IT Tralee secures half a million in national bid for up-skilling opportunities

The Institute of Technology, Tralee has recently been allocated €500,000 to deliver a range minor and special purpose award programmes which will commence in September 2010.

Nationally, 26 organisations were allocated funds, by the Department of Education and Skills under the Labour Market Activation Initiative (LMA), with IT, Tralee ranked second in the bidding process.

Targeted at those currently unemployed, the programmes on offer by the ITT are focused on developing skills in the priority areas identified in the government report “Building Irelands Smart Economy”.

An information evening where further details on the programmes on offer will be held at the Institute of Technology, Tralee North Campus on Wednesday, September 1st and the Killarney Regional Learning Centre on Thursday, September 2nd Both information evenings will take place from 6.30pm - 8.30pm.
Commencing during the week of September 13th, programmes will be delivered at Level 6, Level 7 or Level 8 on the National Qualifications Framework in the areas of Business Management, Entrepreneurship, Professional Cookery, Renewable Energy, Building Insulation Applications, Energy Management; Computing and Information Technology Support. 

 Eligible applicants will be given the opportunity to study without paying fees and will also maintain their social welfare entitlements. Participants must be in receipt of unemployment payment for a period of a least three consecutive months, or equivalent thereof before joining the programmes. Successful applicants for these programmes will also be provided with a comprehensive Orientation Programme which includes Study Skills and Exam Preparation Workshops.

Programmes will be offered in both Tralee and Killarney and all courses have progression opportunities to degree programmes at the IT, Tralee.
Dr. Oliver Murphy, College Registrar welcomed the allocation of funding, outlining that all programmes at the Institute are designed and delivered in collaboration with industry, ensuring that those who graduate are equipped with the necessary skills-set for successful long-term employment. “The funds secured under the LMA provide applicants with the financial supports necessary to enable them to pursue a third level course, secure in the knowledge that the courses on offer are in-line with industry needs.” 

Dr. Murphy also acknowledged the input from staff at the IT, Tralee¸ Department of Education and Skills and Social Welfare in the rollout of the programmes.

The closing date for applications is 12 Noon, Friday, September 3rd. For further information please contact the Lifelong Learning Department telephone: 066 7191701. Application form and prospectus are available to download from www.ittralee.ie/parttimeprogrammes/lma

Since engaging with the LMA programme in January 2008, the IT Tralee has received almost €800,000 and to date have upskilled 231 students based in Kerry and the south-west region.