Transforming Higher Education

Conference Explores Reimagined Approach to Education for Upskilling

The University of Limerick's UL@Work initiative held a twoday conference that focused on innovation in Higher Education and the benefits of fostering collaboration between education and industry for upskilling.

With a growing momentum towards lifelong learning across Europe, the UL@Work Human Capital Initiative conference titled 'Transforming Higher Education' explored why a flexible and agile approach to education should be more prevalent in Ireland. Discussion and debate were formed around how the industry needs upskilled employees, particularly in areas such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Information and Communications Technology (ICT), Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM), Leadership and Communications. transformation from traditional to block teaching and the benefits that this delivered to both students and the university. During the afternoon, a series of topics were explored, including Digital Skills, Microcredentials, Bespoke Upskilling, Dual Education, and the future of Higher Education for upskilling in industry.

UL@Work is funded by the Human Capital Initiative (HCI). It offers a suite of digital-led programmes co-designed with industry, enabling upskilling and reskilling through combining education and work in data analytics, critical thinking and problem-solving, ICT, industry 4.0, robotics, digital leadership, law and technology and future studies. Enrolment for Spring courses beginning in January 2023 is underway.

In closing the conference, Professor Ann Ledwith, Executive Dean of Graduate & Professional Studies, University of Limerick, thanked all contributions and offered a summation of the key inputs. She said: "We've got to move beyond 'how I was taught; we've to start doing things we've never done before and being more innovative. There is no 'one size fits all; no one model will work for everyone. We need to be willing to take risks within the context of Higher Education, and the Human Capital Initiative (HCI) allows us to take risks. We need to recognise and sustain what we do very well. Look back, protect it, and bring it forward.’’

The conference featured a presentation by Professor Ian Solomonides, former Deputy Vice-Chancellor at Victoria University, Melbourne, describing how he led the For more information, go to ul.ie/gps/ulwork

Cpl’s aim is to transform each client's business through a range of talent solutions while positively impacting the communities we work in and the lives of the people we work with. As Ireland’s number one recruitment agency, Cpl has over 30 years of experience in o ering the best talent solutions possible for our clients and candidates.

Existing customers are retained & new customers are attracted by our ability to supply talent sourced locally, nationally and internationally.

In addition, Cpl’s Future of Work Institute is our consultancy business that explores, questions and designs future work solutions with our clients, partners and collaborators. We conduct research, workshops events and deliver key insight projects with our clients.

By delivering tailored talent solutions Cpl is passionate that Limerick continues to thrive and further enhances it’s reputation as a rst class location for inward investment.

if you are an employer or a jobseeker looking for advice on jobs, or seeking talent for your business, please contact Siobhan Ryan: siobhan.ryan@cpl.ie or Graham Burns: graham.burns@cpl.ie for a con dential discussion.

Cpl Limerick - 10/11 Steamboat Quay, Dock Road, Limerick, V94 V1KX Ph: 061 221701 • E: limerickjobs@cpl.ie

FCFS