dublin, Meath and Kildare as it expands its locations later this year with the arrival of Giraffe Shackleton in Lucan.

At the top of the world

FAIRYTALES rarely come true, even in sport. But in 2018, one did, when the Irish Women's Hockey team made it all the way to the World Cup Final, exceeding their wildest dreams and endearing themselves to the Irish public in a way not seen since the days of the legendary Italia '90 squad.

Captain that day was Katie Mullan who had led the Ireland team to qualification for the World Cup, their first major tournament, in itself seen as a major stepping stone for the team and for the women's game.

Hockey in Ireland is organised on an all-island basis, similar to rugby and Katie's own sporting journey epitomises the broad base that makes hockey work and gives it the huge potential it now has. She hails from near Coleraine in Co. Derry and her sporting odyssey started by playing hurling and camogie with her brothers in her back garden. Indeed she played hurling (yes, hurling) up to the age of sixteen in mixed teams with her local Eoghan Rua club.

She chose to go to Dalriada School in Ballymoney in part because of the wider sporting options it provided. It was a decision she credits with starting on her hockey journey. Her PE teacher was Bridget McKeever, a former hockey international who encouraged Katie to see that she could also aspire to play international hockey for Ireland.

She learned the game in Dalriada and with the local club in Ballymoney. She recalls that boys at the school were encouraged to play rugby and girls were directed towards hockey. This traditional emphasis is reflected in the hockey clubs in Ulster where there are 43 women's clubs and 24 men's clubs.

In her teenage years she played sport intensively with

her GAA club Eoghan Rua and was on county underage teams in camogie in Derry. It wasn't long until that sporting prowess and ability to make it at representative level worked its way into her hockey career. She played interprovincial hockey for Ulster and continued on to represent Ireland at the Youth Olympic Games in 2010.

In 2012 Katie became a full international and has kept her place, with the only setback coming when she was dropped for a European tournament in 2013. That only made her more determined to succeed, she regained her place and became the captain of the national team in 2017.

Just dreaming

Which brings us to 2018. The qualifying round in 2017 was tough and Ireland only won one of their four games in the group. But they were competitive and getting stronger, including a draw against Germany and a narrow defeat to England. They pulled through in the end ranked number 16 and made up of the only amateur squad heading to the finals.

"It was a bit of a dream, to be honest. We had never been to a major tournament. As a group of players a lot of us had been together for ten years and we had never managed to qualify. So for us, going to the World Cup was hugely exciting in itself.

"In our radar was a quarter final. I don't think a lot of commentators in world hockey would have agreed but we knew we were capable of that. We had beaten teams in the top 10 in test matches so we knew we were capable of punching above our ranking. But I don't think any of us visualised the world cup final.

"It was very much a game-by-game mentality for uswe never thought further ahead than the next game we

In 2018 the Ireland women's hockey team became one of the most amazing stories in Irish sport when they went from rank outsiders to world cup finalists. Katie Mullan was the captain.

INTERVIEW: KATIE MULLAN, IRISH HOCKEY CAPTAIN

"It was just amazing and I think the magnitude of it won't hit a lot of us until we're retired and we're really reflecting back on it."

were playing - and that really stood to us."

"It was just amazing and I think the magnitude of it won't hit a lot of us until we're retired and we're really reflecting back on it."

A new game for the national team

How have things changed for the Irish Hockey team since the World Cup?

"The make-up of our entire programme transformed on the back of that run in the World Cup. Prior to that we were training at different venues regionally and meeting up on Sundays in Dublin. But now we have huge support from Sport Ireland and we train in Abbotstown two full days a week.

Katie explains that they are now 'carded' athletes in reference to Sport Ireland's International Carding Scheme where elite sports competitors are directly supported to enable them to compete at international tournaments and at the Olympics. She also credits their main sponsors Park Developments and SoftCo for their support for the players and the team. It means that the Irish women's hockey squad are basically semi-professional now.

The pursuit of a legacy

Asked about the affect that world cup story had on the profile of the game and on girl's attitude to the sport she mentions the dual concepts of role models and legacy.

"There's been a huge difference in the grassroots level of the game and especially in areas of Ireland where hockey wasn't played at all. New clubs have been formed since 2018 and many of the current clubs have been almost oversuscribed. The number of kids we've met that have taken up the game since the world cup - it's grown

massively.

"Such an amazing part of that is the role models we have created for young kids. When I was growing up and wanting to play hockey for Ireland, I only knew that was possible because my PE teacher was an international.

"Wheras now, we're out in schools, we're out in clubs, we're getting out on to the pitch with these girls as role models and I think that's helping significantly that we leave our jerseys in good hands for the next generation.

"We, as a team, talk a lot about the legacy of the game as a real goal and something that we really want to leave as a group, and that's something I'm really passionate about."

Off the field

While all this activity was taking place on the field Katie also managed to spend some time in university. She went to UCD and finished a BSc in Engineering Science in 2017. She then completed a Master's in Biomedical Engineering the following year.

After the World Cup in 2018 she became a professional hockey player with Alstar in Hamburg, where she was part of the team that won the German Bundesliga. But she stayed for just one year because she wanted to be part of the new arrangements for Irish hockey.

She's heading to Trinity College in the autumn to work on an MBA and she commends both UCD and Trinity for accommodating her sporting career while at university.

Back on the field, the Women's EuroHockey Championship will take place with the winner qualifying for the Olympic games in Paris in 2024, with one last qualification opportunity in January 2024. Katie would love to be there.

Interview by Niall Gormley

"We're out in schools, we're out in clubs, we're getting out on to the pitch with these girls as role models and I think that's helping significantly that we leave our jerseys in good hands for the next generation

New TY programme to Teach young people about dementia from the Alzheimer Society

THE Alzheimer Society of Ireland (The ASI) recently launched the ‘Creating a Dementia Inclusive Generation’ Transition year Programme. Over 50 schools and 2,400 students across 17 counties have engaged in the innovative year programme since its launch in late 2022. The programme's response from teachers and students has been extremely positive.

With a growing number of people developing Dementia each year, it is more important than ever that we teach young people how to cope when someone they know and love receives a diagnosis of Dementia.

‘Creating a Dementia Inclusive Generation’ aims to remove the fear, reduce the stigma associated with Dementia, and empower young people to cope with the situation. A rising dementia diagnosis rate has inspired the development of the Programme to educate the younger generation on the effects of Dementia, and make our communities safer and more inclusive.

This programme was developed in partnership with the Dementia Services Information and Development Centre.

One-third of young people have someone in their lives who is living with dementia; this may be a grandparent or a neighbour - but unfortunately, with the increased incidence of early onset dementia, it may be a parent.

How Does it Work?

This programme has three phases, the first being an online 5 module e-learning course.

The five modules of the e-learning course are:

Module 1 - ‘Growing Older’ looks at the different aspects of ageing and how we experience it. It also looks at how ageing is viewed in different cultures.

Module 2 -’The Brain’ Introduces us to the wonder of the human brain! More powerful, complex and more intelligent than any computer, the brain collects information,

sorts it, thinks, remembers, solves problems and coordinates actions simultaneously.

Module 3 – ‘Brain Health’ Looks at the importance of keeping your brain healthy and the risk factors for dementia. The choices we make today can help our brains when we are older!

Module 4 - ‘What is Dementia ’Teaches students about dementia and how it affects people's daily lives and the lives of family members and Carers of people living with Dementia. Discover what you can do to support people living with dementia and

help to keep them connected to their local communities.

Module 5 - ‘Perceptions of Dementia and Reducing Stigma’. Public perceptions of dementia are slowly changing as people’s knowledge, and understanding improve. Let's all work together to make communities dementia inclusive.

On completion of the programme, students are invited to become peer educators to classmates and students across the school system, empowering even more young people to be part of Creating a Dementia Inclusive Generation.

The project is an official Challenge Partner with An Gaisce, The President’s Award, which includes the opportunity for Gaisce participants to fulfil challenge area requirements.

TY students Isobel Zambra, Darcy Cloake, Brooke Guerrine and Sophie Copeland with Minister of State for Mental Health and Older People Mary Butler T.D having a chat at the celebration of the creating a dementia inclusive generation TY programme. Photo: Justin Farrelly.

"One-third of young people have someone in their lives who is living with dementia"

"A rising dementia diagnosis rate has inspired the development of the Programme to educate the younger generation on the effects of Dementia, and make our communities safer and more inclusive"

Career options in healthcare School of Nursing and Midwifery

THE School of Nursing and Midwifery in University College Cork offers a wide range of programmes for enthusiastic and caring people interested in a career in the health services.

Now, more than ever before, we all understand why a well-educated, professional health care workforce is so critical to the health and wellbeing of all our society.

We have a range of undergraduate honours degree programmes including:

■ Childrens and General Nursing

www.ucc.ie/en/ck712/

CAO Points Round 1 2022: 554

■ Midwifery

www.ucc.ie/en/ck740/

CAO Points Round 1 2022: 495

■ General Nursing

www.ucc.ie/en/ck710/

CAO Points Round 1 2022: 464

■ Mental Health Nursing www.ucc.ie/en/ck720/

CAO Points Round 1 2022: 464

■ Intellectual Disability Nursing

www.ucc.ie/en/ck730/

CAO Points Round 1 2022: 419

"Qualified nurses and midwives work in all settings from the acute hospital to a variety of settings in the community and primary care, as well as roles in management, education, industry, and research"

All our courses are at BSc (Hons) level 8 and include registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI). Students undertake clinical placements in hospitals, clinics, and community settings throughout the 4/5 years of the programmes. In the final year students undergo an extended placement as an ‘intern’ where they become part of the paid healthcare workforce.

Interests and specialisations

As a qualified nurse or midwife, you may choose to continue your interests and specialisations by choosing a Postgraduate Programme. The career options available are endless. Qualified nurses and midwives work in all settings from the acute hospital to a variety of settings in the community and primary care, as well as roles in management, education, industry, and research.

As a School we are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We are working hard to encourage greater diversity among applicants to our programmes. For example, we are actively encouraging more men to consider entering our undergraduate programmes

We are very proud of our modern School and what it has to offer. One such example is the state-of-the-art

healthcare with the Midwifery UCC

Clinical Skills Simulation Resource Centre.

In this centre our students can practice skills on hifidelity mannequins in a safe but very realistic ‘clinical’ environment. Have a look at the video online to see more at https://youtu.be/KpTnHzV7vQI

More information

You should find all the information you need to help you make decisions about rewarding careers in Nursing and in Midwifery, and all the information about our various courses and course options on our website at www.ucc.ie/en/nursingmidwifery/study/undergrad/ but if there are any questions you have, that are not addressed, please feel free to drop us an email to nursing.studies@ucc.ie.

On the website you will also find information about entry requirements for our programmes, videos showing you our facilities and testimonies from our students and past graduates.

"We are very proud of our modern School and what it has to offer. One such example is the state-of-the-art Clinical Skills Simulation Resource Centre"

Facts about the School of Nursing and Midwifery UCC

■ Ranked in the top 50 in the 2023 Global QS rankings for 'Nursing' as a subject (ranked 33). Ranked as the top School of Nursing in Ireland, and the top ranked subject in UCC.

■ Over 1,300 students are registered on 26 programmes with opportunities for nurses and midwives to study for undergraduate, postgraduate, masters and doctoral level qualifications.

■ For the past four years, 95-100% of our nursing and midwifery graduates are in employment and/or engaging in further study.

■ A strong and increasing track record in attaining research funding.

■ Seven internationally connected active research clusters producing a consistent scholarly output of over 100 publications per annum.

■ Students and staff who regularly win national awards for their work.

■ An ERASMUS programme of placements within the European Union for undergraduate students.

■ International students from the wider EU and beyond for example US, Brunei, Malaysia, Nigeria, India, China, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Korea, Philippines, and Lebanon.

■ The support of highly qualified, experienced, dynamic and dedicated staff who facilitate the education of students and engage in future orientated person-centred research.

■ Students experience exceptional teaching resources including a world-class Clinical Skills Simulation Resource Centre located in our Brookfield Health Sciences Complex.

Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Intellectual Disability Nursing

• Nursing theory with practical learning

• Practice simulation labs

• Erasmus+ and study abroad opportunities

• Community placements

• Paid internship (Final Year)

• Postgraduate options

• Register with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland

• Rewarding and fulfilling careers

New Artificial Intelligence workshops prepare teachers and students for the

‘Age of AI’

Empowering Students to become Scientific Citizens

The Science Foundation Ireland

ADAPT Research Centre for AI-Driven Digital Content Technology is now introducing free modular workshop programmes to help primary and secondary school students navigate the Age of AI successfully and safely.

Cross-Curriculum Themes

The new programmes – Technology in My Life and AI in My Life – will empower students as scientific citizens who can understand, evaluate and have a voice on the role of emerging STEM innovations in our lives.

The workshops form part of the ADAPT #DiscussAI initiative, a major campaign of public events that has already engaged 40,000 citizens in learning, conversations and reflection on how AI impacts our lives.

The teacher-led workshops emphasise the privacy and ethical implications of AI, therefore cutting right across the primary and secondary school curricula. Students will be encouraged to think critically and creatively, to work with others, and to communicate their views with confidence.

Modules have been piloted in schools with the support of Mary Immaculate College and DCU Access to ensure suitability for all schools.

“Almost everyone will need some knowledge or understanding of AI as it becomes embedded into our jobs and lives. Those who have the skills to work in this changing environment will benefit the most.”

Expert Group on Future Skills Needs, 2022

Introducing the new #DiscussAI Programmes

The modular structure of the new #DiscussAI programmes means you can select workshops to suit the class times you have available.

For Primary Schools: Technology in My Life

This workshop series provides 5th and 6th Class students with a greater appreciation for the technology that they use every day in school and at home. This includes how to use technology in an ethical manner.

The programme will explore:

• The technologies that primary school students should be allowed to access

• The use of technology (such as voice assistants) for help with homework and connecting with others

• Identifying and dealing with forms of unethical and undesirable behaviour facilitated by technology

For Transition Year Students: AI in My Life

AI in My Life will emboldens students to reflect on their experiences in a world shaped increasingly by AI.

This workshop series enables students to:

• Learn about AI and how it works

• Uncover some of the ethical and privacy implications of AI

• Explore AI careers and related further study options

Do I Need to Know Anything about AI?

No! Teachers don’t need any prior knowledge of AI in order to deliver these programmes. ADAPT’s Education and Public Engagement team will provide training for teachers, and the course toolkits will provide teachers with background information on each of the modules.

How

So you want to be a pilot?

By Mark Dwyer Editor, Flying in Ireland

National Flight Centre and Atlantic Flight Training Academy to the smaller flying clubs such as FunFly Aerosports.

the internet.

THERE is no doubt that the road to becoming a commercial airline pilot is a long and difficult (and expensive!) process but not beyond the reach of the majority of people if they apply themselves.

The first step I would recommend to any aspiring airline pilot is to take a trial lesson. These are available all over the country from the big commercial training schools like the

A trial lesson will give you a good idea of your suitability towards a flying career. It’s also a good opportunity to ask your flying instructor questions about the different routes to obtaining your ultimate goal. I will cover the different routes to obtaining your commercial licence shortly but there is another crucial step you need to take before commencing your training.

The Medical

There are three types of medical valid in Europe, Class 1, Class 2 and LAPL (Light Aircraft Pilot Licence).

I’ll focus on the Class 1 as the Class 2 and LAPL are only valid for private flying. The initial examination is quite intense and involves a blood test, hearing test, chest x-ray, spyrometery test, ECG, general check-up and eye exam.

All of this can take up six hours and is conducted at the Aeromedical Centres at the Mater Private Hospital or Charter Medical Group in Dublin. Initial examinations only take place on certain days so book early!

When you pass your medical you’ll need to keep it valid by renewing it each year. The renewal is simpler and quicker than the initial. ECG’s, Hearing tests and Eye tests are conducted every few years depending on your age. Despite popular belief, pilots can wear glasses and the exact requirements can be found in a document called EASA Part-Med which you should be able to find on

"I would strongly advise potential pilots to go get a medical first, there’s no point spending all that money training only to find out you don’t meet the medical requirements"

I would strongly advise potential pilots to go get a medical first, there’s no point spending all that money training only to find out you don’t meet the medical requirements.

(www.materprivate.ie / www.chartermedical.ie/aeromedical )

Which path to a licence?

So you’ve taken your trial lesson and you love it, you have your Class 1 medical in your hand, so what do you do now? There are two routes open to you, integrated or modular. I could write an endless list of the pros and cons of each route but ultimately it will come down to your own personal circumstances. Integrated works for some and not for others. Before I discuss the two routes I will outline the constituent parts, no matter which way you choose, you will be issued with the same licence at the end of your training.

The PPL is completed on a single engine aircraft, usually Cessna’s or Piper’s. While I didn’t do my PPL on this Piper Cub, I did much of my hour building including my CPL Qualifying Cross Country on it.

Private Pilot Licence (PPL)

Whether you go integrated or modular, the first step is your PPL which takes a minimum of 45 hours. I must stress this is a minimum requirement and there are a number of other requirements that must be fulfilled within this minimum. Some of these requirements are 5 hours solo cross country, a qualifying solo cross country flight of at least 150 nautical miles, simulated instrument time etc.

In reality the total figure will be dictated by the frequency of lessons and the great Irish weather! The latter will particularly affect the total length of time it takes you to get your PPL. The route you take will dictate whether you can do this full time or part time.

The PPL can be argued as being the most important part of your training, this is where you learn how to fly and pick up all the basic handling skills. After this a heavier reliance will be placed on operational and emergency procedures and your flying should become second nature so it’s important to get a good understanding at this stage.

A certain amount of theory is also required which takes the form of 9 multiple choice exams in the subjects Air Law, Operational Procedures, Performance, Navigation, Aircraft Technical Knowledge, Principles of Flight, Communications, Meteorology and Human Performance & Limitations. All exams carry a pass mark of 75%. A General Flight Test with an Irish Aviation Authority Examiner then needs to be passed to obtain your PPL.

Night Qualification

A night qualification takes 5 hours and must be completed at a controlled airport (Dublin, Cork, Shannon or any of the regional airports) with runway lighting. One of these hours must be solo and must include 5 take offs and landings.

The remaining hours must include cross country navigation and dual circuits.

Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) Theoretical Knowledge

This will probably be the hardest and definitely the longest part of becoming a pilot, you will need real determination here. In order for you to start the commercial part of your training you are expected to have an extensive knowledge of flying.

These 14 exams will really test you and cover areas such as instrumentation, airframes, engines, air law, navigation, aerodynamics and weight & balance to name but a few. You’ll

find most of the content is not difficult to learn, it’s just the sheer quantity of it, and the pass mark is 75%. A typical distance learning course will take 9-12 months while a full time residential course will probably take about 4 months.

Instrument Rating

The instrument rating allows a pilot to fly a suitably equipped aircraft with sole reference to instruments i.e. in clouds. This is the most difficult part of the training process and is generally done in conjunction with the multi engine rating.

The course requires 55 hours of training but up to 40 of these can be done in an approved navigation procedural trainer or simulator. The balance of these hours are done in the aircraft as well as the flight test.

The course will teach you to fly the usual manoeuvres with sole reference to instruments and will then move on to more complex procedures such as instrument approaches and asymmetric flying. As well as being the toughest part of the training it is also the most expensive.

Multi Engine Rating

The multi engine rating allows a pilot to fly aircraft with more than one engine. It can be completed individually or as part of the CPL or instrument rating.

It consists of 8 hours flying mainly involving general handling and asymmetric flying followed by a flight test. 70 hours Pilot in Command (PIC) is required before commencing multi engine training.

"In order for you to start the commercial part of your training you are expected to have an extensive knowledge of flying"

I completed a combined Multi-Engine and Instrument Rating (MEIR) on the Beechcraft BE-76 Duchess.

A CLEAR ROUTE TO THE FLIGHT DECK

RYANAIR MENTORED PROGRAMME

Are you interested in pursuing a career as a pilot with Ryanair? If so, the Ryanair Mentored Programme with AFTA is the perfect opportunity for you. Our programme is speci cally designed to train aspiring pilots for a career with Ryanair. Join our Mentored Programme today and take the rst step towards a ful lling and rewarding career with Ryanair.

GLOBEAIR MENTORED PROGRAMME

Ready to take your aviation career to new heights? Join the best with the GlobeAir Mentored Programme in partnership with AFTA, and become a part of Europe's top private jet company. Our programme is designed to train you using GlobeAir's industry-leading SOPs, so you'll have the skills you need to succeed as a corporate travel pilot.

GET A DEGREE AND A PILOTS LICENCE

Are you interested in pursuing a career as a pilot with Ryanair? If so, the Ryanair Mentored Programme with AFTA is the perfect opportunity for you Our programme is specifically designed to train aspiring pilots for a career with Ryanair Join our Mentored Programme today and take the first step towards a fulfilling and rewarding career with Ryanair

AFTA have collaborated with Munster Technological University (MTU) to provide prospective pilots with a unique opportunity to complete embedded commercial pilot training as part of a level 8 Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Global Business and Pilot Studies degree.

www.afta.ie

Ready to take your aviation career to new heights? Join the best with the GlobeAir Mentored Programme in partnership with AFTA, and become a part of Europe's top private jet company Our programme is designed to train you using GlobeAir's industry-leading SOPs, so you'll have the skills you

National Flight Centre’s Pilot Academy offers a wide range of flight training and conversion courses

By completing our integrated/full time course students can earn ATPL (frozen) in as little as 18 months.

Our graduate pilots enjoy successful careers with world leading airlines including Aer Lingus, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Cityjet, Easyjet, Emirates and Ryanair.

For more info contact info@nfc.ie

Registration open for National Flight Centre pilot training courses

NATIONAL Flight Centre's Pilot Academy, based at Weston Airport just 20 minutes from Dublin city centre, has opened registration for its Airline Transport Pilots License (ATPL frozen) pilot training course in September 2023 .

Based in a newly renovated, dedicated college building the Academy offers an integrated/full time course where students can earn an fATPL in as little as 18 months, as well as a modular/part time option for students who may wish to combine working and studying.

One of Europe's longest established flight training schools, National Flight Centre Pilot Academy offers a wide range of flight training and conversion courses.

Decades of experience

Declan O’Shea, Director, National Flight Centre said: “Our Pilot Academy is designed for students who wish to complete an integrated or full time pilot training course as quickly as possible. Our academy boasts a fleet of Cessna 152s, 172s and twin engine BE76s as well as two FNPT II flight simulators and a crew of professional and dedicated instructors.

"We have been training airline pilots here since 1977 so our expertise is built on decades of experience and we have strong links with some of the largest global airlines.

"Our graduate pilots enjoy successful careers as Captains, First Officers, Training Captains and Type Rating Examiners with world leading airlines including Aer Lingus, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Cityjet, Emirates and Ryanair."

Weston Airport

The Academy is located in a facility at Weston Airport which has been extensively refurbished featuring state-of-the-art classrooms, briefing rooms and simulators all under one roof.

"While the integrated/fulltime training course involves significant investment by students this should be considered in light of the rewarding salaries that pilots can earn through their career. In fact there has never been a better time to become a pilot.”

"Right now there is a global short age of pilots with all the main aircraft manufacturers forecasting the need for a significant increase from the current numbers."

In addition to the ATPL course, National Flight Centre Pilot Academy

"There is a global shortage of pilots with all the main aircraft makers forecasting a significant increase from the current numbers"

offers a wide range of full time and part time flight training courses including:

• Private Pilots License (PPL)

• Night Rating

• Multi Engine Class Rating

• Instrument Rating

• Commercial Pilots License (CPL)

• Flight Instructors

"At National Flight Centre we have everything you need to embark on a rewarding and successful career in aviation. We're passionate about training the pilots of the future and supporting students to realise their dream of an exciting aviation career,"

More information is available at the National Flight Centre online: www.nfc.ie

602,000 more pilots needed worldwide over the next 20 years according to Boeing

Students at National Flight Centre Pilot Academy, Sean Nutley, Greta Egan & Ivan Macken. Pic: Joe Keogh

‘Fact’s, Faces, Futures’ Why more women and girls are building rewarding careers with Generation Apprenticeship

A new campaign from the National Apprenticeship Office highlights the skills, talent and contributions made by female apprentices across Ireland, encouraging more women to build exciting futures with Generation Apprenticeship.

TO mark the recent milestone registration of the 3000th female apprentice in Ireland, the National Apprenticeship Office has launched an exciting new Generation Apprenticeship campaign, showcasing the ‘Facts, Faces, Futures’ of women in apprenticeship.

This future-focused campaign engages girls schools’ across Ireland and wider society to celebrate female apprentices as leaders and role models, while drawing important focus to the possibilities that Generation Apprenticeship careers offer to women and girls, with the overall aim of encouraging greater participation.

From roles as diverse and exciting as Engineers to Commis Chefs, Financial Analysts to Electricians, more and more females are choosing Generation Apprenticeship to build lucrative and rewarding careers.

Facts, Faces, Futures of women in apprenticeships:

• Facts: Up until 2016, there were less than 30 females choosing the apprenticeship route annually. However more and more females are choosing the apprenticeship route with 966 female apprentices registering in 2022 and the numbers growing each year.

• Faces: Women are qualifying as chefs, cyber security specialists, plumbers, auctioneers, supply

chain managers and more. Apprenticeship is packed with role models and success stories.

• Futures: More and more girls and young women in school can take inspiration from these role models, seeing what they can be and shaping their future careers.

Paving a bright future with Apprenticeship

To take just one example, meet Petra O’Flaherty - who is an 8th generation Stonemason and Stonecutter, and the first female Stonemason apprentice since 1992, currently working and training in Co. Kerry. Named after the famous archaeological wonder in Jordan, it’s quite fitting that Petra chose to build a career that is well and truly woven throughout her family history.

Commenting on why she chose this career, Petra says: “My family are in the business, I would have grown up around it. But it’s something that just kind of took over my life and I was really interested in it. I went for the jump and I’m delighted I did.”

Petra is hugely encouraging of female students in choosing the apprenticeship route, and is proud to represent women in apprenticeship, understanding the adage that “if you can’t see it, you can’t be it”. If she had one message for female students across Ireland, it’s: “You are completely capable.”

On her future, she says, “When I qualify, I want to travel with my apprenticeship, try out stonemasonry there, use their stone and tools and see what it’s like, I want to broaden my horizons.”

More than education

The spirit and ethos behind Generation Apprenticeship is about more than just education and training, or developing skills across 66 flagship career programmes - it’s also about people, and the talented people who make up a rich community of 26,000 apprentices around the country.

Within this diverse community, just 3,000 women have chosen to develop their careers via apprenticeship in recent years. While there has been a significant increase in the number of women developing their careers and futures via Generation Apprenticeship, and progress has been achieved, there is much more to do.

The increase in female participation year on year is extremely heartening, thanks to the efforts of guidance counsellors, teachers, parents and those within the apprenticeship system - educators and employers alike - in promoting uptake and demonstrating all the great benefits that apprenticeship offers, such as earning while you learn and developing industry connections from day one.

Petra O’Flaherty

"If she had one message for female students across Ireland, it is: 'You are completely capable'."

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris with students from Our Lady's School Terenure to celebrate International Women’s Day where a talk and Q & A on apprenticeship opportunities with students and staff was held. As part of the event a 2023 initiative promoting apprenticeship opportunities in girls schools around the country was also announced, called ‘Facts, Faces, Futures’. ‘Facts, Faces, Futures’ is a campaign which will be led by the National Apprenticeship Office to communicate the growing participation and leadership of women and girls in careers available through apprenticeship.

66 career areas

There are now 66 in-demand careers across Generation Apprenticeship in exciting areas like engineering, recruitment, biopharma, hairdressing alongside traditional craft trades.

Not only has the breadth of options never been better, and continues to expand, but there are supports in place to encourage more employers to come on stream, such as the gender bursary, meaning that even more great businesses are providing apprenticeship options nationwide.

With an apprenticeship, you can work for a large multi-national or the small enterprise down the road - the possibilities really are endless.

You can discover more inspirational stories of Ireland’s female apprentices building skills across a diverse range of industries, as well as information on programmes, in industries as diverse as pharma, food and hospitality to sales, finance and craft, plus lots more online at www.apprenticeship.ie.

Up until 2016 there were less than 30 women choosing the apprenticeship route annually. However there has been a significant rise in the number of women building careers with 370 women apprentices registering in 2019 and 966 women apprentices registering in 2022.

Start your Tech Career Journey with

Have you an interest in Tech but are not sure where to start?

Looking for tech related programmes to develop your students' digital skills and literacy?

FIT offer a range of FREE programmes suitable for schools, educators, students, career changers and anyone with an interest in technology.

Through our programmes and courses, you will:

Increase your digital skills & literacy

Develop confidence in tech

Gain awareness of Tech Career Pathways

Earn a Qualification

Progress to a tech career

Who are FIT?

FOR over 20 years, FIT or Fastrack to Information Technology is a representative organisation of the technology sector committed to growing Irelands tech talent pipeline.

Our mission is to promote inclusion and diversity through our programs and courses, creating wider access to tech skills training which leads to exciting career paths and quality employment opportunities for anyone who has a curiosity and passion for

technology

FIT will work with you and your students to grow more confident with tech, develop digital skills & literacy, upskill and increase awareness of opportunites in the tech sector for progresssion to a tech career.

Our experienced team of Tech Employment Officers are on hand to assist FIT participants through the duration of their course to employment and a desired career path established.

Choose Tech - School / Youth Reach Programme

– Educators / TY, 5th, 6th Year & LCA

Choose Tech is a fun, online platfrom with 70+ modules that support & inspire students to learn about the world of technology, grow confidence with tech and help them consider tech as a career option and the pathways to achieve this such as tech apprenticeships.

Near Peer Engagements – Career Work Shops – Educator Support Resources – Micro-Credential Certification

- Bronze, Silver & Gold Awards Levels

Skills2Succeed - Career Changers/ Job Seekers

Highly interactive online training program with 36 bite sized career development modules to help learners build the skills and confidence they need to make smart career choices to find and succeed in employment. We can help you plan your career, get a job and build skills for the future with this free and interactive training.

Stepin2Tech - Educators/Students/ Career Changers/ Job Seekers

StepIn2Tech is a digital skills training programme developed by Microsoft Ireland, in partnership with FIT, to equip people with the digital skills required to transfer to emerging and in-demand roles within the digital economy.

Learners are provided with sought after technical skills that will open up a range of new opportunities – from further training and education to gain an entry level role in the growing technology sector, to helping to drive digital transformation in a traditional sector. Learners will benefit from an engaging and supportive online learning platform guided by a dedicated mentor, a Digi-Chaperone.

30,000+ Completed Courses

Our School Programme team offer support to educators and guidance counsellors to help increase access and inclusion for young people into the tech sector. We will work with you to enable young job seekers to meet the rapidly changing labour market and digitalised economy. Through our programmes, students will learn about the world of tech and the pathway options to a tech career such as a Tech Apprenticeship.

Gizmo Labs - Unemployed/ Job Seekers/ Early School Leavers/Youth

A local training initiative programme targeting youth unemployment with a training centre located in Dunshaughlin offering Advanced Manufacturing L4 courses and ICT introductory programmes.

Pre-Tech Apprenticeship

- Early School leavers/Youth/ Students/Job Seekers/ Career Changers (18+)

Pre-tech apprenticeship is a 9-month full time programme that showcases tech roles and provides skills sampling in growth areas such as Software Development, Network Engineering and Cyber Security. On completion of the course you receive Level 5 Certification and can progress to a Tech Apprenticeship.

Tech Apprenticeships

- Job Seekers/ Career Changers/ Unemployed (18+)

The FIT Tech Apprenticeship programme is accredited at Level 6 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ). The portfolio of apprenticeships includes Software Development, Network Engineering and Cybersecurity. This national Tech Apprenticeship course is a 2 year programme which adopts a learning-by-doing format of ICT skills development, giving meaning to the concept of ‘hire education’. The trainees combine off-the-job skills training with on-the-job application for a well-rounded learning experience. On successful completion of the programme, qualified apprentices have the potential to progress into full-time positions with their employers

22,500+ Employed 250+ Sponsor Companies

Do you want to be part of the team connecting our communities to a clean electric future?

AT ESB Networks, we build and maintain Ireland’s electricity network, connecting over 2.4 million homes, farms and businesses to a clean electric future. We’ve been connecting customers to Ireland’s electricity network since the foundation of ESB in 1927.

We’ve also been making new connections, building a network that’s stronger than ever so we can all be kinder to the planet. We are connecting over 2.4 million homes, farms and businesses to a clean electric future and ESB Networks’ apprentices play an important role in delivering this.

We have recruited over 300 apprentices in the last four years. Our recruitment campaign runs each year in February/March.

The 2023 recruitment campaign is open for application from 27th February until 12 noon on the 28th of March 2023. There are a number of interesting Apprentice Videos on our website that will give you an idea of the type of work our Apprentice Electricians/Network Technicians are involved in on a day-to-day basis.

As an Apprentice Electrician, you will receive on-thejob training and work as part of front-line teams. As well

as classroom-based learning, our Apprentices benefit from varied work experience, working both indoors and outdoors, and learning about technology, customer service, and delivering results under pressure. Our Apprentices learn a variety of electrical and practical skills and, upon completion of the programme obtain a QQI Advanced Level 6 Electrical Trade Certificate which is recognised around the world.

Seven Phases

The ESB Networks Electrical Apprenticeship is SOLAS standards-based, consisting of 208 weeks (four years). During this time, there are seven SOLAS Phases which include on-the-job training during phases 1, 3, 5 and 7 where apprentices work closely with a qualified Network Technician constructing and maintaining the electricity network on varied sites across their assigned area of the country.

SOLAS Phase 2 is in one of the many SOLAS Training Centres while their Phase 4 and 6 are in the IT College around the country. Finally, there are 24 weeks of ESB Networks off-the-job training which takes place in the

"As well as classroombased learning, our Apprentices benefit from varied work experience, working both indoors and outdoors, and learning about technology, customer service, and delivering results under pressure"

If so, ESB Networks Electrical Apprenticeship Programme might be for you.

ESB Networks Training Centre, Portlaoise. Having completed the four-year programme, Apprentices will have gained experience working with a leading utility company.

The Role

Our Customers are at the heart of ESB Networks, through their on-the-job experience, ESB Networks’ apprentices will be at the forefront in delivering and providing a world class service to our 2.4 million customers.

Although the job requires an element of physicality there is much more to the programme than climbing poles, this apprenticeship combines both physical effort and logical thinking.

No two days are the same in the programme, apprentices will be assisting and dealing with a wide range of our customers’ needs.

In their day-to-day work activities they may be responding to electrical faults and fault finding to maintain a reliable supply of electricity for our customer, connecting new customers, both residential and com-

mercial to the electricity network, replacing and maintaining electrical assets and installing new elements to the electricity network both overhead and underground technologies.

Peer Support

A critical part of the ESB Networks Apprenticeship Programme is the training and peer support given to the apprentices. Throughout the programme apprentices work alongside and closely with experienced Network Technicians.

While the job may be challenging, the apprentice is always part of a team who will be there to assist and support throughout the programme. ESB Networks greatly fosters and encourages the idea of creating a team and peer support network.

For more information and to learn how to apply visit www.esbnetworks.ie/apprenticeships

"Although the job requires an element of physicality there is much more to the programme than climbing poles, this apprenticeship combines both physical effort and logical thinking"

Graduate Programmes

- Mechanical Engineering

- Electrical Engineering

- Quantity Surveying

- Accounting

- Procurement

What We Offer

- Competitive salaries

- Opportunities to work abroad

- Study and exam leave paid

- Team building events

- Course fees paid

- In-house training

- Site rotation

- Professional bodies fees paid

- Great social network

- Internal courses

- Continuous Professional Development (CPD)

Who You Are

A proven self-starter with drive and determination, the ability to work as park of a team and excellent communication skills. You have the ambition to pursue a challenging career with opportunities to develop your skills and experience.

Apprenticeship Programmes

What We Offer

- Earn while you learn

- QQI Level 6 qualification (internationally recognised)

- Both theory & practical “hands on” experience

- Career for life

- Opportunities to work overseas

- Opportunities to progress your career

Jones Engineering are the largest trainer of construction apprentices in Ireland with 250+ apprentices in our employment annually.

We are proud to say we have had two gold medal winners in the World Skills competition and one bronze medal winner in the Ireland Skills competition. Such competitions require skill and determination and we encourage and mentor our apprentices to become the best in their field.

- Electrical

- Electrical & Instrumentation

- Plumbing

- Pipefitting

Who You Are

• Minimum of four passes at leaving certificate level (must include mathematics)

• Successfully pass the Ishihara Colour Vision Test

• Valid manual handling & safepass certificates

Transport Operations and Commercial Driving Apprenticeship

THERE has been an increase in apprenticeship programmes across every sector in recent years, and with the launch of the Transport Operations & Commercial Driving apprenticeship, the transport sector is no different.

Industry heads hope that this training programme will go some way towards changing the perception of commercial driving as a profession, through creating awareness in schools by informing parents and career guidance counsellors of the varied driving roles within the freight distribution sector which offer rewarding and challenging career opportunities.

A huge difference

The programme started in September 2022 with 21 apprentices and Aidan Flynn, Chairperson of the Transport Operations & Commercial Driving Apprenticeship, says it will make a ‘huge difference to the industry’.

“This new apprenticeship will serve to be the catalyst to attract young people and vitally more women into our industry to support business growth,” he said. “The academic qualification offers validity and value to the profession of driving and it will

support career progression opportunities within the workforce.

“In addition, while the average size haulage business has just over five trucks, this programme can support succession planning, with sons or daughters gaining a business qualification whilst attaining their driving licence and supporting the legacy of their family business.

“Also, having more education and training options in our sector, supported by the collaborative focus of the logistics and supply chain skills forum, will support Irelands ambitions to be leaders in supply chain and logistics.”

Great opportunity

Along with benefitting the industry as a whole, this new apprenticeship, which is delivered by ATU Sligo, is also a great opportunity for both participants and employers and since its launch, it has attracted a great deal of interest.

“An apprenticeship is a way for both young people and adult learners to earn while they learn,” said Flynn.

“The Transport Operations & Commercial Driving Apprenticeship is designed to deliver upon the industry need to attract more entrants to the profession of commercial driving, sow the seed for lifelong learning and support career progression opportunities for the apprentice through the attainment of a Level 6 Higher Certificate in Transport Services and Commercial Driving.

“For an employer, hiring apprentices helps businesses to grow their own talent by developing a motivated, skilled and qualified workforce

– and we have been inundated with enquiries from employers and potential apprentices so we hope that we will see increased numbers starting the apprenticeship year on year.”

“To avail of this ‘earn as you learn’ apprenticeship the apprentice must be in full time employment and the employer must be approved by ‘SOLAS’ as fit to train apprentices. There are many employers looking to recruit apprentices which is supported by an apprenticeship employer grant of €2,000 per apprentice per year.”

Commercial drivers' role

With over 40,000 Irish registered Heavy Goods Vehicles, greater than 3.5 tonnes, on the roads in Ireland, Flynn hopes that this new programme will also raise awareness of the important role commercial drivers play in today’s society as they keep supply chains, across all sectors, open and flowing smoothly.

To this end, the new apprenticeship programme, which covers both practical work experience and online learning, is open to both the haulage and own account sector and covers a ‘significant variety of roles’ including working as a tipper driver for a construction company, delivering fuel to homes, national and international haulage, retail distribution, working in the waste management sector or even the entertainment industry.

“One of the main objectives of any apprenticeship programme is to support a sustainable and skilled workforce for employers and to support career progression opportunities for the apprentices,” he said. “In addition, apprenticeships sow the seed for lifelong learning which further supports and enhances the employer’s workspace and the employees’ ambitions.”

According to Flynn, the transport

The official launch of the apprenticeship attended by ministers Simon Harris and Hildegarde Naughton

"The Earn as you Learn apprenticeship offers great benefits to apprentices and employers alike. College isn’t for everyone, and these new apprenticeships offer young people the opportunities to get employment with the added benefit of earning a qualification"

and logistics sector has been less successful than others in recruiting younger workers over the years due to many factors ‘including a perception that it is made up of predominantly low skilled jobs required to work long hours’.

This, along with a lack of diversity within the profession, is another reason why this new programme is essential.

More women needed

“According to Road Safety Authority data, there are over 200,000 Heavy Goods Vehicle licences issued in Ireland and only 2% are issued to women in both C & CE category - this must change,” he said.

“Another concern is that over 60% of HGV full licences holders are over the age of 50 – so the importance of training and education in shaping the image of driving as a profession and attracting younger people into the profession cannot be understated.

“The Earn as you Learn apprenticeship offers great benefits to apprentices and employers alike. College isn’t for everyone, and these new apprenticeships offer young people the opportunities to get employment with the added benefit of earning a qualification on the national framework of qualifications at the same time.

"The Transport Operations and Commercial Driving apprenticeship is unique in that it is a fully funded academic qualification as well as covering the costs of HGV driving lessons and driving tests. So, the apprentices will qualify with a higher certificate in Transport Operations and Commercial Driving as well as a Full C & CE Category Driving licence and DRIVER CPC qualifications.

For more information visit www.cdap.ie, email info@cdap.ie or call 018447516

Benefits for Apprentices

The Transport Operations & Commercial Driving Apprenticeship provides the academic qualification and practical training and work experience that supports a vibrant and exciting career in the freight distribution and logistics sector. Apprentices will also receive expert driving lessons and training in advance of completing their C/CE driving test and attaining the Driver CPC qualification.

The academic award for this apprenticeship is a Higher Certificate (NFQ level 6) in Business in Transport Services and is the first qualification on the national framework of qualifications (NFQ) linked to the profession of commercial driving!

✔ QQI Level 6 Award ‘Higher Certificate in Transport Operations & Commercial Driving’.

✔ Internationally recognised qualification.

✔ Earn as you Learn.

✔ Two year employment contract leading to permanent position.

✔ Gaining valuable on the job experience and workplace skills.

✔ Excellent Career Opportunities in the vibrant sector.

Minimum Entry Requirements

• Hold a Full ‘B’ Driver Licence.

• Be at least 18 years of age.

• Meet medical requirements for driving.

Benefits of recruiting apprentices for Employers

✔ Attracts new entrants into the business.

✔ Increases pool of qualified people within the business.

✔ Help with succession planning.

✔ The programme is built around work related experience and work specific projects.

✔ Apprenticeship State Grant for employers of apprentices €4,000 funding.

• Minimum entry requirements are a grade H7/O6 or above in five Leaving Certificate (or equivalent) subjects. A minimum of grade O6 must be obtained in English. A minimum of grade O6 or a B2 or above in Foundation level must be obtained in Mathematics.

• Holders of a QQI Level 5 or Level 6 (or equivalent) in cognate areas (eg business, logistics and distribution, supply chain management, etc.) can apply for entry onto year 1 of the programme.

• A mature candidate, over the age of 23, who does not hold qualifications as set out above, but who: Has a minimum of two years’ experience working as a commercial driver. Is recommended by their employer.

Demonstrates the correct attitudes, behaviours and literacy skills.

The Coordinating training and education provider for this apprenticeship programme is Atlantic Technological University Sligo (ATU Sligo)

The lead proposer us the Freight Transport Association Ireland (FTAI)

Twitter: @commdriver1 www.cdap.ie Tel: 01 8447516

Induction Day for the first cohort of apprentices at ATU Sligo

Conventional wisdom on the Irish language and why its not your teacher’s fault you can’t speak it

By Cian J. Ward, campaigning for bilingual packaging in Ireland

The Oscars buzz for An Cailín Ciuin, Paul Mescal ag caint on the red carpet and Seachtain na Gaeilge all brought out the grá many people feel for the Irish language this March gone by.

And with it came many of the same old conventional wisdoms about why 'no one speaks Irish' and what to do about it. Perceptions about the language are certainly changing for the better but many people still believe that the way it's taught in school is the root of all evil when it comes to language policy and just 'having a go' and speaking the Irish you can is the silver bullet.

Often strikingly absent from the debate is our built environment and the effect it has on us. Namely, our commercial spaces are almost entirely in English.

Our road signs may be bilingual and you can avail of some government services in Irish but the entire private sector is almost exclusively dominated by English. This is unusual for a country with two official languages and it doesn’t have to be this way.

Why not here?

Canada, along with many European countries, has a policy of bilingual packaging, mandating that both of their official languages, French and English, must be given equal parity on any packaging or labelling sold in the country. It might surprise you to know that in Spain Kerrygold sell their butter bilingually in Spanish and English.

If Ireland were to adopt a similar policy it would mean having the Irish language alongside English on every item sold in shops in every town, village and city in the country. That would certainly put an end to refrain “When am I going to use this?”

If children and adults alike could start their morning with Irish/English cereals at the breakfast table, see it in the aisles of the weekly shop and sit down to cook dinner in the evening with bilingual products, they’d be far more likely to speak the language. We would be raising the floor of what it means to have a cúpla focal would lead to kids being more focused in school and having a much easier time in Irish class.

What can be done?

To get bilingual packaging, write a short email to Stephen Donnelly (ministersoffice@health.gov.ie) and Hildegarde Naughton (hildegarde.naughton@oireachtas.ie) giving your name, where you’re writing from, and say that it’s the best idea you’ve ever heard!

Helping students important food safet hygiene & life sk

safefood for life is a FREE e-learning education tool developed by safe teach young people lifelong skills in basic food safety.

The post primary school resource covers practical, real-world topics including basic food hygiene, food preparation, food allergens and cleaning. By using videos and interactive content, it’s an engaging and informative resource for students and teachers. safefood for life can be used in remote learning at home as well as class-based settings and this flexibility helps students learn at their own pace.

For those students who want to take their training further, there’s also the option to take an online exam which enables successful

students to receive certification recognised by the food industry. To date more than 40,000 exams have been completed as part of safefood for life with certification awarded by the Environmental Health Association of Ireland (EHAI). This entry-level learning gives young people the opportunity to take part-time jobs where food is handled or served and can also help as a stepping-stone to a future career in the food industry.

Dr Gary Kearney, Interim CEO, safefood continued “Whether learning practical food safety skills

The FREE eLearning resource includes:

Ten 45 -minute lessons about food hygiene covering topics from handling and preparing food to allergens and food hypersensitivity

eLearning modules with engaging animations, videos, mini-games & quizzes

Teachers’ resource with research tasks and discussion points for the classroom

safefood net/safefoodforlife

throughout life or as the first steps to working in the food and hospitality sector, safefood for life is a valuable tool for any student. With the added EHAI certification, it helps small food businesses by offering prospective candidates for employment who already hold a recognised food safety course.”

The free resource is available in both English and Irish language on the safefood website, visit www.safefood.net/safefoodforlife or scan the QR code below.

To get started scan the QR code or visit:

Stalking victims count cost in new first-of-its-kind UCC study

THE first Irish study of those who have been stalked and/or harassed is published by UCC and reveals the social, financial and psychological impact upon those who experienced it, while urging a number of recommendations.

The report, undertaken by Dr Catherine O’Sullivan and Dr Ciara Staunton in partnership with the Sexual Violence Centre Cork (SVCC), shows how in the majority of cases perpetrators of stalking or harassment were known to them.

“The main objective of the study was to focus on the process of stalking and harassment, the effects on those who have been stalked and harassed and their responses to these behaviours,” said Dr O’Sullivan.

Over one thousand participants responded to the survey and the research was prompted by the bravery of Una Ring and Eve McDowell who spoke out about their experiences of stalking and who advocated for the introduction of a new stalking offence in addition to the existing harassment offence in Ireland.

“Our findings identify a range of avoidance behaviours used by victims to protect themselves and reveals the social, financial, physical, and psychological consequences of stalking and harassment,” stated Dr Staunton.

Key findings in the report - Stalking and Harassment: An Investigation of Experiences in Ireland - include:

■ The perpetrators identified by the victims were mostly known to them, i.e., partner or ex-partner, acquaintance, friend, or work colleague.

■ In a considerable proportion of cases the perpetrator was categorised as a stranger.

■ Respondents reported being threatened, physically attacked and sexually assaulted.

■ There were 367 reports of the perpetrator threatening to harm themselves around the respondent. Having pictures or recordings taken without consent was mentioned 270 times with 170 reports of private images of a very personal nature being shared.

■ 44% of respondents indicated that the perpetrators threatened to harm them or those close to them, directly or indirectly.

■ Inappropriate texts, WhatsApps or

emails were the most common forms of malicious communications identified by respondents.

■ Being the target of inappropriate or malicious social media contacts (e.g. Twitter, Facebook) was the second highest form of reputational damage, mentioned 268 times.

■ Changing routes from home or school and giving up social activities were the most common social impacts mentioned.

■ Long term psychological distress was apparent among respondents with anxiety being the most frequently reported psychological consequence of the stalking and/or. Fear, increased distrust and sleep disturbances were the next most frequently reported consequences.

■ Significant financial impact was highlighted with 401 respondents (45%) indicating that they sought psychological help in the form of counselling or other therapies, legal advice or the installation of security systems which comes at a cost.

■ Forty-two per cent of respondents indicated that they reported the incidents to An Garda Síochána. Over half did not report.

■ For those who did report, experiences of reporting were more likely to be negative

than positive but key features of positive experiences included being believed, being taken seriously and having the report followed up.

■ For those who did not report, and who gave reasons, there seems to be a general lack of trust in An Garda Síochána regarding gender-based violence and/or a fear that they would not be believed because of awareness of deficiencies regarding garda responses to gender-based violence.

The report makes ten recommendations including the need for an information campaign on stalking and harassment, improvements in training in An Garda Síochana and changes to the proposed new wording of Stalking Offences.

"This research is unique and will inform public policy and debate around the introduction of anti-stalking legislation and raise public awareness of the dangers of stalking and harassing behaviours," said Dr Staunton.

"The report includes the voice of those who have experienced stalking and harassment. This contributes not only to our understanding of the experience but also to our general knowledge of these behaviours," stated Dr O’Sullivan.

Dr Catherine O’Sullivan, Vice Dean of Learning, Teaching, Curriculum, School of Law, and Dr Ciara Staunton, Academic Operations Manager, Adult Continuing Education, UCC, release book titled: ‘Stalking and Harassment’: An Investigation of Experiences in Ireland’. Photo By Tomas Tyner, UCC.

Artificial pitches impacting on freshwater - ATU and UCD

THE Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has published a report undertaken by Atlantic Technological University (ATU) and UCD highlighting how artificial grass, such as those used on football pitches, are contaminating the environment.

The EPA report titled “Sources, Pathways and Environmental Fate of Microplastics” aims to develop a better understanding of the sources of environmental microplastics, the export pathways of microplastics from agri- to freshwater systems and the risk of transfer of these microplastics through the aquatic food web. Approximately 80% of marine litter derives from land-based sources, with rivers identified as one of the most important pathways of micro-plastics.

Part of the study looked at the impact of plastic used in artificial pitches on our marine environment. Microplastics, are tiny pieces of plastic less than 5 millimetres in size, or smaller than the rubber on a pencil, can be broken down from larger plastic items. Artificial grass in pitches is essentially a plastic woven carpet, which is filled in with rubber granules, often made from low-cost recycled car tyres known as Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR).

The study has identified several pathways, including on the boots and clothes of players, where microplastics can end up in our local water ways either directly or via waste water.

Microplastics have been identified in this study from small freshwater insects, fish such as trout, and otters. Further recent

studies abroad have found that microplastics can be harmful to aquatic life and can enter the food chain when ingested, and in some case ultimately ending up on our plates. This could have devastating consequences, as microplastics can persist in the environment for hundreds of years.

Full report at epa.ie.

"TTS training is conducted over a period of 4 years, which comprises of both practical and theory lessons.

During this period, personnel will be in receipt of full wages"

Irish Defence Forces Trainee Technician Scheme

PURSUING a career with the Irish Defence Forces gives you the opportunity to complete an apprenticeship under our Trainee Technician Scheme (TTS). This scheme is only available to personnel currently serving within the Irish Defence Forces who have successfully passed General Service Enlistment training.

The Defence Forces TTS provides personnel with the ability to expand on their opportunities to serve at home and overseas, and gives a qualification and a skill-set to take with them upon retirement from the Defence Forces.

TTS training is conducted over a period of 4 years, which comprises of both practical and theory lessons. During this period, personnel will be in receipt of full wages. All associated expenses are covered by the Irish Defence Forces including Third Level College fees.

Upon successful completion of their respective TTS, personnel will qualify for a Technical Allowance within their chosen trade. Applicants for the Transport, Ordnance, Engineering, and CIS TTS must have completed their Junior Certificate. Applicants for the Printing Press TTS must hold a Leaving Certificate.

Apprenticeships are available to

personnel serving in the Defence Forces with the following corps:

Transport Corps

Our Transport Corps Trainee Technician Scheme is run in conjunction with the SOLAS Apprenticeship Scheme.

Student mechanics will learn about servicing engines, fuel systems, transmissions, suspensions, bodywork electrics and wheels on both our Armoured and Soft Skin Vehicle Fleet.

Training is conducted between the Defence Forces Training Centre (Curragh Camp) and in selected SOLAS Educational training Board facilities and Institutes of Technology.

Ordnance Corps

The Ordnance Corps is a Combat Service Support Corps whose skills, knowledge, and expertise are essential for the effective and efficient operational function of the Defence Forces at home and abroad.

Students can complete their studies in the area of weapon system mechanics or weapon system electronics. Successful students on our Ordnance TTS are eligible to apply for further courses within the Ordnance Corps such as Explosive

Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and Chemical Biological Radioactive Neurological EOD

Corps of Engineers

Personnel who wish to undertake an apprenticeship within the Defence Forces Corps of Engineers will first undergo a military course to qualify as a Combat Engineer prior to beginning the apprenticeship in their chosen trade.

Personnel undertaking an apprenticeship with the Corps of Engineers will receive a trade qualification accredited by SOLAS. Participants in this TTS are encouraged to undertake City and Guilds Examinations appropriate to their trade.

Apprenticeships are available within the Corps of Engineers for trades such as electricians, carpenters, plumbers.

Communications and Information Systems Corps (CIS Technician)

The Defence Forces CIS TTS will qualify personnel in the area of electronics, telecommunications, radio theory, computer networks, computer technology and other military technical related subjects. Personnel Continued >>>

undertaking an apprenticeship with our CIS Corps will also receive a HETAC Level 7 BEng (Ord) Degree Electronic Engineering; military Communication Systems with SETU Carlow. Newly qualified technicians will become an integral part of the CIS Corps IT Network support, tactical communications and general maintenance structure.

Defence Forces Printing Press (Printing Press Technician)

The DFPP ‘in-house’ printing facility provides a wide variety of material for the Defence Forces at home and Overseas. Defence Forces Printing Press Technicians are highly skilled across multiple areas such as graphic illustration, image manipulation, lithographic/ flexographic/ gravure principles, digital printing and collation methods.

Technician training is conducted by Belfast Metropolitan College and the DFPP on a modular basis over a three-year period. Students who successfully complete the course will be awarded a GQA Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Pre-Press/Printing/Print Finishing.

Air Corps Trainee Aircraft Technician

The Irish Defence Forces offer an apprentice entry route to those wishing to join the Irish Defence Forces with the Irish Air Corps through our Trainee Aircraft Technician competition. Aircraft Technicians provide the maintenance and servicing of Air Corps aircraft, their airframes, engines, systems and equipment.

On successful completion of a seven-month military training course, trainee technicians will commence their academic studies, which is a full time programme of four and a half years, within the Air Corps Technical Training School located in Casement Aerodrome.

The Air Corps Technical Training School is European Aviation Safety Agency approved, and accredited by the Technological University Dublin to deliver a BA of Engineering Technology Degree in Military Aviation Technology to successful candidates on the Air Corps Trainee Aircraft Technician programme. Trainee Technicians will receive instruction in all disciplines of aircraft maintenance on avionics or fixed/rotary wing aircraft, and power plant. On completion of training, technicians are awarded a Level 7 B.A. of Engineering in Aviation Technologies from TU Dublin.

Candidates must be 18 years of age and less than 23 years of age on the closing date for receipt of applications.

General Service Enlistment

The Recruit training syllabus is designed to produce physically fit, disciplined, and motivated Two Star Privates with basic military skills. Recruit training is the foundation of all military training. It is approximately 12 weeks in duration.

On successful completion of Recruit Training, the recruit will take on a further 12 weeks of training to become a Three Star Private soldier. Army and Air Corps applicants must be at least 18 years of age and under 25 years of age on the closing date for applications. Naval Service applicants must be at least 18 years of age and under 27 years of age on the closing date for applications. Serving members must serve for a minimum period of 2 years before being eligible to apply for a TTS.

For more information on eligibility criteria, Direct Entry opportunities, and current competitions, please visit our careers page on Military.ie.

"The Irish Defence Forces offer an apprentice entry route to those wishing to join the Irish Defence Forces with the Irish Air Corps through our Trainee Aircraft Technician competition. "

COURSES FOR 2023/ 2024

Journalism, Photography & New Media (Journalism 5M2464)

Sound Engineering and Music Technology (Sound Production 5M2149)

Advanced Certificate in Audio/Visual Media

(Advanced Certificate in Media Production 6M5130)

Art & Design Portfolio (Art Craft & Design- 5M1984)

Photography and Digital Media (Photography 5M2094)

Beauty Therapy Year 1

Advanced Beauty Therapy & Make-Up Artistry Year 2

Retail Practice with Beauty Consultant (Major Award 5M2105)

Hairdressing Year 1

Hairdressing Year 2

Hairdressing Apprenticeship

Alternative Health & Wellbeing Therapies

Business Studies (5M2102)

Advanced Certificate in Business (6M4985)

Office Administration for Business, Medical and Legal Practices (5M1997)

Legal Studies and Criminal Law (Legal Studies 5M3789)

Accounting Technician Apprenticeship (Advanced Certificate in Accounting)

Construction Technology (5M5010)

Computer Systems and Networks (5M0536)

Multimedia Production (5M2146)

Security Systems Technology (5M2109)

Canine Grooming (Animal Care 5M2768)

Animal Care (5M2768)

Advanced Animal Science (6M5153)

Pharmacy Assistant (Community Health Services 5M4468)

Laboratory Techniques (5M3807) NEW COURSE

Applied Psychology (Community Health Services 5M4468)

Applied Ecology (5M5028)

Healthcare Support /Health Service Skills (5M4339/5M3782)

Nursing Studies (5M4349)

Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care

Special Needs Assistant (Intellectual Disability Practice 5M1761)

Advanced Special Needs Assistant (Inclusive Education & Training 6M2263)

Advanced Certificate In Early Childhood Care and Education (6M2007)

Applied Social Studies (5M2181)

Advanced Certificate in Social Care (Social & Vocational Integration 6M2218)

Pre Third Level Arts (General Studies 5M3114)

Tourism and Travel Industry Studies (Tourism with Business 5M5011)

Sports Studies, Coaching & Performance (5M5146)

Sports Studies, Physiology and Massage (Sports & Recreation 5M5146)

Sports Therapy and Injury Management (Level 6 Sports & Recreation 6M5147)

Fitness and Health (Sports & Recreation 5M5146)

Pre Further Education Course (Component Certificate 5M3114)

Pre Apprenticeship Programme Level 4

VTOS - Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme

• Office Administration

• General Studies in Health Sciences

• General Studies in Childcare & Youthwork

• Employment & Academic Skills

New Courses

Theatre Studies

Occupational Therapy

Speech & Language

Physio Assistant

RPL (Hairdressing)

Barbering

The Youthreach Programme and

highlights from some DDLETB Youthreach celebratory events

THE Youthreach programme introduced in 1988, is the Irish government’s primary response to early school leaving. It provides young people aged 15 to 20 years who drop out of school or leave secondlevel school before Leaving Certificate level, with access to alternative education and training, progression and social inclusion.

The programme is funded by the Irish Government and the European Social Fund (ESF) and centres are managed by Education & Training Boards (ETB’s). The two year programme provides integrated education, training and work experience with a strong personal development emphasis for almost 7,000 young people in 112 centres nationwide.

It gives young people positive learning experiences, builds capacities, and provides qualifications and progression to further education, training and employment, enhancing the core skills of literacy, numeracy, communications and provides a choice of vocational options and a work experience programme.

DUBLIN & Dún Laoghaire Education & Training Board (DDLETB) operate 11 centres in Balbriggan, Swords, Rush, Blanchardstown, Lucan, Clondalkin, Tallaght, Sallynoggin Rathfarnham. Youthreach students receive an allowance each week depending on age, along with transport and meal allowances. Every DDLETB Youthreach centre has the online Basic Key Skills Builder (BKSB) system in place which supports literacy & numeracy.

DDLETB is the first ETB to offer all their Youthreach students a free internationally recognised student card. The curriculum can differ from centre to centre, is varied (academic & non-academic) and focuses on the holistic development of the individual within a learning environment which is structured, challenging, studentcentred and participant-led.

DDLETB Psychological Support Service (PSS) is available to all staff and students registered within the ETB system. They deliver preventative work with target groups and offer professional and personal support to teaching staff in relation to centre issues and support to parents, in relation to individually referred young persons. Our centres are Quality Health Promoting centres aiming to improve the physical, mental and emotional health of all students and staff.

EU Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms Elisa Ferreira visited Youthreach Swords and was overwhelmed by the work, skills and achievements of both present and past students and staff. The Commissioner asked students about their educational journeys, listening with such interest to their stories and how Youthreach had changed their lives for the better.

Youthreach Clondalkin were delighted to welcome Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris and European Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights Nicolas Schmit to their centre.

Commissioner Schmit said: "It was very inspiring to join Minister Harris for a tour of the Youthreach Clondalkin centre which is co-funded by the EU. The young people we met told us that Youthreach is like a community where they are really supported. Their talents are developed, and they find jobs or further education".

Minister Harris visited many of our centres and chose Youthreach Swords to make a substantial investment announcement for DDLETB Further Education & Training sector.

DDLETB Youthreach Rush past student Ava was asked to represent Youthreach in Brussels at the EU Commission and a special piece of art commissioned from our Youthreach Sallynoggin student Serge was presented to the Commissioner. Youthreach Rush also celebrated their 30th anniversary with personal video congratulations from EU Commissioner Nicolas Schmit, Minister Simon Harris and a beautiful letter penned by The President of Ireland.

Centres took part in numerous national projects and competitions where prizes and awards were won by students and staff across all 11 centres in art, technology and literature. Youthreach Blanchardstown had a Junk Kouture winner and Antoinette Nolan Resource Person in Youthreach Clondalkin won the prestigious Leading Ireland’s Future Together (LiFT) Dominick Lewis Excellence in Leadership Award 2022 and Youthreach Clondalkin centre were presented with the Living Lift Award.

Want to know more about DDLETB Youthreach? Check out DDETB Youthreach’s social media on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, Facebook and YouTube or DDLETB website. Keep watch for the new DDLETB Youthreach website launching summer 2023 or call into your nearest centre.

A Hub for Lifelong Learning. Step into Your Future.

CHECK US OUT @

www.cfedundrum.com

QQI Level 5 and Level 6 COURSES

Explore a rewarding alternative to the traditional CAO route with Dundrum College of Further Education courses, offering admission pathways that prioritise motivation, commitment, and a passion for learning.

Our range of courses meet the needs of students and employers and are focused on employment and third level opportunities. With QQI level 5 and Level 6 qualifications, our students greatly improve their prospects for a third level qualification.

Business, Enterprise & Administration

Childcare – Early Learning & Care

Computer Science & Technology

Fine Art, Craft & Design

Horticulture & Ecological Science

Humanities & Education

Nursing & Health Sciences

Psychology & Social Studies

Construction & Environmental Science

Special Needs Assistant & Community Studies

Dundrum College of Further Education: A Hub for Lifelong Learning

IF you are looking for a way to enhance your skills, pursue your passions, or advance your career, you might want to consider enrolling in Dundrum College of Further Education (DCFE).

Located in Dublin 14, Dundrum CFE offers a wide range of modular courses that cater to different interests and needs. Whether you want to study business, art, health care, childcare, computing, horticulture or something else, you will find a course that suits you at Dundrum CFE.

Our HUB Structure

One of the unique features of Dundrum CFE is its HUB structure. This means that you can choose from various core and elective modules within each course area.

For example, if you enrol in the Advanced Business course, you can select modules such as Marketing Management, Entrepreneurial Skills, Legal Studies, and more.

This allows you to tailor your award according to your goals and preferences.

Another benefit of studying at Dundrum CFE is its supportive and flexible learning environment. The college has a team of experienced and qualified teachers who are

committed to helping students achieve their full potential.

The college also provides guidance and counselling services for students who need academic or personal support. Moreover, the college offers both full-time and part-time courses, so you can balance your studies with your work or family commitments.

Erasmus

DCFE is an Erasmus accredited college and offers students and staff the exciting opportunity of foreign exchange programmes and work experience placements abroad.

Dundrum CFE is not only a place for learning but also a place for community. The college organises various events and activities throughout the year to foster social interaction and cultural diversity among students.

If you are interested in joining Dundrum CFE, you can check out the courses on offer and apply online through their website cfedundrum.com. You can also visit their Tictok, Instagram and Facebook pages to stay updated on their latest news and events.

Dundrum CFE is more than just a college; it is a hub for lifelong learning.

Talk to us over Coffee

Dundrum College of Further Education is holding a series of Coffee Morning/ Afternoon information sessions for all applicants in May.

This is a perfect opportunity to learn more about the courses we offer, ask any questions you may have, and chat with our friendly staff and current students over a cup of coffee.

Apply online on our website www.cfedundrum.com or contact us for further information at reception@cfedundrum.com or call us on 01-2985412

"The college offers both full-time and part-time courses, so you can balance your studies with your work or family commitments"

Apply for a Apply for a Traineeship Traineeship

Course Areas:

Architectural Technology and Engineering with 3D CAD

Digital Marketing

Healthcare

HGV Professional Driving

CMETB Traineeships:

Laboratory Assistant

OEM Engineering Technology

Outdoor Activity Instructor

Soft Furniture Production

Youth Work

Open to school leavers and mature students and are fully funded

Lead to an award at NFQ level 5-6, or equivalent

Are between 6-9months in duration

Have at least 30% of learning on the job

Cavan and Monaghan Education and Training Board

Focused on supporting each person to achieve their learning goals

NATIONAL Learning Network is Ireland’s leading provider of supported, inclusive education, based in over 50 locations and offering quality, certified courses to assist people on their educational journey. Training courses at National Learning Network are designed for people aged 16 to 65 who need additional support, including people with disabilities, mental health issues, autism, dyslexia, social anxiety or those recovering from an accident or illness.

National Learning Network (NLN) is focused on supporting each person to achieve their learning goals and develop the specific skills they need to take the next steps in their educational and employment journey, whilst building confidence and enhancing their connections within their communities. Training courses on offer cover a broad range of skill areas from retail to barista skills to business administration, personal budgeting to art and design, horsemanship, catering and CV creation.

Different abilities

Director of Learning, Lucianne Bird, said: “Everybody has different needs, different abilities, and are at different stages in their lives, and our goal at National Learning Network is to meet people where they are and support them to progress to where they want to be. That is why students can start courses with us at any time of the year that suits them.

"We are not like other educational providers, we fit the programme to the person, not the person to the programme. We are all about personcentred support services. It is the student’s journey, led by them and supported by our multi-disciplinary teams.”

“Many students come to NLN with little or no work experience and go

on to find lasting employment or to pursue the career of their dreams. We are very much a stepping stone for students coming from school or people who need further support to move on to employment.”

“We offer a person-centred plan for the students. For many people, it may be the case that they need time and support to figure out what it is they want to do. There is no ‘right path’ for anybody. The student is their own expert on what they want and what works for them.”

A pathway

“We work with people who need some flexibility and extra support to learn at their own pace, including people with a physical or learning disability, people with autism, people with mental health difficulties, or people recovering from an accident or illness.”

Lucianne continued: “For our staff

"We are not like other educational providers, we fit the programme to the person, not the person to the programme. We are all about person-centred support services. It is the student’s journey, led by them and supported by our multidisciplinary teams.”

members, the most rewarding part of our work is to see that the student has moved on from NLN, has achieved their own goals, has a support network and is thriving.”

“Learning is at the student’s own pace, in small classes and with work experience tailored to individual needs and abilities. All students have access to one-to-one support from instructors in numeracy and literacy, as well as a psychologist.”

Progression

Every year, NLN helps over 7 thousand people across Ireland. 90% of the people who complete an NLN course progress to further or higher education or to employment.

Training courses at National Learning Network are funded by the local Education and Training Boards or the HSE.

To find out more, email info@nln.ie or visit www.nln.ie.

SCFE – offering a broad range of career pathways to students

AT SCFE, we ensure that all our students have access to clear pathways to progress to Higher Education or into their careers.

Our college offers a broad range of options for students to move into employment or Higher Education on completion of their course. Our established partnerships with employers allow us to develop courses which ensure that SCFE graduates gain the skills and abilities needed in their chosen career area.

Forging New Pathways through Working with Industry

– Launch of SCFE’s first Apprenticeship Programme

For many years, Sallynoggin College of Further Education has been recognised as a centre of excellence for delivering Hair and Beauty courses at QQI Levels 5 and 6. We remain committed to providing the most up-to-date and quality assured industry-related qualifications.

"SCFE works closely with the Hairdressing Salons to ensure the apprentices receive training both on and off the job which is formally regulated and of a national standard.

As part of an Earn as you Learn model, Apprentices are paid a weekly rate by their employer throughout their apprenticeship"

Pre-Apprenticeship Routes

Our well-established Hairdressing and Beauty Therapies course, QQI Level 5, is an excellent springboard into the National Hairdressing Apprenticeship.

In partnership with employers in the Hairdressing industry, SCFE launched its first apprenticeship in November 2022. SCFE works closely with the Hairdressing Salons to ensure the apprentices receive training both on and off the job which is formally regulated and of a national standard. As part of an Earn as you Learn model, Apprentices are paid a weekly rate by their employer throughout their apprenticeship.

The National Hairdressing Apprenticeship will provide successful apprentices with a QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Hairdressing.

Apprentices have the use of our fully equipped Hairdressing Salon and other college facilities. One of their teachers, Linda Thornton is a former graduate of SCFE, who completed her apprenticeship with Peter Mark. Linda is a well-known hair stylist whose most recent achievement is becoming a finalist in two categories at the 2023 Glammies by Great Lengths Awards. She was also winner of the 2019 and 2022 Glammies by Great Lengths Awards in Bridal Category and Creative Innovation.

The duration of the National Hairdressing Apprenticeship will be

Hairdressing Apprentices working in the Studio

over 3 years with training consisting of 80% full time employment and 20% off the job training with Sallynoggin College of Further Education on a day release.

SCFE - Your Choice for a Broad Range of Career Opportunities

SCFE provides courses to school leavers and mature students in a broad variety of areas from Childcare to Social Studies, Fashion, Art and Floristry, Hairdressing & Beauty, Travel and Tourism, Performing Arts and Musical Theatre and Fitness and Wellbeing.

Through our close collaboration with employers and industry groups, SCFE continues to ensure that our courses are up to date, relevant and future-proofed to give our students the edge in their chosen field.

To find out more about the National Hairdressing Apprenticeship or any of our other courses, check out our website www.scfe.ie.

Our Course Coordinators are available to answer specific questions about individual courses, and their contact details are listed on each course page.

Apply online at www.scfe.ie or contact Reception@scfe.ie Tel: 01 2852997.

We also invite you to come and visit us on our next Open Day on 29th August 2023. See www.scfe.ie for more details.

CERTIFICATE AND DIPLOMA COURSES • NO CAO POINTS REQUIRED

ART, CRAFT & DESIGN (PORTFOLIO PREPARATION)

PROFESSIONAL FLORISTRY

FASHION DESIGN

FASHION BUYING, STYLING & VISUAL MERCHANDISING

HAIRDRESSING & BEAUTY THERAPIES

HAIRDRESSING APPRENTICESHIP

PERFORMING ARTS ACTING FOR THEATRE, TV & FILM

MUSICAL THEATRE AND DANCE

EARLY LEARNING AND CARE

ADVANCED CERTIFICATE IN EARLY LEARNING AND CARE

ADVANCED TRAINING IN SPECIAL NEEDS ASSISTING

SPECIAL NEEDS ASSISTING AND INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY STUDIES

INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY STUDIES AND SPECIAL NEEDS ASSISTING

PERSONAL TRAINER/ SPORTS REHABILITATION/ PHYSIOTHERAPY ASSISTANT/ STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING/SPORTS MASSAGE THERAPIST

FITNESS INSTRUCTOR AND EXERCISE SCIENCE

PHYSICAL EDUCATION & SPORTS COACHING

YOGA & PILATES TEACHER TRAINING

AIRLINE AND TRAVEL INDUSTRY STUDIES

HOSPITALITY, TOURISM AND EVENT MANAGEMENT

SOCIAL STUDIES INCLUDING CRIMINOLOGY & ADDICTION STUDIES

ADVANCED SOCIAL STUDIES INCLUDING ADVOCACY

CRIMINOLOGY INCLUDING LEGAL STUDIES

YOUTH WORK AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Courses Commence Sept 2023

Apply online www.scfe.ie

OPEN DAY

TUE 29th AUG 2023

10am - 2pm All Welcome

All courses lead directly to employment or progression to degree courses in Universities and Higher Education Institutes

All courses recognised for SUSI grant

Funding available for Social Welfare recipients and exemptions for Medical Card holders

Whitehall College Education for All

SINCE Whitehall College was established in 1970, it has developed a reputation for its pro-active and innovative approach to provide excellent education and training opportunities.

Situated in Coláiste Caoimhín on St Mobhi Road it offers a fantastic range of courses designed to give students the skills necessary for progression to employment or progression to Higher Education. Whitehall College has great links with local Universities where learners progress to various third level courses through the links scheme or through direct entry.

Reputation

Whitehall College of Further Education and Training has a long standing reputation in providing courses in Business, Information Technology, Social Care, Education and Training and ESOL.

A course in Whitehall College of

Further Education is one of the most adaptable foundations for which you could ask. The investment you make in your future now can bring huge rewards in terms of career success and personal confidence.

We are constantly reviewing our programmes to update and improve while making sure that students gain thinking skills analytical frameworks, interpersonal and communication skills which will be advantageous to them in the future.

Recognition

All courses carry certification. Most courses carry QQI awards at Level 5 and Level 6 certification. In addition we can provide programmes certified by internationally recognised bodies, professional institutes and industry. These include Cambridge University, Insurance Institute of Ireland, Institute of Bankers in Ireland and CISCO Certified Network.

We also ensure to provide stu-

in Business, Information Technology, Social Care, Education and Training and ESOL"

dents with a supportive and welcoming environment in which they will be encouraged to develop themselves personally and professionally. We prepare students for a bright and positive future in the world of work or further educational study.

New apprenticeship

Whitehall College is delighted to announce the launch of the National Sales Apprenticeship. This is a 2-year programme in Sales and Marketing (Level 6 QQI) with blended mode of delivery - learners are 85% in the workplace and 15% workshops or online. This programme is fully funded for apprentices with no fees and employers are eligible for a grant of 2k for any apprentice per year.

For information and to learn more about our College go to www.whitehallcollege.com or email info@whitehallcfe.cdetb.ie

"Whitehall College of Further Education and Training has a long standing reputation in providing courses

DUNBOYNE COLLEGE

Academic Year

Sept 2023 - May 2024

Accredited QQI Level 5 & 6 Courses

Open to all applicants. Apply now.

● Social Studies / Social Care

● Youth and Community Work

● Applied Psychology

● Criminology and Psychology

● Early Learning and Care (Childcare)

● Pre-University Nursing

● Health Care Assistant

● Pre-Paramedic Fire and Ambulance (with PHECC EFR)

● Physiotherapy Studies

● Occupational Therapy Studies

● Pharmacy Assistant

● Special Needs & Classroom Assistant

● Speech and Language Therapy Studies

Healthcare Department Business Science Department

● Pre-University Science

● Pre-University Agricultural Science

● Pre-University Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Science

● Pre-University Forensic Science

● Pre-University Environmental Science

● Pre-University Sports Science

● Pre-University Food Science-Nutrition, Health and Well-being

● Pre-University Animal Science

● Pre-University Physiotherapy

Computers and Design Department

● Software Development & Games Design

● Creative Digital Media

● Pre-University Computing, Networks and Software Systems

● Graphic Design

● Architectural Technology and Design

● Media and Film Production

● Music Performance

● Sound Production

● Art (Fine Art or Design/2D)

● Animation

T: 01 802 6577

E: dunboynecollege@lmetb.ie

● Pre-University Business

● Pre-University Business and Accounting

● Auctioneering, Valuation & Estate Agency

● Legal and Medical Secretary/Office Administration

● Office Accounts Administration & Information Processing

● Journalism, Digital Media and Public Relations

● Tourism and Business with Event Management

● Online Marketing / eBusiness

● Accounting Technician Apprenticeship

● Human Resource Management

Arts, Law and Teaching Department

● Pre-University Arts

● Pre-University Liberal Arts

● Pre-University Arts / Teaching

● Pre-University Politics, Economics and Social Science

● Pre-University Law and Politics

● Pre-University Law

● Pre-University Business Law

Services and Leisure Department

● Airline Studies

● Beauty Therapy

● Hairdressing

● Professional Cookery

● Sports Management and Coaching

● Sports Injury Prevention and Massage Therapy

● Animal Care & Grooming

● Equine Studies

Level 6 Courses

● Childcare and Education

● Advanced Professional Cookery

● Senior Trade Hairdressing

● Advanced Beauty Therapy

● Advanced Certificate in Office Administration or Business Management

● Equine Breeding

● Advanced Animal Science

For enquiries or one-to-one consultations regarding our courses contact our Guidance Counsellors: Derek Ball dball.dbc@lmetb.ie Meabh Nimmo mnimmo.dbc@lmetb.ie Apply

New course highlights diversity and inclusion in further education and training

THE first 27 people have graduated this week from a new Level 9 Postgraduate Certificate course in Diversity and Inclusion in FET, a collaboration between City of Dublin ETB and Trinity College Dublin.

The students come from all areas of provision in City of Dublin ETB: the Adult Education Service, Youthreach, FET Colleges, leadership teams, Quality Assurance and FET support services, Training Centres, Guidance and the Education Service to Prisons. A further 28 students are currently studying on the course and another cohort will begin in September 2023. The course will be made available to FET staff from other Education and Training Boards nationally in the future.

Designed for FET staff

Designed specifically for staff working in the Further Education and Training sector, the course was designed by Dr Joanne Banks and Professor Michael Shevlin from Trinity's School of Education in collaboration with Dr Anne Costelloe and Carrie Archer, Professional Learning and Development Coordinator from City of Dublin ETB.

This partnership was part of the vision of City of Dublin ETB’s Director of Further Education, Blake Hodkinson, who recognised that for FET staff to be able to fully realise the potential of the Future FET Strategy (2020-2024), they would need space and structured opportunities to build on their existing skill sets and knowl-

edge. The strategic pillars underpinning the strategy are building skills, fostering inclusion and facilitating pathways.

The aim was to build capacity in staff across the entire organisation, and FET sector, to be more inclusive and responsive to the increasing diversity of FET learners and staff. Lecturers on the programme come from both City of Dublin ETB and from the School of Education. This combination brings together a balance of theory and practice from across both sectors that fully embraces learner diversity.

Blake Hodkinson, Director of Further Education and Training, City of Dublin Education and Training Board:

“The more that we have considered how to best include students and meet their needs, the better we can deliver our service. For City of Dublin ETB, with 28 graduates coming from this course, I am hoping that this will start conversations and actions that will transform our delivery”.

Anne Costelloe, Education Centre, Mountjoy Prison, said:

“Prison educators can often feel isolated and somewhat ‘different’ from other FE teachers because of the prison’s unique context. Engagement on a course like this lessens that sense of isolation and allows for a shared understanding across a range of educational services”.

Prof Carmel O’Sullivan, Head of the School of Education, Trinity

College Dublin, said:

"This innovative and timely partnership between Further and Higher Education brings mutual benefits to Trinity and the City of Dublin ETB, and will have far reaching positive consequences for young people in local and regional communities.

"Sharing the same values of commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, we look forward to building on the success of this joint venture and congratulate our graduates as they lead the way in fostering fully inclusive practices in Further Education."

Important moment

Dr Joanne Banks, Programme Coordinator, Trinity, said:

“Today marks an important moment in how we, as educators, respond to student diversity across different educational settings. These graduates can now embed principles of equality, diversity and inclusion into their practice giving students equal opportunities to succeed”.

Dr. Christy Duffy, CE of City of Dublin Education and Training Board:

"City of Dublin ETB is committed to our values of diversity and inclusion for all of our learners and staff.

I am delighted to see so many staff graduate from this course and look forward to the positive impact it will have on our goal of creating one service in FET with the learner journey at the centre.

"I commend all the City of Dublin staff who brought this course from inception to reality and hope to see many more graduates in the future."

"The aim was to build capacity in staff across the entire organisation, and FET sector, to be more inclusive and responsive to the increasing diversity of FET learners and staff"

Carrie Archer

Liberties College

Your Further Education College in the Heart of the City

Liberties College

Your Further Education College in the Heart of the City

Situated within 10 minutes’ walk of Grafton Street and St. Stephen’s Green, Liberties College prepares students to progress to third level and for careers in healthcare, technology, pharmacy retail, childcare, education, tourism, textiles, art, interior design, performance, social care, social studies, and youth work. New courses for 2023/24 include Sustainable Interior Design, Ethical Hacking, App Design, Healthcare Assistant - Mental Health Studies and Foundation Building for Third Level Success (Education and Training). Our Healthcare Assistant, Special Needs Assistant and Early Learning and Care courses include the opportunity for work placements organised through the College. Take part in a Musical Theatre production as part of our Performance courses or get ready for take off on our Travel and Tourism course. For students who wish to prepare for Third Level study in Arts or Humanities, our Liberal Arts and Trinity Access Programmes are likely to be of interest. No points required apply online at libertiescollege.ie for courses starting September 2023.

Situated within 10 minutes’ walk of Grafton Street and St. Stephen’s Green, Liberties College prepares students to progress to third level and for careers in healthcare, technology, pharmacy retail, childcare, education, tourism, textiles, art, interior design, performance, social care, social studies, and youth work. New courses for 2023/24 include Sustainable Interior Design, Ethical Hacking, App Design, Healthcare Assistant - Mental Health Studies and Foundation Building for Third Level Success (Education and Training). Our Healthcare Assistant, Special Needs Assistant and Early Learning and Care courses include the opportunity for work placements organised through the College. Take part in a Musical Theatre production as part of our Performance courses or get ready for take off on our Travel and Tourism course. For students who wish to prepare for Third Level study in Arts or Humanities, our Liberal Arts and Trinity Access Programmes are likely to be of interest. No points required apply online at libertiescollege.ie for courses starting September 2023.

SEAI awards €19m in funding for energy research projects

THE Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland today announced that it has awarded approximately €19 million in Government funding to support more than 40 new energy research projects across Ireland.

These projects bring together leading academic institutes, companies, and public sector organisations and were supported with co-funding from the Department of Transport, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and ESB Networks.

The 2023 Climate Action Plan aims to transform and improve life in Ireland, setting out how Ireland will accelerate action to respond to the climate and energy crisis, with research and innovation central to achieving these goals.

Projects awarded today are directly aligned to national energy targets and ambitions and will be central to informing Ireland’s climate action and achievement of our medium to long term climate and energy targets.

Projects awarded cover a wide range of topics including research investigating, among others:

• The development of floating offshore wind technologies,

• Wind farm interactions with hen harriers,

• Whole-life-cycle energy performance of residential buildings,

• Realising equality, diversity, and inclusion for energy sector transformation.

£6.6m funding to train young scientists on infections that pass from animals to humans

THE next generation of scientists will be better able to predict, detect and control infectious diseases that jump from animals to humans, called “zoonoses”, thanks to major new funding.

Maynooth

University project finds dialogue builds understanding between Gardaí and young black adults

MAYNOOTH University School of Law and Criminology has published findings showing that facilitated dialogue can enable young Black adults and Gardaí to better understand each other’s experiences, perspectives, and to build relationships and empathy.

The findings also suggest that dialogue could improve police-community relations, but requires substantial collaboration between communities, civil society and An Garda Síochána.

The project, UBUNTU, funded by the Irish Research Council and led by Dr Ian Marder, School of Law and Criminology, found that the dialogue process facilitated a variety of conversations about trivial and serious subjects, such as policing and stereotyping.

It helped foster reflections on similarities and differences in ways that revealed the sources of contrasting viewpoints, and illuminated a common humanity.

For example, the Gardaí better understood the impact of criminal records and searches on young Black adults’ lives and perspectives of police, while the young Black adults better understood Garda training, culture, rationales and powers.

Additionally, the benefits of participation in dialogue extended beyond the project. Dr Marder reports that relationships which had been built continued after the dialogue, and that its humanising effect improved

participants’ attitudes towards each other.

He also found some evidence of reported behavioural changes in relation to proactively engaging the Black community and increasing non-adversarial contacts.

He found a cascading effect where participants told others about their positive experiences.

Speaking to the importance of process within cross-community restorative justice practices of this type, Dr Marder notes: A core feature of the process was that participants were represented at every stage of the process and that the process was sensitive to participants’ needs.

"The processes began with extensive trust-building work, before moving to more challenging discussions about diversity, difference and policing, and the use of restorative circles and talking pieces.”

He said that education and additional resources are required.

“We found that a gap remained in participants’ understanding of the structural and institutional nature of the challenges ahead. Future dialogues may need to incorporate educational aspects which speak to the dynamics of the relationship between the Black community and the police.

"Although this will require a substantial collaboration between communities, civil society and An Garda Síochána, the potential benefits of replicating this work considerably outweigh the costs.”

Queen’s University has brought together researchers from multiple schools including the School of Biological Sciences, the School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, and the School of Natural and Built Environment, to work with colleagues from partner universities and stakeholder organisations to deliver state-of-the-art training in the prevention and control of zoonotic diseases.

Currently, over 60% of current or emerging human infections originate from animals, costing the global economy over $60 billion each year.

The new Centre will focus on training scientists to understand the environmental drivers of zoonoses – illnesses such as Covid-19 and Ebola - that are caused by pathogens (viruses, bacteria and parasites) that can move from animals to humans.

The Centre will train a new generation of scientists in a ‘one health’ approach – a framework that crosses scientific boundaries by bringing together researchers from anthropology to computer science, and from human health to zoology, to provide the breadth of knowledge needed to prevent future pandemics.

Professor Nikki Marks, Queen’s University Belfast lead from the School of Biological Sciences and the Institute for Global Food Security, said:

“The Covid-19 pandemic exposed the threat of infectious diseases and our need to improve prevention and control strategies though a combination of research, innovation and multidisciplinary team-based approaches. This will further build on our One Health-centred MSc programme in Parasitology & Pathogen Biology.”

New degree opportunities at

Portlaoise Institute Initiative tackles barriers like cost of accommodation, travel, and CAO entry points

ENTRY to, and participation in, third level education can present a number of challenges for learners who wish to advance their educational and career prospects.

A very exciting collaboration between Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board (LOETB) and South East Technological University (SETU) aims to eradicate some of the most common barriers to participation in higher education – such as cost of accommodation, travel, and CAO entry points.

In December 2022, in furthering his commitment to opening more routes of access to higher education, Minister Simon Harris announced the establishment of a National Tertiary Office to develop joint further and higher education degree programmes.

LOETB is one of eight ETBs involved in the initial roll-out, which will see 13 courses associated with six higher education institutions being offered in Further Education and Training (FET) colleges.

LOETB and SETU are collaborating to provide two different programmes under this project as an initial offering, with plans to expand the range of programmes into the future.

Flexible learning

For learners in Laois and surrounding areas, this arrangement means that from September 2023, teaching staff in Portlaoise Institute will be delivering SETU’s Higher Certificate in Computing, and Higher Certificate in Business, in Portlaoise over two years, with successful graduates progressing to their third year of a

four-year degree programme in SETU (Carlow Campus).

Effectively, this means that learners will complete half of their degree programme in a centre that is on their doorstep. This represents huge benefits for local learners in Laois, the main benefit being the opportunity to avail of a cost-effective means of accessing third level education in our region.

More accessible

Anne Marie Keane, Project Lead for LOETB in its collaboration with SETU, is looking forward to welcoming applications for this pilot initiative:

“LOETB is acutely aware of the pressures that learners and their families are experiencing in the current climate, and are delighted to collaborate on this project to make third level education more accessible to learners in our region.

"The option for learners to complete a significant element of their undergraduate studies closer to home provides many benefits including reduced accommodation and travel expenses, greater study/life balance, and a smoother transition to higher education, leading to greater retention and completion rates.

"By developing and maintaining our very positive relationship with SETU, we are confident that learners that embark on these programmes will receive excellent tuition, instruction and support in the pursuit of their chosen career paths, just as they would if they were attending the Carlow campus.”

"LOETB is acutely aware of the pressures that learners and their families are experiencing in the current climate"

David Denieffe, Vice-President for Academic Affairs in SETU welcomed the initiative: “This is something that we in SETU and our colleagues in LOETB have been working on for some time. We believe that it will create clear progression pathways for students transitioning from Further Education to Higher Education.

"We look forward to continuing to work in enhanced partnership with LOETB to explore this new model for joint further and higher education programmes that will strengthen learner pathways and ensure they are accessible to everyone”

A different route

"We believe that it will create clear progression pathways for students transitioning from Further Education to Higher Education"

Admission to these programmes will not be through the usual CAO application route – rather, it will be a more inclusive process consisting of an initial assessment and interview process, and will take into account past experience as much as academic achievement.

It is anticipated that these programme offerings will appeal to a diverse range of age groups and backgrounds.

Removing the focus on CAO points will enable learners to focus less on their Leaving Certificate results, and more on the career that they want to pursue, and in turn will help to address key skills shortages in Ireland.

The project represents a huge step in the right direction in making education truly inclusive and accessible to all, which is a key priority for LOETB, SETU and all their stakeholders.

Career in The Great Outdoors

HAVE you ever considered a career in The Great Outdoors? There are many different career paths you can choose from in this sector. Courses include Outdoor Activity Instructor and Advanced Outdoor Activity Instructor, Ecology and Practical Fieldwork, Scuba Diving Instructor, Surf Instructor & Beach Lifeguard Training and many more.

Kerry College’s Killorglin Campus, which is nestled in the mountains and lakes on the outskirts of Killorglin town, has a wide range of outdoor education and recreation related courses to choose from. There is no better place to study outdoor education than on the highest mountain in Ireland, along the iconic Ring of Kerry, in the beautiful and historic Killarney National Park or in a surfer’s paradise in the Maherees, Castlegregory.

Flexible and innovative

There are no fees and all equipment, materials and books are paid for. Our courses allow our learners to be flexible and innovative by equipping them with a broad range of awards across disciplines ensuring a sustainable career in the outdoors. The real-world training provided on these courses gives learners an opportunity to develop their professional and interpersonal skills, which we find gives them a comprehensive training experience.

You will be able to take on many different roles within organisations or confidently set up your own business. The campus has very strong links with industry professionals, having provided them with qualified learners over the years who have a high level of competency.

If you are interested in a career in the great outdoors obtaining strong practical skills, and securing an internationally recognised qualification, contact:

The Admissions Office, 7 Denny St, Tralee, Co. Kerry. V92 K44T Tel: 066 714 96 96

Killarney Admissions Office, 25 High Street, Killarney, Co. Kerry V93 X529. Tel 064 662 25 93

Info@kerrycollege.ie or visit www.kerrycollege.ie

"There are no fees and all equipment, materials and books are paid for. The realworld training provided on these courses gives learners an opportunity to develop their professional and interpersonal skills"

One College, Three Different Pathways

FURTHER Education colleges are increasingly vocal about what they offer and students, career guidance teachers, the media and wider society are sitting up and taking notice. With the Minister for Higher Education, Simon Harris, stating that there is too much emphasis on traditional educational pathways, attention has turned towards the Further Education sector and what alternatives this has to offer.

Direct access to the jobs market, apprenticeships and pre-university courses are three vastly different and vital pathways for students of all ages, and all three pathways have a proven track record from behind the front door of BFEI.

Pre-University Courses

Take Psychology for example, a degree course that in an Irish University can command upwards of 500 Leaving Certificate points, making it almost unattainable for most students. BFEI have been running a Level 5 course in Psychology for over 15 years and this has facilitated many students to progress on to degree and masters level courses in DCU, UCD, SETU (Southeast Technological University), DLIADT, Maynooth to name but a few.

Two past pupils returned to BFEI recently to share their experiences of moving from Post Leaving Certificate to University:

Aundria Cameron a graduate of BFEI from 2019 has completed her BSc in Psychology from UCD and is currently undertaking a master's in psychology there.

Aundria’s experience was that having attended BFEI provided her with a solid foundation in several key subjects such as statistics and psychology and gave her skills in practical things such as referencing and time management that provided her with a significant advantage over her fellow students.

Aundria is now a teaching assistant and tutor in UCD, works on various projects for Ana Liffey and volunteers in her spare time. She only had positive things to say about her time in BFEI and how it has helped her achieve her goals.

Rebecca Nolan a graduate of 2020 is in her final year of a psychology degree in SETU and has been offered a place in Napier University on their Masters in Forensics programme.

She is also the Chairperson of the Student Affairs Group of the Psychological Society of Ireland, a key role for the inclusion of the next generation of psychologists in the progression of the society at its helm.

Rebecca too sang the praises of the opportunities BFEI offered her when the Leaving Certificate exams did not go as planned – as is the case for many Leaving Certificate students every year. She found the subjects

studied and the chance to network offered by her work experience placement during her time in BFEI, set her on the road to success.

BFEI has worked hard to develop similar access routes for students who wish to gain law degrees. Their Pre-University Law QQI Level 5 course, now in its sixth year, can boast of past pupils taking places in university law courses across the country from TCD to NUIG.

The Pre-University Arts and Social Studies programme aims to do the same for students who wish to become teachers, social workers or NGO employees but missed their CAO target.

These alternatives to the Leaving Certificate/CAO route are a valuable lifeline and pressure release valve for so many students and BFEI has many years' experience in successfully delivering these courses and helping students achieve their goals.

Apprenticeships

BFEI entered the realm of apprenticeships in 2016 with the Accounting Technician Apprenticeship run in conjunction with Accounting Technicians Ireland.

Students will qualify after two years as an Accounting Technician with the opportunity to progress to a Level 9 course with Chartered Accountants Ireland. Students study one day a week in BFEI and work

"These alternatives to the Leaving Certificate/ CAO route are a valuable lifeline and pressure release valve for so many students"

"Direct access to the workplace with courses as diverse as IT, Beauty and Body Therapy, Nails and Lashes and Over the Counter Pharmacy Assistant, has long been a feature of the success of BFEI"

four days a week with employers who have included ESB, Grant Thornton, OSK and Revenue, earning a salary starting at €20,000. The symbiosis between the classroom and the workplace benefits the students greatly and is evident in their satisfaction with this method of learning.

Direct pathway to the workplace

Direct access to the workplace with courses as diverse as IT, Beauty and Body Therapy, Nails and Lashes and Over the Counter Pharmacy Assistant, has long been a feature of the success of BFEI.

The list of household names that have graduated from the beauty courses in BFEI include Suzanne Jackson, Jennifer Rock (The Skin Nerd), Rose Connolly, Michelle Regazzoli (Mrs Makeup) and Caolán Kelly (RTE Glow Up Ireland 2021 contestant).

Not to mention the many students that go directly into salons and pharmacies around the Greater Leinster area and abroad with the confidence of a widely recognised qualification in their chosen field under their belts.

Easy Application

If you wish to apply to any course in BFEI it is as simple as logging on to their website (www.BFEI.ie) and completing a free online application form.

TRAINING Services at Kilkenny and Carlow ETB offer an extensive range of free full time training programmes for young people and adults who wish to develop the skills and competencies that are required for the workplace and/or progression to further education and training opportunities.

All of our courses lead to nationally and internationally industry recognised accreditation. Furthermore, many of our courses lead directly into employment.

Traineeships

A Traineeship is an occupational skills development programme which is designed to provide flexible training solutions to the identified needs of Irish industry and local businesses.

Traineeships gives participants the opportunity to develop cutting edge skills and knowledge on-the-job, making them more skilled, more employable and enhancing their career options and enables employers to access a pipeline of talent and learners.

Traineeships are structured learning programmes which lead to awards at NFQ levels 4-6. They are between 6-20 months in duration and learners will complete at least 30% of learning on the job.

For further information visit www.traineeship.ie

Services at Carlow ETB

Generation Apprenticeships

The SOLAS Standards Based Apprenticeship is a system of employment focused training and education which enables an individual to obtain the knowledge, skills and competencies required to perform effectively as a craft person in industry.

It also enables the individual to progress through further education and training within the national framework of qualifications leading to a QQI level 6 Advanced Craft Certificate.

Apprenticeship has long been an accelerator for individual and corporate development in Ireland. Generation Apprenticeship is a major expansion project to more than double the number of learners of all ages and backgrounds taking the apprenticeship route.

This promises to be a huge source of inspiration in opening apprenticeship into a full range of twenty-first century industries and skill sets.

SOLAS has the responsibility for promoting and overseeing the training and education of all the apprentices in the current 27 designated crafts.

A national standard is delivered for each craft based on the occupational analysis of that craft, written as key learning outcomes and structured in modular format.

New Apprenticeships will combine practical on-the-job learning in com-

"All of our courses lead to nationally and internationally industry recognised accreditation. Furthermore, many of our courses lead directly into employment"

The 26 designated crafts are as follows:

• Agricultural Mechanics *

• Aircraft Mechanics *

• Brick and Stonelaying

• Carpentry & Joinery

• Construction Plant Fitting *

• Electrical *

• Electrical Instrumentation *

• Electronic Security Systems *

• Farriery

• Heavy Vehicle Mechanics *

• Industrial Insulation

• Instrumentation *

• Metal Fabrication

• Motor Mechanics*

• Painting & Decorating *

• Pipefitting

• Plastering

• Plumbing *

• Print Media *

• Refrigeration & Air Conditioning *

• Stonecutting & Stonemasonry

• Sheet Metalworking

• Toolmaking

• Vehicle Body Repairs *

• Wood Manufacturing and Finishing

• Mechanical Automation and Maintenance - MAMF *

* A person wishing to become an apprentice in one of the trades marked * must pass a colour–vision test approved by SOLAS.

In Training Services we run traineeships in the following areas

Culinary Skills

Engineering Hospitality

panies, with off-the-job training, which will be delivered by the ETBs and/ or recognised training and education providers. This will allow Apprentices to develop technical knowledge through formal qualifications, as well as key workplace skills and competencies through experiential learning.

The programmes lead to QQI awards from level 5 to 9 on the NFQ. The duration of these apprenticeships range from two to four years, depending on the chosen field of learning and the degree of difficulty involved in meeting the learning outcomes for the particular apprenticeship programme.

Community Training

The community Training centres (CTC’s) provide training to early school leavers aged between 16 and 21 years, who are most in need of basic vocational training. This training provision is divided between in centre learning and linked work experience. Courses lead to Major awards at QQI Level 3 and 4 or VTCT awards.

New Apprenticeships are currently available and are being developed in conjunction with SOLAS and lead industrial consortia across a wide range of industries and sectors, some of which include:

• Accounting Technician, Level 6

• Industrial Electrical Engineer, Level 7

• Commis Chef, Levels 6

• Financial Services, Levels 6-8

• Insurance Practitioner, Level 8

• Manufacturing Engineer, Level 7

• Polymer Processing Technologist, Level 7

• Manufacturing Technician, Level 7

• ICT Network Engineer, Level 6

• ICT Software Developer, Level 6

Our Contact Details: Office: Training Services, Kilkenny and Carlow ETB, Unit 4 Danville Business Park, Kilkenny. Tel: 056 7813014

www.kcetbtraining.ie Training Centre: Unit K, IDA Business Park, Purcellsinch, Dublin Road, Kilkenny. Tel: 056 789456

Healthcare Assistant Office Administration

Professional Bus and Coach Driving

Professional HGV Driving traineeship

Van Delivery Driver

A number of Kilkenny and Carlow ETB Further Education and Training programmes are co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union.

Provision co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union

Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Business

and Irish

New Programme

• Joint collaboration between St. Angela’s College and ATU

• Pathway to becoming a secondary school teacher of business and Irish

• A two-discipline degree that creates unique graduates who are in high demand

• Excellent career and further study opportunities

• Gaeltacht based and Irish medium work placements

• Microsoft and Google Analytics accreditation

• Real-life projects in collaboration with industry experts

• Regular guest speakers and business insight trips

Programme Title: BA (Hons) in Business and Irish

CAO Code: AU906

NFQ Level: 8 Campus: ATU Sligo

ATU St. Angela’s

Duration: 3 Years

27,200 home energy upgrades through SEAI in 2022

THERE were 27,200 home energy upgrades supported SEAI grant schemes in 2022 according to a recently published report.

Among the key insights in the report are:

■ 27,199 property upgrades were completed in 2022, up almost 80%

■ Of these upgrades, 4.438 were fully funded upgrades for low-income households, up 85% year on year.

■ 437 Approved Housing Body homes were supported under the One-Stop-Shop Scheme and an additional 95 low-income houses were supported under the Community Energy Grants Scheme.

■ Roof and cavity wall insulation measures, the simplest thing you can do to maintain heat in your home,

grew by 107% between 2021 and 2022

■ The number of homes upgraded to a BER B2 almost doubled, to 8,481

■ SEAI processed more than 50,000 grant applications

■ SEAI registered 12 One Stop Shop service providers

■ Capital expenditure on retrofit was €188 million in 2022, up 90% on 2021

■ 40.27kt CO2 emissions savings in 2022, up more than 80% on 2021

South West College granted £23k to tackle marine litter in Lough Erne And Strule River

SOUTH West College in Fermanagh and Tyrone has been awarded £23,000 as part of Live Here Love Here’s Marine Litter Capital Grants Scheme, where organisations, community groups and businesses across Northern Ireland can benefit from funding to help protect local waterways and marine areas.

The scheme made £198,000 available to purchase equipment and machinery that will aim to prevent litter entering the marine environment as well as remove litter from coastal and riverine areas. The grant money allocated will help preserve aquatic spaces, improve marine biodiversity and the health and wellbeing

of coastal communities.

Supriya Foster, Sustainability Officer at South West College, said: “We plan to use the money to raise awareness of and combat plastic pollution in line with our commitment to the UN Sustainability Goals. This will be actioned by series of workshops, an awareness campaign and recycling centres introduced across all 5 campuses.

"We will also be adding over 80 new outdoor recycle points across our campuses. South West College is in a unique position to make a discernible difference in the fight against plastic pollution, being adjacent to both Lough Erne and Strule River.

The ISPCC Shield Programme provides a range of resources, giving children and young people the necessary coping skills to deal with and protect themselves from bullying.

The ISPCC Shield Programme

42% of Irish electricity in February came from Irish wind farms

IRISH wind farms providing 42 per cent of the Ireland’s electricity, slightly more than in January but down on the record-breaking performance in February 2022, according to Wind Energy Ireland. Driven by wind’s strong performance average prices on the wholesale electricity market fell to their lowest point since November 2022.

Noel Cunniffe, CEO of Wind Energy Ireland, said: “Irish wind farms provided nearly half the country’s electricity in the first two months of the year. Every unit of power they produce pushes fossil fuels off the electricity system, helping to cut our carbon emissions and to insulate families and businesses from the worst effects of the energy price crisis.

“We expect to see significant progress this year with new wind farms connecting to the grid, solar projects coming on stream and the first offshore wind projects applying for planning permission.

“But it is Ireland’s planning system that remains the main barrier to the rapid development of renewable energy in this country. Projects are queued up in An Bord Pleanála with very few signs of progress or improvement. We cannot build renewable energy and reinforce our electricity grid with a planning system that is fundamentally broken.

“The reforms the Government is bringing forward to the planning system can certainly help but the key issue of under-resourcing is going to remain. There simply are not enough people with the right skills in agencies like An Bord Pleanála and the National Parks & Wildlife Service.”

Supergrid – Super Solution

By Eddie O’Connor, Kevin O’Sullivan

AS we live through the throes of an energy crisis this timely book sets out how electricity can finally get the world off fossil fuels, and accelerate moves to a zero-carbon world. The essential element in this transformation is setting up a supergrid to transmit vast amounts of power quickly to where it’s most needed.

Supergrid – Super Solution sets out how this can be done in the European context, with Ireland playing a lead role through deployment of its vast offshore wind resources. This is in a new energy supply system delivering consistently cheaper power, all made possible by using ‘superconductor’ technology. The plan involves the creation of an energy revolution using superconductor cables to deliver electricity from offshore wind and solar to areas of peak demand at the heart of Europe through rollout of the supergrid - by deploying already proven technology. Orpen Press • Around €20

Flann O'Brien: Acting out

By Paul Fagan and Dieter Fuchs

FLANN O’Brien: Acting out is the first fulllength study to comprehensively address the themes of performance, masking and illusion in the author’s fiction, columns, correspondence and scripts.

These essays reveal, for the first time, the fullness of O’Brien’s literary engagements with diverse theatrical movements (melodrama, revivalism, tableaux vivant, Grand Guignol, modernist anti-theatre) and playwrights (Shakespeare, Goethe, Boucicault, Synge, Yeats).

The book draws attention to the author’s critically neglected writing for stage and screen. These scripts are here reevaluated against their historical contexts and through their thematics of war, nationalism, gender, nonhuman bodies and posthuman identity. UCD Press • Around €30

Enduring RuinEnvironmental Destruction during the Irish Revolution

By Turlough O'Riordan, Terry Clavin

THE Irish Revolution inflicted unprecedented damage to built-up and natural landscapes between 1916 and 1923. Destruction transcended national and ideological divisions and remained a fixture within Irish urban and rural landscapes years after independence, presenting an Ireland politically transformed yet physically disfigured.

Enduring Ruin: Environmental Destruction during the Irish Revolution examines how and to what degree revolutionary activity degraded, damaged and destroyed Ireland's landscapes. This book represents the first environmental history of the revolutionary period and in doing so incorporates the roles animals, earth, water, trees, weather, and man-made infrastructure played in directing and absorbing revolutionary violence. This book re-evaluates interpretations and pioneers a new phase in the study of the Irish Revolution

UCD Press • Around €3 0

Let the Hare Sit / Lig don nGiorria Suí

By Ceaití Ní Bheildiúin

LET the Hare Sit / Lig don nGiorria Suí is a significant event in Irish poetry publishing – the first extended selection of poems by Ceaití Ní Bheildiúin in a dual-language format. A summary of a journey to date, the book is also an opportunity for those with less than fluent Irish to approach the original poems in the company of their English translations.

Much-admired as “one of the most innovative and interesting voices in contemporary Irish language poetry” (Doireann Ní Ghríofa), Ní Bheildiúin is the author of a rich, myth-informed, yet entirely earthed body of work in which she can describe a school of beached whales as “huge, songless shapes” .

Dedalus Press • €12.50 – €20.00

Abandoned Ireland By Rebecca Brownlie Patrick: From Patron Saint to Modern Influencer

By Alannah Hopkin

ST PATRICK is one of the most famous saints of all time. Thousands of people with no direct Irish connection celebrate St Patrick’s Day, parading along the streets of New York, Boston, Chicago, San Antonio, Texas and Sydney, where St Patrick’s Day is a national holiday. These celebrations are the latest version of the cult of St Patrick, which has persisted in different forms since his death on 17 March, 462AD.

First published in 1989 in the UK and USA, this fully updated edition features new photographs and illustrations and will be an indispensable companion for anyone seeking to understand the role of St Patrick in forging modern Irish identity

New Island Books • Around €25

ABANDONED Ireland travels the length and breadth of the island of Ireland visiting and documenting our forgotten buildings, highlighting their social importance, and bringing their stories back to life through the medium of photography.

From Big Houses to humble cottages, schools to prisons, churches to dance halls, these buildings may now be abandoned, but they are far from empty. As a photographer, Brownlie’s instincts are remarkable. In the seemingly ruined and mundane she finds diamonds in the rough; her images of the ordinary ephemera of past lives – dusty love letters, rusting spectacles, photographs yellowed and curled with age – paint the pictures of real people and full lives. Rebecca Brownlie’s photography reverberates with the echoes of our ancestors.

Irish Academic Press • Around €28

Post Graduate Diploma in School Leadership

Dioplóma Gairmiúil i Gceannaireacht Scoile

Robust mix of academic and practical approaches to learning

18 months of part-time blended learning

Progress your career in primary or post primary setting

Applications

Open to primary and post primary teachers with 5 years post qualification experience

Funding

Part funded by the Department of Education and Centre for School Leadership

Contact: PDSL@ul.ie / www.ul.ie/pdsl

Locations

The programme is delivered nationally. Please check our website for centre locations