Education Magazine

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A Global Success Story

Engineering and Innovation at Munster Technological University The Army Engineer Graduate Programme | Careers Montessori & Dementia Care | Apprenticeships Following an immunologist's dreams | Blackrock FEI Socio-economic profile of Ireland's students | News | Reviews

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2 Education

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Education Editor Niall Gormley Production Michael Farrell Publishers Ard Education Ltd. Tel: 01-8329246 Email: education@clubi.ie www.educationmagazine.ie Design Real Issues 086-8986827 Printers GPS Colour Graphics Ltd. ©2021. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.

ISSN 0791-6161

Read the Education Magazine replica edition online

4 News: Education snapshot shows changes in the system over the past five years 5 News: Mixed reaction to patronage decisions for four new schools; €31m for summer works scheme in 2021 7 News: Numbers using DARE and HEAR increase 9 Montessori for adults with dementia at St. Nicholas Montessori 10 News: Maths guide for National School and Junior Cycle Parents; New council Chair for Griffith College 11 FEATURE: The Choose Tech Programme at FIT

36 The accessible library you have never heard of... at NCBI 38 Launch your beauty career at Blackrock Further Education Institute 40 University Learning in the North West at St. Angela's College 42 Record graduate success for Dunboyne College 45-54 COVER STORY: A Global Success Story - Engineering and Innovation at Munster Technological University

16 FEATURE: Army Engineer Graduate Programme

56 Want to go to college? Not enough points? Sorted...come to DFEi

21 News: UCC appoints its first female Head of the College of Science, Engineering and Food Science; Oral Irish lessons on zoom for primary school children

58 A broad range of further education opportunities at Crumlin College

22 FEATURE: Following an immunologist's dream to use the immune system to cure cancer

62 Sallynoggin College students are looking forward to a bright future

27 Study History & Geography in GMIT 28 Part-time Study Options at NUI Galway 30 FEATURE: A Socio-Economy of Ireland's Third Level students

At the time of press information in Education is believed to be accurate and authoritative. However, some information may change due to circumstances beyond our control. Acceptance of advertisements, does not constitute an endorsement of products or services by the publishers.

35 News: DCU expert says Irish is no more difficult than any other language; New pregnancy healthy eating app backed by UCD clinical research

15 News: New measures to tackle educational disadvantage; Universities report €102 million loss in past academic year

24 See your career going places with the ESB Networks Apprenticeship Programme

www.educationmagazine.ie

33 News: Trinity research suggests that post lockdown transport may change; National Gender Equality Dashboard for HEIs launched

60 The Pathway to YOUR Future at Liberties College

65 Inchicore College - your future starts here 66 Training Services at Kilkenny and Carlow ETB 69 News: Ineffective age controls putting children at risk on social media; Ireland’s first free voluntary tax clinic arrives in NUI Galway 70 Reviews - recently published books

Cover Picture - A Global Success Story - Engineering and Innovation at Munster Technological University Cathal Merz, Master of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering, Munster Technological University, whose project on “Test Method Development for Evaluation of Process and Design Effect on Reinforced Tube”, carried out under

the supervision of Dr. Gareth O’Donnell and Professor Ger Kelly, won Best Presentation Award at the ICBBBS 2020 Barcelona International Conference on Biotechnology, Bioengineering and Biological Solutions

Education 3

NEWS ................................................................................................................................

Education snapshot shows changes in the system over the past five years EDUCATION Indicators 2020, a special report which sets out to provide a comprehensive set of educational indicators for the education system in Ireland.

The data in the report cover all levels of education, starting with early years and working through school education, further and higher education through to lifelong learning.

This updated indicators report provides data up to and including the academic year 2019-2020 (where possible) as well as a look back at how our education system has progressed over the five years 2015-2019.

Some notable findings from the report at school level include : • There were 567,716 children in primary school and a further 371,450 in secondary school, between them being

taught by 66,932 teachers.

• The average pupils per teacher in primary school stood at 15.0 while in secondary school it was 12.8 • The number of children in special classes in mainstream primary schools continues to rise and stood at 6,822 in 2019, up from 4,355 in 2015 and there were 13,530 special education teachers and 15,799 SNAs. • The number of multi-denominational primary schools continues to rise and stood at 153 in 2019, up from 120 five years earlier.

• The percentage of pupils taking the Leaving Certificate established programme continues to rise and stood at 70.0% in 2019, up from 66.9% in 2015.

• The retention rate to the Leaving Certificate for the 2013 entry cohort (sat LC in 2018 or 2019) stood at 91.2 per cent, compared with 91.5 per cent for the 2012 cohort.

For further and higher education, some key statistics contained in the report include: ■ There were 211,274 graduates across all levels of the National Framework of Qualifications levels in 2018.

■ 69,726 graduates received an award at Honours Degree level (NFQ Level 8) or higher in 2018.

■ Part-time and remote study is rising steadily with part-time rising from 37,000 in 2015 to 43,000 in 2018.

■ The number of students studying on a part-time or flexible basis, including remote learning, has increased from 48,068 in 2017 to 52,236 in 2018.

■ Numbers taking up apprenticeships rising strongly, up from 8,317 in 2015 to 17,829 in 2019.

■ Number of post-grad researchers has risen from 9,773 in 2015 to 10,065 in 2018 and women account for just over half of full-time PhD students.

Do you have your vaccine records?

Did you know some college courses or employers will ask for a copy of your vaccination records before you start your course or employment?

Vaccines given as part of the national immunisation programmes will be held in HSE local immunisation offices. Their contact details can be found here http://bit.ly/VaccRecds The office will let you know what details they need to process your request. It can take up to 6 weeks to process your request.

Ask for a copy of your records now and keep them in a safe place.

www.immunisation.ie 4 Education

................................................................................................................................ NEWS

Mixed reaction to patronage decisions for four new schools THE Government recently announced the patronage of the four new post-primary schools to be established in 2021 in Meath, Dublin, Cork and Wexford.

Two schools, in Booterstown_Blackrock and Dún Laoghaire, and Gorey, patronage was awarded to Educate Together. In Dunshaughlin patronage went to the Louth and Meath Education and Training Board.

Finally, in Carrigaline patronage was awarded to the Le Chéile Schools Trust which is a Catholic trust.

Welcoming the announcement Educate Together, CEO, Dr Emer Nowlan said: “The results of these two patronage selection processes have again demonstrated the huge demand for equality-based education that exists in communities all over the country. We are pleased that these announcements enable us to respond to this demand in Dublin and Wexford.

All four new schools will be English language, with the option of an Aonad Irish speaking unit to be included at Dunshaughlin.

Bláthnaid ní Ghréacháin, CEO of Gaeloideachas said:“We are very disappointed on behalf of the pupils who won’t have the opportunity to continue their Irish-medium education from primary to post-primary level. This is a great disappointment.

"Furthermore, included in the announcement was the suggestion that the Aonad model (Irish unit in an English-medium school) may be considered in the future in one or two of the schools. This is not a satisfactory solution to a request for Irishmedium education."

Minister for Education Norma Foley pointed out that the decisions followed the recommendations of the New Schools Establishment Group (NSEG), an independent advisory group. The NSEG issued a report based on the requirements for each area and on parental surveys.

The four new schools will have capacity to cater for more than 2,700 post-primary students when fully developed and are due to open in September 2021.

€31m for summer works scheme in 2021 THE government has announced the approval of 275 projects to be delivered under the 2021 Summer Works Scheme at a cost of just over €31 million.

The upgrade of toilet and other sanitary facilities is being brought forward for delivery as part of the 2021 Summer Works Scheme. These 122 projects are in Category 6 of the multi-annual scheme and are being approved for delivery along with Category 2 roof upgrade/replacement projects for 153 primary schools.

Education Minister Norma Foley said: “Projects approved under the Summer Works Scheme are in addition to the €160m minor works funding already provided, which is particularly important in helping schools to manage and operate in a Covid environment."

All schools approved for the 2021 Summer Works Scheme are being notified by the Department of the next steps involved in the delivery of their projects.

Education 5

6 Education

................................................................................................................................ NEWS

Numbers using DARE and HEAR increase Figure 1: DARE Applications 2010-2020

THE DARE and HEAR Annual Report for 2020 shows that almost 6000 DARE Applications 2010-2020 one in five students who applied to the CAO were assessed for DARE and/or HEAR eligibility with 11,576 Higher Educations 4000 places offered made to these applicants.

2000 Disability Access Route to Education (DARE) and Higher Education Access Route (HEAR) are higher education admissions 0 schemes which aim to achieve equality of access by providing 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 reduced points places to school leavers.

When compared to figures in 2019, the following key findings Eligible Ineligible Total applications assessed emerged in the 2020 report: 28% increase in offers to applicants Figure 2: HEAR Applications 2010-2020 eligible for DARE; 14% increase in offers to applicants eligible for 8000 HEAR Applications 2010-2020 HEAR; 22% increase in DARE eligible applicants accepting offers; In 2020, 4012 individual applicants to DARE received an offer of a place in higher education (representing a 15% increase in HEAR eligible applicants accepting offers.

6000 27.6% increase on the number of offers made in 2019) with 3146 accepting their offer.

Commenting on the report, its author, Colm Downes, Access 4000 Manager at the Irish Universities Association said: “Considering the impact that COVID-19 had on Leaving Cert studentsLike in 2020, other CAO applicants, those applying to DARE can receive two offers (one at Level 8 and one at Level 6/7).

2000 we are delighted to have been able to increase the number In 2020, of the total number of offers to DARE eligible students was 6132. 1738 reduced points offers were made 0 DARE and HEAR applicants accepting reduced points offers to DAREfor applicants, while2010 an additional 43942013 eligible DARE2015 applicants achieved or above the points 2011 2012 2014 2016 already 2017 2018 2019on2020 Higher Education this year. With these schemes now available required at for their preferred course. For those applicants receiving a reduced points CAO offer, this offer was 25 HEIs we are seeing a positive impact across the country”.

Eligible Ineligible Total applications assessed either for a course higher on their list of CAO preferences than their points would normally permit, or where they would not have received any offer at all.

In 2020, 3548 individual applicants to HEAR received an offer of a place in higher education (representing a 13.6% increase on the number of offers made in 2019), with 2933 accepting their offer.

HEAR

It is important to note that applicants to HEAR (like other CAO applicants) can receive an offer at both Level 8 and Level 6/7. In 2020, the total number of these offers to HEAR eligible applicants was 5444. 1579 reducedHigher who Education Access Route (HEAR) is a requirements third level admissions points offers were made to HEAR eligibleThe applicants had not met the normal points for thei scheme which offers places on reduced points and extra college preferred course, while 3865 additional offers were made to those HEAR eligible applicants who achieved on support to school leavers from socio-economically disadvantaged or above the points required). Applicants receiving a reduced points CAO offer either received an offer for a backgrounds. In order to be eligible for HEAR applicants must fulfil course which was higher in their CAO choices or would not otherwise have received any offer.

the following criteria:

Prioritisation

Our research has identified that two particular groups of students face the greatest obstacles when it comes to progression Eligibility to higherIndicators education: 1. Income a) students with disabilities who are also from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds; 2. Medical Cards b) students with physical disabilities and sensory (blind/vision impaired or deaf/hard of hearing) disabilities 3. Means-Tested Social Welfare Payment

=

4. Socio-Economic Group 5. School In order to increase the opportunities for these students in higher education, colleges participating in DARE 6. Area

and HEAR have agreed to prioritise these groups under the schemes. In 2020, the number of applicants eligible for both DARE and HEAR increased to 384 which represents a 28.4% increase from 2019.

HEAR Applications, Offer and Acceptances 2020

Key DARE and HEAR Statistics 2020

In 2020, 61% of HEAR applicants met the eligibility criteria, compared to 54% in 2010. This higher eligibility

• 28% increase in the number of offers to applicants who were eligible for DARE, compared to 2019 rate is the result of improved communications to students, parents/guardians and schools as well as user• 14% increase in the number of offers to applicants who were eligible for HEAR, compared to 2019 developments the HEAR application •friendly 22% increase in the in number of DARE eligibleprocesses. applicants accepting offers, compared to 2019 (3146 in 2020, compared to 2578 in 2019) is increase the only in higher education admissions route that seeks to offeroffers, students in the care of the stateinthe •HEAR 15% the number of HEAR eligible applicants accepting compared to 2019 (2933 2020, comparedtotogain 2557 in 2019) opportunity access to third-level. In 2020, 190 such applicants were eligible for the scheme constituting •a 34% 9.2% of all offers to CAO applicants (under 23 with a current Leaving Certificate) were to DARE eligible increase on 2019. applicants (compared to 7.8% in 2019) • 8.2% of all offers to CAO applicants (under 23 with a current Leaving Certificate) were to HEAR eligible applicants (compared to 7.8% in 2019) • 9% of all CAO offers accepted (under 23 with a current Leaving Certificate) were to DARE eligible applicants 2 (compared to 7.9% in 2019) • 8.4% of all CAO offers accepted (under 23 with a current Leaving Certificate) were to HEAR eligible applicants (compared to 7.9% in 2019)

Education 7

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www.smsi.ie 8 Education

MONTESSORI FOR AGEING & DEMENTIA

Create an environment of joy & purpose, where older adults can flourish.

Montessori and Dementia FOR the past 50 years, St Nicholas Montessori Society has been training and equipping Montessori professionals in Ireland with the hopes of bringing professionalisation to the early years sector and transforming education in the Primary education sector and beyond.

Now, SMSI is expanding the scope of Montessori to encompass all ages, through the new groundbreaking QQI accredited Level 6 Special Purpose Award in Montessori Education for Dementia.

In an interview with Programme Director and Montessori Dementia expert, Jennifer Brush, we learned more about this transformative programme.

Why Montessori?

Montessori is based on the principles of free choice and purposeful activity. In a Montessori community for elders, individuals with a wide range of abilities work both individually and collaboratively on an array of activities from which they are free to choose, explore, and discover (Brush, Douglas, and Bourgeois).

Montessori for adults with dementia, how?

Montessori Education for Dementia respects the older person and enables them to continue to make contributions to the community in whatever way possible, encourages caregivers to make observations in order to learn about the person, encourages independence in a specially prepared environment, provides meaningful engagement for older adults, and reminds us that learning and engagement can occur at any age. This is a life changing approach to dementia care.

The Montessori philosophy encourages and incorporates the prepared environment, freedom of movement, hands-on activities, intrinsic motivation, concentration, independence, and mixed abilities.

This philosophy allows for a sense of individuality and joy within the individual. Older adults and children alike can utilise these attributes and flourish in their lives.

It is at this intersection that SMSI is offering its unique expertise in the creation and delivery of one of the world’s only Montessori Education for Dementia programme.

About the programme SMSI is offering the standalone introductory ONLINE workshop and/or a 6 month ONLINE programme.

This programme provides a powerful approach to care that will change perspectives on dementia care. Students will learn how to create a dementia friendly physical and social environment that supports people with cognitive impairment to participate in meaningful activities that match their cognitive skills, interests and abilities.

Students will also develop an understanding about memory loss, learning, and attention in order to best communicate with individuals living with dementia. The programme will provide the tools care providers need to cope with the challenges of dementia care in order to create an environment where everyone wants to live and work.

"The programme will provide the tools care providers need to cope with the challenges of dementia care in order to create an environment where everyone wants to live and work"

For more information, please visit SMSI at: www.smsi.ie/dementia/ www.smsi.ie/all-courses/apply/ Education 9

................................................................................................................................ NEWS

Maths guide for National School New council Chair for Griffith College and Junior Cycle Parents

THE book "Maths Homework Guide for Parents" is designed for parents to help their children with Maths Homework. The book shows all the different approaches that are currently used in school. It contains clear diagrams and easy-to-follow step-bystep instructions.

Parents acknowledge that they find it difficult to keep up with the maths’ concepts and strategies that their children are doing for homework. Even the steps required for subtraction and division which are currently being taught are different from the steps that parents followed in school. Terms like 'borrowing' and 'paying back' are no longer used.

Children say their parents often confuse them when trying to help them with homework, because they use different methods from the current teaching methods.

This booklet is designed for the

10 Education

revised Junior Certificate syllabus Project Maths.

The guide explains the following: • Addition, subtraction, multiplication and long division • Natural Numbers and Integers • Fractions and Decimals • Percentages • Algebra • Perimeter, Area and Geometry Coordinates • Ratio and Proportion • Sets and Venn Diagrams • Probability The final chapter outlines study and exam techniques for students.

The book was developed in conjunction with third level lecturers and the company Study Focus Limited.

Study Focus have been teaching study skills and exam techniques in secondary schools throughout Ireland for 15 years and have presented workshops showing parents how to help with homework.

Email mathsguideforparents@gmail.com for more informtion.

Dr ANNIE DOONA has been appointed chairperson of Griffith College’s Academic and Professional Council (APC). The APC is the institution’s highest academic body, overseeing programme development and quality assurance practices.

Dr Annie Doona is Emeritus President of the Institute of Art, Design and Technology. She has been involved in developing national strategies for further and higher education in the UK and Ireland, with extensive experience in strategy development, educational leadership, curriculum design and delivery, equality and diversity. Dr Doona has been a member and chair of quality review panels, validation panels, programmatic and institutional reviews in the UK, Ireland and Europe.

Dr Doona is currently Chair of Screen Ireland. She is a member of the Institute of Directors, Women in Film and Television Ireland and the European Women Rectors Association.

Tomorrow’s IT Professionals

CHOOSE TECH

The ‘Choose Tech’ Programme ICT is an exciting, well paid and varied career which offers fantastic opportunities for travel, lifelong learning and has a positive impact on the world. From artificial intelligence, smartphones, the internet, digital media to virtual reality use in student medicine, IT touches every aspect of our lives. For some time, Ireland has enjoyed the reputation as being at the heart of ICT in Europe. The average ICT salary is approximately €61,000 per annum, with wages for full

time workers in growth sectors surging ahead at three times other wage groups (CSO 2020).

The Why?

What is the ‘Choose Tech’ Programme about?

1. A lack of knowledge by young people & educators around alternative pathways into tech including the ICT Associate Apprenticeship pathways. The need to increase awareness around the types & availability of tech roles available, along with the opportunities and obstacles that exist for young people seeking a future in technology.

The ‘Choose Tech’ programme is a new project in association with Salesforce to increase access and inclusion within the ICT industry & to highlight to young people at an earlier juncture than ever before the exciting & varied careers that are available in Ireland to them and how to get started on their tech journey.

2. As Ireland’s economy, at national and regional levels, is increasingly transformed by digital technologies over the coming years, it is crucial that tech skills provisioning is more aligned and effective in enabling job seekers to meet the requirements of a rapidly changing labour market. This involves schools particularly during the senior cycle of secondary & upwards: what is taught and how it is taught and the cognitive and noncognitive achievements that are fostered at each level of the system (FIT 2018 ICT Audit).

3. Experience from FIT’s pre-apprenticeship, piloted with the support of Salesforce, showed that if given the tools and support at the appropriate and an earlier juncture than existing methodology, candidates from disadvantaged areas can access tech apprenticeship opportunities and develop skills and experiences highly valued by their employers. They are successful if they can express themselves well, demonstrate confidence and show a passion for the technology area they crave to work in. However, engaging them only once they have dropped out of or finished school has been challenging.

4. High competition from more qualified candidates with third level degrees and higher than expected uptake of apprenticeship routes by more privileged young people has made it harder for young people from socio disadvantaged areas to enter successfully.

90% of those who continue onto third level come from middle to high income families whereas just over 10% come from socio-economically disadvantaged areas.

However, despite all this one in every two jobs is filled by candidates from abroad. Furthermore, Ireland’s digital workforce suffers from structural under-representation of people from socio-economically disadvantaged households and women (e-Skills for diversity, 2019).

The project aims to give young people (15 – 20yr olds) a broader, tangible and defined roadmap to follow by linking the skills learned or developed in the ‘Choose Tech’ programme & apprenticeship route to real tech jobs.

DEIS schools 15-18 year olds

Youthreach

15-20 year olds

Dublin

2 year pilot

The programme focuses on two main aspects: •

Young People - Getting young people involved in technology at much earlier stage by introducing them to bitesize digital learning activities and a micro-credential certification pathway. The aim is that young people can learn new or develop existing digital skills and earn digital badges whilst simultaneously benefiting from interaction with tech company professionals through ‘near peer’ engagements.

Micro-credentials offer flexible learning.

•

Educators and Leaders - Giving the educators/youth leaders the opportunity to be more familiar with the tech roles available in Ireland, the various pathways and the obstacles & opportunities that exist for young people seeking a tech career in the future.

• Fun bite-sized modules

Supported by:

• Learn it, earn it, share it

• Versatile flexible learning

• Meet tech professionals

• Build a digital portfolio

Education 11

Learn new skills for a digital worldfor free

Badges

What are micro-credentials?

Micro-credentials are a digital form of certification (also known as digital badges) indicating demonstrated competency in a specific skill (or set of skills) and acquisition of specific knowledge.

Badges are visual representations of a skill or achievement

For more information: www.fit.ie/resources/choosetech

How do digital badges work?

• Digital badges in education and employment allow educators & employers to appreciate students for their achievements.

• When an employer/recruiter clicks on a badge or on a digital profile they can immediately see all the activities that went into earning that skill.

• These achievements could be related to anything including learning, positive behaviour, efforts, skills, and so on.

• With digital badges learners can easily receive, save and organise their badges into an online CV or a live digital portfolio/URL.

Select

Collect

Submit

Share

Select a skill that you have developed or would like to develop

Collect evidence demonstrating your competence in the selected area

Upload and submit collected evidence

You can share your success on social media or organise a live digital portfolio/URL

How are they earned?

Complete a bite sized digital training module or modules

Badges can be earned in several ways including one or multiples of the following:

Present a project or portfolio of work on a specific subject

Display application of knowledge in work or education setting

Participate in an ‘near peer’ event with a tech professional

Pass an assessment or skills test

What are the benefits of micro-credentials & digital badges?

• RECOGNISE ACHIEVEMENT Digital badges are based on a digital standard to recognise learning, know how, achievements, skills & attitudes across multiple disciples.

• FLEXIBLE LEARNING Micro-credentials offer versatile, flexible learning which is more accessible and enables learners to better fit learning into their daily lives.

• MOTIVATES LEARNERS Badge recognition has proven to motivate learners to drive their own achievement by getting them on a certification pathway. It encourages students to pursue goals, whilst giving them a sense of accomplishment on the pathway.

12 Education

• STAND OUT In a competitive Irish job market, the stakes are high for learners to demonstrate relevant competencies to future employers. Overall micro-credentials are an effective way to show interest and acumen in a specific skills area and they help candidates stand out in the recruitment process.

• CROSS-INDUSTRY RECOGNITION Micro-credentials such as badges provide cross-industry recognition of tangible skills and competencies. The proof of skills is in the badge.

• IDENTIFY POTENTIAL Digital badges allow learners along with their educators to identify their specific talents and potential in specific subject areas and develop them into the future.

Study

PATHS TO FURTHER EDUCATION NO LEAVING CERT

MICRO-BADGES

Recognition of prior learning will be considered for course entry

PASS LEAVING CERT*

TECH APPRENTICESHIP > 2 years

L5 Apply for Tech Apprenticeship

Apprentices attend full-time off-the-job training and development

MONTHS

On-the-job and off-the-job training and development

MONTHS

On-the-job and off-the-job training and development

7-18

ICT Associate Pre-Tech Apprenticeship

COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY > 3/4 years minimum

MONTHS

1-6

PRE-TECH > 9 months Graduate with a NFQ Level 5 Higher Certificate

LEVEL 7/8 LEAVING CERT*

19-24

Graduate with a Bachelors Degree

3 days work / 2 days off-the-job training and development

Degree

4 days work / 1 day off-the-job training and development

> ICT Associate Apprenticeship > Earn while you learn > Off the jobs skills training > On the job application skills

Job search or further study

FURTHER STUDY

Part-time Degree

Network Engineer

Software Developer

Cybersecurity

All Female

NFQ Level 6

NFQ Level 6

NFQ Level 6

NFQ Level 6

Employment

* Or equivalent qualifications

L6

Continued employment

Job search

with apprenticeship employer

in Irelands global tech hub

IRISH GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY HUB

IRELAND IS HOME TO: The top 5

Global software companies

9 of the top 10

US tech companies

Top 3

Global enterprise software companies

4 of the top 5

IT service companies

PERKS OF THE JOB:

• Higher than average wage opportunities.

• Global work & travel opportunities.

• Healthcare & pension plans.

• Paid holiday leave.

• Gym & wellbeing provisions.

• Continuing professional education opportunities.

NUMBERS OF VACANCIES:

The current market size of the global technology sector is over $4 trillion.

According to the latest FIT ICT Skills Audit, over 12,000 vacancies exist in the tech sector.

For more information on the Choose Tech programme visit www.FIT.ie/resources/choosetech or email choosetech@fit.ie

Education 13

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Teachers' Union of Ireland Credit Union , No. 8 The Exchange, Calmount Park, Dublin 12 | Telephone: 01-4266060 | Email: info@tuicu.ie Teachers Union of Ireland is regulated by Central Bank of Ireland

14 Education

................................................................................................................................ NEWS

New measures to tackle educational disadvantage

FURTHER supports to schools catering for children and young people who are experiencing the highest levels of educational disadvantage have been announced. As part of the Budget 2021 measures to tackle educational disadvantage, the education minister announced: • A one-point reduction in the staffing schedule to reduce class-size in all DEIS Urban Band 1 primary schools.

• An extension of the School Completion Programme to include 14 urban primary and 14 post-primary schools newly included in DEIS in 2017.

• A 5% increase in funding for the School Completion Programme to support the attendance and participation of vulnerable learners and those at risk of education disadvantage.

• A reduction of the enrolment threshold for the allocation of an additional deputy principal in DEIS post-primary schools, from 700 to 600 pupils.

Minister for Education Norma Foley TD said: “It is vital that DEIS schools catering

for those students from lower socio-economic backgrounds receive continued support, particularly in light of the need to provide assistance to students who have missed out on learning opportunities as a result of Covid-19 school closures.

“While there has been a reduction in mainstream class size in recent years, there has not been a corresponding reduction for those Urban Band 1 DEIS schools. As an initial step in addressing this, I announced a one-point reduction for Senior Urban Band 1 schools from 24:1 to 23:1."

Budget 2021 included a general reduction in the mainstream staffing schedule to 25:1. While there has been a reduction in mainstream class size in recent years, there has not been a corresponding reduction for those Urban Band 1 DEIS schools that are already allocated a preferential staffing schedule. The reduction of class size in all Urban Band 1 schools is estimated to require an additional 50 teaching posts and have a full year cost in the region of €2.45 million.

Universities report €102 million loss in past academic year SEVEN major universities across the country have reported a combined deficit of €102m since the beginning of the 2019/2020 academic year.

Representatives from the Irish Universities Association (IUA) met the Oireachtas Higher Education Committee today, highlighting the impact Covid-19 has had on the third level institutions.

The IUA says the sector needs emergency funding next year to avoid cover their losses.They say universities want to offer more resources to help students in need, increasing the provision of on-campus mental health and welfare services.

The move to online learning was cited as a major cost to the sector.

Education 15

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We offer a unique opportunity to motivated, curious, and hardworking engineers who have a will to succeed. We’re not after superheroes, but if you have a sense of adventure, the confidence to collaborate, and an instinct to give more than you take you’ll fit right in.

You’ll start your journey in The Cadet School, the best leadership school in the country.

It will be challenging but we know that with resolve and the support of your classmates, you will achieve your goals. If successful, you’ll be promoted, and we’ll continue to invest in you with further training, earning a Level 9 Masters before sending you to get practical leader16 Education

ship experience in your unit. The culmination of both of our efforts will see you leading engineer troops overseas, devising solutions in the most demanding circumstances; ultimately changing lives for the better.

That said, it’s not all work. You’ll have life changing experiences and make life-long friendships along the way, and you’ll always have the most interesting stories.

In return for your commitment and determination we will support you and develop your talents to bring out your best as a person and as an engineer. This programe is the beginning of a journey that will take you to the highest levels whereever you decide to go.

The Corps of Engineers The Corps of Engineers is responsible for ensuring that the Defence Forces can live, manoeuver and o p e r a t e w h e re v e r w e m a y b e deployed.

As a combat support corps, our troops are qualified soldiers, combat engineers, and technicians. In addi-

"You’ll have life changing experiences and make life-long friendships along the way, and you’ll always have the most interesting stories"

tion to all-arms capabilities we provide the essential specialist skills to: • Build bridges • Construct routes • Clear obstacles • Employ explosive demolitions • Conduct high risk Engineer Specialist Search and Clearance Both at home and overseas we construct fortifications and operational bases where we provide essential life support capabilities such power generation, potable water production and firefighting.

The Corps of Engineers is also responsible for the maintenance of the Defence Forces built infrastructure such as barracks, training areas, airfields, and naval installations. This includes: • Overseeing maintenance staff • Design tasks • Contract and tender preparation • Project management • Acting as the client’s representative during ongoing projects

aduate Programme Lead our team No other job will offer you the leadership skills or experience provided in the Defence Forces.

Our engineer troops are trained soldiers and qualified technicians.

Leading them in harsh environments and pressurised situations overseas is the biggest challenge we can set you.

After 15 months of world-class leadership training in The Cadet School you’ll be well prepared to be responsible for 30 soldiers: harnessing their skills; developing their potential; inspiring them to overcome obstacles; and motivating them to accomplish the mission.

Make an impact In Ireland, Engineer Officers ensure our personnel have modern and safe facilities to live, work, and train in. In an era of climate change we protect the homes, livelihoods and lives of our fellow citizens during blizzards, wildfires, and floods.

When foreign leaders visit, our Search Teams sweep for IEDs and other threats. The life of a President

and the reputation of our nation could literally be in your hands.

Our experience of working in harsh environments and pressurised "Our situations, devising solutions with experience limited time and resources mean that of working in we have been among the first to harsh environments deploy in the event of a humanitarian crisis or natural disaster. We have and responded in the aftermath of earthpressurised quakes in Haiti, volcanos in the situations, Congo, the tsunami in Banda Ache, devising solutions with s u p e r t y p h o o n H a i y a i n i n t h e Philippines, refugees at the Turkishlimited time and resources Syrian border, and the Ebola Crisis in mean that we Sierra Leone.

Engineer Officers are key members have been among the first of Ireland’s negotiating teams on arms control treaties in the UN. In to deploy in the event of a particularly they were instrumental in Irelands effort’s to ban cluster humanitarian munitions which was agreed in crisis or Dublin Diplomatic Conference in natural 2008. disaster" Be the difference Engineers make a difference every day. In the Defence Forces however, the Engineer Officer often IS the difference.

Success or failure, or even life or death, will be determined by your solutions, your decisions, and your judgement.

You could be assessing log bridges on long range patrols (LRPs) in the African jungle. Too gung-ho and the bridge could collapse, plunging the armoured personnel carrier (APC) and its occupants into the river below; overly cautious, and the patrol has to return to base and the mission fails.

You could be clearing villages and fields of mines and unexploded ordnance (UXOs) post conflict in the Middle East. Miss something and there may be civilian casualities; succeed and local people can return to their homes and resume their lives once more.

You could be providing potable water in the Saharan desert to support an Irish base.

Fail and we have to withdraw giving armed militias free reign; succeed and our troops can survive hundreds of kilometers from the nearest town thereby protecting remote villages from attack.

Continued >>> Education 17

An Elite Leadership Pro What is the army engineer graduate programme?

The Army Engineer Graduate Programme is an elite leadership programme for engineers.

It will transform your potential to: Lead Our Team; Make An Impact; Be The Difference.

It is designed to last approximately five years (though you can leave at any time you choose) culminating with you leading engineer troops on an overseas deployment. Thereafter, you may continue serving in the Defence Forces or you can leave and capitalise on your superior leadership and technical skills in a civilian career.

The first phase of the programme is the Cadetship. Here you will undergo 15 months of world-class training in The Cadet School, the best leadership school in the country.

This is your formative military training and will qualify you to command a platoon of 30 soldiers.

On successful completion of the Cadetship you will be commissioned as an officer and will commence your 15 month ‘Young Officer’s Course’ in the School of Military Engineering (SME) where you will earn a Level 9 Masters. This will qualify you in a wide range of military combat engi18 Education

neering skills such as field fortifications, obstacles, explosive demolitions, bridging, mine warfare, firefighting, specialist search and clearance, boating, water purification, power provision and more. You w i l l a l s o u n d e rg o a 3 m o n t h Maintenance Engineering Course where you will study contract and tender preparation, project management, health & safety, range design, energy management, fire engineering and procurement.

Thereafter you will go to your assigned units for a year, further developing the skills you’ve learnt in

15 Months Cadetship

On successful completion of the Cadetship you will be commissioned as an officer and will commence your 15 month ‘Young Officer’s Course’ in the School of Military Engineering (SME) where you will earn a Level 9 Masters. This will qualify you in a wide range of military combat engineering skills such as field fortifications, obstacles, explosive demolitions, bridging, mine warfare, firefighting, specialist search and clearance, boating, water purification, power provision and more.

You will also undergo a 3 month Maintenance Engineering Course where you will study contract and tender preparation, project management, health & safety, range design, energy management, fire engineering and procurement.

1 Year Unit level experience

1 Year

It is designed to last approximately five years (though you can leave at any time you choose) culminating with you leading engineer troops on an overseas deployment. Thereafter, you may continue serving in the Defence Forces or you can leave and capitalise on your superior leadership and technical skills in a civilian career.

The first phase of the programme is the Cadetship. Here you will undergo 15 months of world-class training in The Cadet School, the best leadership school in the country. This is your formative military training and will qualify you to command a platoon of 30 soldiers.

2 Years

Level 9 Masters & Maintenance Engineers Course

Overseas Mission

the SME and getting practical experience of leading engineer troops.

Finally, all this training and experience will culminate in you deploying overseas in command of engineer "Here you will troops as part of an Irish unit serving under a UN mandate. This starts undergo 15 with a 3-4 month intensive period of months of pre-deployment preparation and world-class training in The training known as ‘form-up’, folCadet School, lowed by a six month deployment, and finishes with one months UN the best leave on your return. Overseas serleadership vice promises to be the highlight of school in the your time in the Defence Forces and country. the ultimate test for a young This is your Engineer Officer. formative WHAT IS THE ARMY ENGINEER GRADUATE PROGRAMME? military The Army Engineer Graduate Programme is an elite leadership programme for engineers.

What weAn Impact; offer training andyour potential to: Lead It will transform Our Team; Make Be The you Difference.

If you’ve read this far you are will qualify you to command a probably not the type of person who platoon of 30 is primarily motivated by money.

However it is important to know soldiers" you’ll be well compensated for your efforts. Service as an Engineer Officer offers a very competitive package with many benefits.1 Pay & Pension. During your 15 months initial training in The Cadet School you’ll earn approximately €19,000 p/a but this will quickly rise to approximately €50,000 p/a by your third year of service. You will Thereafter you will go to your assigned units for a year, further developing the skills you’ve learnt in the SME and getting practical experience of leading engineer troops.

Finally, all this training and experience will culminate in you deploying overseas in command of engineer troops as part of an Irish unit serving under a UN mandate. This starts with a 3-4 month intensive period of pre-deployment preparation and training known as ‘form-up’, followed by a six month deployment, and finishes with one months UN leave on your return. Overseas service promises to be the highlight of your time in the Defence Forces and the ultimate test for a young Engineer Officer.

ogramme for Engineers also be a member of a public sector pension scheme.

Level 9 Masters. You’ll get paid while undergoing a cost-free Level 9 Masters.

Accommodation. You’re entitled to free meals and accommodation while in training during the Cadetship. Subsidised accommodation is available in barracks after commissioning.

Leave. 31 days Annual Leave with the ability to carry over up to 24 days.

Fitness Training. Free access to gyms, personal trainers, sports facilities, and adventure training.

Keeping fit is part of your job and part of your working day.

Medical. Medical & dental cover provided.

Professional Fees & Chartership.

Your professional membership subscription to Engineers Ireland will be paid. Continuing Professional Development (CPD) activities are ongoing to support you on your path to earning the professional title of Chartered Engineer.

This is in addition to: • Unrivaled leadership & management experience

"You will be commissioned as an officer and will commence your 15 month 'Young Officer’s Course' in the School of Military Engineering (SME) where you will earn a Level 9 Masters"

• Personal development • Travel • Working in diverse, crosscultural and multi-cultural environments • Working with international organisations and militaries • Access to a network of veterans across a mulitude of industries and sectors • Strong personal network • Life-long friendships How to apply1 The first step will be to complete the official electronic application form available at www.military.ie Stage 1 – Online Psychometric Testing. Thereafter you will be asked to complete an unsupervised psychometric test online.

Stage 2 – The Assessment Phase.

If you meet the required standard you will be invited to attend Stage 2 in the Defence Forces Training Centre, Curragh, Co Kildare. This consists of: • Physical Fitness Test • Supervised online Psyhometric Test • A Group Assessment • Realistic Job Preview

Successful candidates at Stage 2 will be sent an Online Personality Questionaire to be completed before attending for interview: Stage 3 – The Interview.

This is a competency based interview where you will be assessed on the following areas: • Planning & Organising • Decision Making & Problem Solving • Working with Others • Communication • Leadership & Supervising • Personal Motivation & Discipline • Resilence • Information Handling • Technical Aptitude This is a highly competitive programme and places are limited. To increase your chances, you can also apply for an Ordnance or Army Cadetship. Applicants can apply for all cadetships simultaneously Full details of these competitions can be found on www.military.ie 1. All of these examples are illustrative only. Please see www.military. ie and ‘Terms and conditions and general information regarding officer cadetships in the defence forces 2020’ for full details.

Education 19

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UCC appoints its first female Head of the College of Science, Engineering and Food Science UNIVERSITY College Cork has announced the appointment of Professor Sarah Culloty as Head of the College of Science, Engineering and Food Science, following a competitive search process.

Professor Culloty has had a distinguished career to date which has seen her head up UCC’s School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences and serve as a Director of the Environmental Research Institute.

A native Co. Kerry, Professor Culloty now leads a team of 600 academic and research staff, and over 5,000 students.

The College generates 1,200 STEMenabled (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) graduates annually, and plays a significant role in the advancement of STEM - both in Ireland and around the world.

STEM education and research in UCC covers a comprehensive range of subject

Oral Irish lessons on zoom for primary school children

areas: life and biological sciences, physics, chemistry and maths, engineering, architecture and ICT.

Passionate about STEM, Professor Culloty has ambitious plans for the College: "I am delighted to be appointed as the first female Head of College and believe that there has never been such an exciting time to study STEM. Sustainability is at the heart of our programmes and research."

A NEW Zoom classroom to teach children oral Irish catering for four students at a time.

The Labhair Linn website was conceived

by Dubliner Deirdre Pickering. "I'm a Dublin Mum who set this up late last year as oral Irish doesn't always get enough time in the classroom. The USP of Labhair Linn is that there are only four in a group, so each child has time to be drawn in, encouraged and prompted to speak in complete sentences," she says.

The half hour sessions are delivered by primary school teachers and are available online at www.labhairlinn.ie.

Education 21

Following an immunologist's dream to use the immune system to cure cancer WHEN Roisin Loftus decided she wanted to leave academia for a career in the pharmaceutical industry, working on medicines that treat different types of cancers, her mentors and peers were shocked.

Academia can be an amazing place but for Roisin, she had her sights set on something else.

“I loved the research and my PhD was a very positive experience, I had a brilliant supervisor and supportive lab environment. I was looking at a particular type of immune cell called a natural killer cell, which is at the forefront of our anti-cancer immune response.

"I discovered that the way these cells break down nutrients is very important for their anti-cancer function. This is now a hot area of research, since there has been a shift in focus towards making medicines that support anti-cancer immune cells to fight cancer.

Exciting research group “I heard about a professor that was coming from Harvard and she was interested in natural killer cells and was starting a lab in Trinity the year I was finishing my PhD. She was looking at them in the context of obesity. I knew I had to be a part of this exciting research group and started in her lab as a postdoc shortly after finishing my PhD. "I thoroughly enjoyed my postdoc and found it very exciting to be a part of the team that discovered 22 Education

natural killer cells in people with obesity don’t work properly. This is because they are full of fat - meaning that people living with obesity are at a much higher risk of developing cancer and other co-morbidities,” she says.

She took what she learned and now works as a medical science liaison at Novartis, working on medicines that treat different types of cancers. The main focus is on a new type of personalized anti-cancer therapy.

“It’s a really exciting therapy to be working on and I find the science behind it fascinating,” she says.

Attack the cancer cells Roisin works on CAR T cell therapy - where they take the patient’s own T cells - a type of immune system cell - and change them in a laboratory to attack the cancer cells in the patient’s body.

“I wanted to really take hold of my anti-cancer research experience and apply it in a very patient orientated way. I was always passionate about the concept of immunotherapy, where you unleash the power of someone’s immune cells to cure their disease. It’s an immunologists dream to use the immune system to cure the disease,” she says.

Whilst in academia, one of Roisin’s favourite parts of the job was the communication aspect, “chatting through ideas at conferences” but she found it hard to step out of the

When Roisin Loftus decided she wanted to leave academia for a career in the pharmaceutical industry, working on medicines that treat different types of cancers, her mentors and peers were shocked.

Academia can be an amazing place but for Roisin, she had her sights set on something else.

arena. Having spent so long getting her PhD and then securing independent funding for a postdoc, people thought she was “mad to leave”. But she stayed true to her desires, which told her that a move to the industry was the right one for her.

“Generally you require a few years of industry experience to secure a role like this but I leapfrogged due to my proven track record of being a successful communicator, winning multiple prizes for my presentations at national and international conferences.”

Hounded the Biology teacher Surprisingly she didn’t do all STEM subjects for leaving cert; instead doing Biology, Home Economics, Geography and Maths but she says she “hounded the Biology teacher” every day!

“I sat up the front every day and would ask endless questions. My poor exasperated teacher would say, ‘that’s not even on the curriculum’.”

Her sense of curiosity comes from her mum, an artist, who had a strong desire to understand the world around her. She is her biggest influence. “There was no one with a science background-doctors or pharmacists in the family,” she says.

She did a Natural Science degree in Trinity, but berates herself for “only getting a 2:1”. “I was always passionate about research though,

"I love the sense of fulfilment my job brings and knowing I am helping to get a potentially life-saving treatment to Irish patients in need. I know it might sound grandiose but I am excited to hopefully make a difference to the Irish medicine landscape"

so I took it upon myself to organise a lab placement in Sweden in third year, on a study around anti-cancer molecules in human breast milk and the fact that it turned out to be a project in urinary tract infections instead showed my resilience in being able to deal with unexpected outcomes and potentially gave me the edge when it came to securing a much sought after PhD placement,” she says.

“I love the sense of fulfilment my job brings and knowing I am helping to get a potentially life-saving treatment to Irish patients in need. I know it might sound grandiose but I am excited to hopefully make a difference to the Irish medicine landscape,” she says.

Female role models Roisin would like to see more female role models in science, women who have really made it in the pharmaceutical industry, as well as having more support around family planning, as she thinks both those might encourage more girls to go all the way with STEM. So how does she keep herself healthy and happy when she has some downtime?

“I go trail running with my husband and also do sea swims at Seapoint and Howth. It’s scientifically proven to help boost the immune system. But that’s not why I do it,” she laughs. “I just want the buzz”.

CHOOSING subjects to study in school and courses to do at third level can be tricky. Figuring out what career you want to do can be overwhelming.

At smartfutures.ie, we want to help you discover the STEM subjects and careers that might be right for you. You have the opportunity to discover what types of STEM careers are available and hear from people who work in STEM related jobs.

You will see the wide range of careers available, discover the people that are working in STEM ,the organisations they’re working in and what their interests and skills are.

We have helpful tools and resources for parents, teachers and students in our Explore and Discover section.

Discover whether your interests and skills could lead you to a career in STEM at smartfutures.ie.

SFI is committed to engaging the Irish public in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).

The website aims to provide career resources to students, teachers, guidance counsellors and parents and stimulate an interest in STEM subjects in secondary and third level.

Education 23

See your career going places with the ESB Networks Apprenticeship Programme ESB Networks have recruited over 300 apprentices since 2016. We will be recruiting up to 48 apprentices across the country again in February 2021 for our programme starting in September 2021.

Our programme will be open for applicants from mid-February 2021 at www.esbnetworks.ie/careers/ apprenticeships. There are a number of interesting Apprentice Videos on our website also that will give you an idea of the type of work our Apprentice Networks Technician (Electricians) are involved in on a day to day basis.

High level of interest The 2020 ESB Networks Apprenticeship Programme recruitment campaign received over 6,000 applications, highlighting the level of interest in the programme and a career that is both diverse and challenging.

As an Apprentice Network Technician (Electrician), recruits receive on the job training, working as part of front-line teams, as well as

classroom-based learning.

Apprentices benefit from varied work experience, working indoors and outdoors, and learning about technology, customer service, and delivering results under pressure.

They learn a variety of electrical and practical skills and, upon completion of the programme obtain a QQI Advanced Level 6 Electrical Trade Certificate.

Seven phases The ESB Networks Electrical Apprenticeship is SOLAS standardsbased, consisting of 208 weeks over four years. During this time, there are seven SOLAS phases and ESB Networks off job training, including phases 1, 3, 5 and 7 are on the job, working closely with a qualified Network Technician on varied sites across ESB Networks.

The SOLAS phases 2, 4 and 6 consist of off-the-job training modules, with phases in a SOLAS Training Centre and one of the IT Colleges around the country. Finally, there are 24 weeks of ESB Networks

How to apply For those, who are interested in becoming an ESB Networks Apprenticeship, the programme will open to applicants in February 2021.

All Interviews will take place from the middle of April to the Middle of May. With offers been made the last week in July/ first week in August. All new recruits will start their apprentices with ESB Network in late August / early September 2021. The programme is open to individuals over 16 years of age on 1st June 2021.

At the time of application, candidates must have obtained the following minimum educational qualifications: Junior Certificate (Ordinary Level) Grade C or higher at Ordinary Level (or Grade D or higher at Higher Level) in the 24 Education

"Having completed the four-year programme, apprentices will have gained experience working with a leading utility company" "A critical part of the Programme is the training and peer support given to the apprentices"

Junior Certificate (or equivalent) in the following subjects: 1) Irish or English 2) Mathematics 3) Science* 4) Any 2 other subjects * If you have not obtained the required grade in Science, Grade C or higher at Ordinary Level in any one of the following

off the job training which takes place in the ESB Networks Training Centre, Portlaoise.

Having completed the four-year programme, apprentices will have gained experience working with a l e a d i n g u t i l i t y c o m p a n y. E S B Networks serves 2.3 million customers in Ireland, providing a safe and reliable electricity supply to homes, businesses and communities throughout the country - ESB Networks apprentices play an important part in delivering this service.

Role combines both physical and logical Customer service is at the heart of ESB Networks, through their experience, ESB Networks apprentices will be at the fore in delivering and providing services to our customers.

Though the job requires an element of physicality, there is much more to the programme than climbing poles and heavy lifting, the role combines both physical and logical activity.

True to the fact that no two days are the same in the programme,

subjects is acceptable: Technology, Art Craft and Design, Technical Graphics, Materials Technology (Wood), Home Economics or Metalwork.

Leaving Certificate Grade D / O6 or higher at Ordinary Level in the Leaving Certificate (or equivalent) in the following subjects: 1) Irish or English 2) Mathematics 3) Science Subject (Agricultural Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Physics & Chemistry)* 4) Any 2 other subjects * If you have not obtained the required grade in any of the above Science subjects, the following is acceptable at Leaving Certificate Level (Grade D/O6 or higher at Ordinary Level) : Art, Construction Studies, Design and Communication, Graphics, Engineering, Home Economics, Technical Drawing and Technology.

apprentices will be assisting and dealing with a wide range of customer’s needs.

In their day-to-day work activities they can be responding to faults and fault finding to maintain customer supply, connecting new customers, both residential and commercial to the electricity network, replacing and maintaining electrical assets and installing new elements to the electricity network like overhead wires and unground cable 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.

"Recruits receive on the job training, working as part of front-line teams, as well as classroombased learning. pressure"

Education 25

#HelloMIC

POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMMES AT MARY IMMACULATE COLLEGE EDUCATION POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMMES

LIBERAL ARTS POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMMES

• Structured PhD in Education

• Structured PhD in Applied Linguistics

• Structured PhD/Masters in Literacy Education

• Structured PhD in Contemporary Irish Studies

• Professional Doctorate in Educational and Child Psychology

• MA in Applied Linguistics (online/on campus/blended)

• Professional Master of Education (Primary Teaching)

• MA in History

• Master of Education (M Ed)

• MA in Local History (with UL)

• M Ed in Religious Education

• MA in Media Studies

• M Ed in Leadership of Wellbeing in Education

• MA in Modern English Literature

• M Oid san Oideachas Lán-Ghaeilge agus Gaeltachta

• Certificate/MA in Christian Leadership in Education

• MA sa Ghaeilge

• MA in Education and the Arts (META) • MA in STEM Education • MA in Music Education • Graduate Diploma / M Ed in Adult and Further Education • Graduate Diploma / M Ed in Information and Communication Technologies in Primary Education • Graduate Diploma / M Ed in Special Education Needs

PhD & MA BY RESEARCH AND THESIS IN THE FOLLOWING LIBERAL ARTS DEPARTMENTS Drama and Theatre Studies; English Language & Literature; French Studies; Gaeilge; German Studies; Geography; History; Mathematics and Computer Studies; Media & Communication Studies; Music; Philosophy; Psychology; Theology and Religious Studies.

• Graduate Certificate/Graduate Diploma/M Ed in Middle Leadership and Mentoring in Primary and PostPrimary Settings • An Teastas iarchéime i dTeagasc Ábharbhunaithe (TTA) san Iarbhunscolaíocht Lán-Ghaeilge agus Ghaeltachta • Graduate Certificate in Academic Practice • Graduate Certificate / Graduate Diploma in Autism Studies

PhD & MA BY RESEARCH AND THESIS IN THE FOLLOWING EDUCATION DEPARTMENTS Learning, Society & Religious Education;Language & Literacy Education; Arts Education & Physical Education; Reflective Pedagogy & Early Childhood Studies; Educational Psychology, Inclusive & Special Education; STEM Education.

26 Education

www.mic.ie

Study History and Geography in GMIT FOR students interested in history, geography, archaeology and wildlife, the BA (Hons) in History & Geography in GMIT’s Mayo Campus offers the opportunity to study an area they love while preparing for a career afterwards.

The programme combines classroom-based and fieldwork activities to give students a diverse and varied experience that is both academic and hands-on.

ponent provides our students with valuable practical experience, in addition to allowing them to build relevant industry contacts’.

Graduates can proceed to a range of interesting careers using the knowledge and skills gained during their studies. These include work in environmental conservation, rural and community development, museums, archaeology, tourism and libraries.

A range of modules Students of the programme study a range of modules including History (European, Irish, Local, Genealogy); Folklore; Physical and Human Geography; Natural Environment and Ecology; Archaeology (Prehistoric and Medieval) and Tourism.

Students undertake work experience as part of their studies.

Programme Chair Dr Fiona White observes ‘the work experience com-

Master of Education Graduates who wish to become teachers of history and geography may apply for the Professional Master of Education programme.

Many graduates of the programme have gone on to complete postgraduate studies at masters and doctoral level.

Dr White notes ‘this programme may be of interest to those who do not meet the language requirements to study arts in other

"I highly recommend this course for anyone interested in getting a better understanding of natural and cultural environments at both a national and international level"

colleges. ‘There is no requirement for students applying for the History & Geography to have studied a foreign language’.

"Natural and cultural environments" Liam Loftus is a graduate of the programme and now works as Corncrake Officer for west Connacht. He remarks: "I highly recommend this course for anyone interested in getting a better understanding of natural and cultural environments at both a national and international level.

"I have found my degree to be a great benefit to finding work both at home and abroad."

There are three routes to studying this programme at Level 6 (GA862), Level 7 (GA872) and Level 8 (GA887), with progression between levels possible.

Contact fiona.white@gmit.ie for further details.

Education 27

Centre for Adult Learning and Professional Development

Part-time Courses at NUI Galway Professional, flexible courses available in: Arts & Social Science

Early Childhood Studies

Business & Management

Community Education

Science & Technology

Information Technology

Training & Education

Languages

Online applications open April 1st, 2021

www.nuigalway.ie/adultlearning/courses 28 Education

adultlearning@nuigalway.ie | +353 91 494066

Part-time Study Options at NUI Galway We have reached a significant milestone in March 2021, a full year of living with COVID-19, a year like no other. As we look back on this year and the skills that we have learned - at speed, this global pandemic has changed the way we live, work and communicate with one another.

“Having celebrated the 50th anniversary of Adult Learning at NUI Galway, it has been a challenging, but exciting year at the Centre”, reflects Nuala McGuinn, Director at the Centre for Adult Learning and Professional Development at NUI Galway.

“Many of our courses were ideally placed to upskill employees to meet the demands of a world where teaching and learning moved entirely online for many months and where workers were asked to stay and work from home”.

Enhancing Digital Skills Among those courses which prepare learners for a digital world is the Diploma in Technology Enhanced Learning. A one year study option, which gives participants a hands-on, practical approach to develop skills in the design, development and delivery of online courses. It focuses on pedagogical concepts and instructional design models that are fundamental to designing and developing an online learning experience.

The course is applicable for practitioners managers, teachers, learning and development specialists who are seeking to incorporate digital learning practice and strategy into their organisation into diverse

Launching 50 years of Adult Learning, Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh President NUI Galway and Nuala McGuinn

areas such as staff training and development, strategic leadership and change management.

Teacher Education The training and education sector is experiencing rapid change and growth with an increasing focus on creating educational pathways for learners right across the national framework of qualifications.

Providing upskilling opportunities for educators to develop their professional competencies in response to complex learning environments at each stage of their career is a core focus of the Training and Education courses available at NUI Galway.

The Professional Diploma in Education (Further Education), is a two-year course focusing on the professional knowledge and skills necessary for further education teachers and tutors to carry out their teaching roles.

“It is ideally suited to those who wish to register with the Teaching Council of Ireland for certification as a Further Education teacher in Ireland, the EU, as well as other English speaking countries,” explains Paul Gormley, Course Academic Coordinator.

A number of progression options are also available to graduates with many progressing to masters level with the MA in Adult Learning and Teaching.

“This masters can be completed in one year and focuses on the management and leadership demands of practitioners to develop a learning strategy for their classroom or workplace, which is relevant and up-to-date with current developments. It also focuses on skills development for learners to become effective e-Learning professionals, enabling their learners to achieve their full potential."

Play Therapy Play therapy as a therapeutic approach to counselling for young children is an area of study which has grown in popularity in the past number of years.

“This counselling approach is specifically aimed at helping children with emotional,

Jun Yan (Student), Professional Diploma in Education (Further Education).

“Teaching is a rewarding career with excellent potential for growth and advancement. The past two years have equipped me with an in-depth understanding of the further education sector and gave me confidence in my ability. With this training and experience, I am prepared to continue my studies in Education and would love to contribute to Chinese teaching in the best way in Ireland”.

social, and behavioural problems,”explains Nuala McGuinn. “Our students are from teaching, psychology, nursing, social care and early childhood studies backgrounds”.

The postgraduate Certificate or Diploma takes up to 20 months to complete and includes a clinical placement requirement.

There is a summer school option (15 days), at the NUI Galway campus or weekend workshops in either Dublin or Cork.

Fees and Funding Conscious of the financial demands that many students are experiencing, particularly in the current economic climate, a number of funding opportunities are available to reduce course fees.

An Adult Learning Tuition Scholarship is available for those in receipt of specific payments from the Department of Social Protection, Springboard+ funding for approved courses and scholarships are also offered in collaboration with the 30% Club in the area of technology management.

The Centre for Adult Learning and Professional Development offers many other related professional development opportunities in a wide range of subject areas, visit our website for more information at: www.nuigalway.ie/adultlearning Education 29

A Socio-Economy of Ireland's Third Level students New HEA Data provides in-depth insight into the socio-economic profile of our universities and Institutes of Technology - Data covering 94% of all enrolments in 2018/2019 creates a socio-economic profile of Irish higher education students.

THE Higher Education Authority (HEA) has published detailed data which offers an insight into the Spatial and Socio-Economic profile of the Higher Education Population.

The data is based on Deprivation Index Scores (DIS) which measure the relative affluence or disadvantage of a particular geographical area based on data compiled from the census.

Using this information, the HEA has analysed the socio-economic profile of nearly all (94%) of the student population on an individual institutional level. The HEA says that the quality of this data gives an comprehensive understanding of the student population and it underpins the importance of addressing inclusion at all levels of education.

This is the second year that the HEA has collated this data and now includes all publicly funded higher education institutions (HEIs) for the first time.

Comprehensive dataset HEA CEO Dr Alan Wall acknowledged that it signals more work to be done in the future.

“The higher education student population does not yet reflect the diversity found in the rest of the population in Ireland. This detailed dataset provides policy makers and institutions with a comprehensive knowledge of patterns of access and disadvantage that will assist them in developing and implementing targeted approaches to advancing equity of access.”

Education minister, Simon Harris said: “I have made it clear that it is my ambition to ensure third level 30 Education

education is accessible to everyone, regardless of age, race, geography or gender.

“In order to achieve that aim, we must ensure that our policies strengthen the participation of students in higher education and to do that, we need accurate data and evidence.

HEA’s Head of Access Policy, Caitríona Ryan said the compilation of such complex data is necessary for evidence-based policy making – both at national level and at individual HEI level. But she added that it is not useful to compare HEIs with each other based on DIS, as context is very important.

“Each HEI serves a unique region and offers its own range of programmes with varying levels of student demands. We know that all HEIs have access infrastructures in place that are working at both the pre-entry and post-entry stages with all the national access target groups – students who are socio-economically disadvantaged, students from the Travelling community, students with disabilities and first-time mature students."

Supporting students These access infrastructures are complemented by a range of programmes and initiatives to support students from disadvantaged backgrounds such as the SUSI grants scheme, Student Assistance Fund (SAF), Programme for Access to Higher Education (PATH), including the 1916 Bursary Fund, and recently announced COVID-19-related supports such as the ICT Grant for disadvantaged students.

"We know that all HEIs have access infrastructures in place that are working at both the preentry and post-entry stages with students who are socioeconomically disadvantaged, students from the Travelling community, students with disabilities and first-time mature students

Approximately €42 million within the HEA core funding was allocated to HEIs in 2020 on the basis of their access metrics. This supports HEIs to have an access infrastructure in place that provides for the pre-entry and post-entry work required to support students from target groups access and successfully participate in higher education.

HEAR & DARE The Higher Education Access Route (HEAR) Scheme also supports students who have a socio-economic disadvantage enter higher education on reduced points. Latest data shows that of about 4,000 eligible HEAR applicants in 2019, there were just over 2,500 acceptances of a HEAR place.

The Disability Access Route to Education (DARE) is a third level alternative admissions scheme for school leavers whose disabilities have had a negative impact on their second level education. Latest data shows that of about 4,000 eligible DARE applicants in 2019, there were just over 2,600 acceptances of a DARE place.

During 2021, work will commence on the development of the next National Access Plan including new participation targets. DIS will have a key role to play here and will be vital over the lifetime of the Plan in demonstrating progress and setting our ambitions for the future.

FIND OUT MORE: This is an edited version of the full article which is available at www.hea.ie (tinyurl.com/y3fqrflp) along with all of the data charts and maps.

The key findings include: ■ In terms of ratios, there are 4.9 students from disadvantaged areas to every 10 students from affluent areas, but this varies across institutions.

■ TCD has the highest proportion of students from affluent areas (36%) in its student body while TCD, UCD and RCSI (all at 5%) have the lowest proportion from disadvantaged areas.

Letterkenny Institute of Technology has the highest proportion of students from disadvantaged areas (25%).

■ 10% of all students are classed as ‘disadvantaged’ while 20% are classed as ‘affluent’, based on their home Census small area.

■ Based on Electoral Division level area income profiles, the overall average household income of students, based on their home ED, in higher education is €49,603 and ranges from €35,853 in Letterkenny IT to €56,822 in IADT Dún Laoghaire.

■ Male students have a higher DIS than female students (2.3 versus 1.9), which suggests lower enrolment rates from males in disadvantaged areas than from females in disadvantaged areas.

■ In terms of fields or area of study, courses such as finance, banking and medicine have a high DIS (5.3 and 6), i.e. they have more affluent students.

Just 4% of medical enrolments are from disadvantaged areas.

■ Courses in the area of childcare have a lower DIS (-2.2) with 19% of students attending those courses coming from disadvantaged areas.

■ TCD is included in this dataset for the first time this year. Its score of 5.7 means that it has the most affluent student population. 5% of its students are from disadvantaged areas.

Education 31

Higher Diploma in Business

in AQUABUSINESS This course is designed to cater for those looking to enter management, financial, Research and Development or regulatory roles in fisheries, aquaculture, seafood processing and related fields. This innovative course may also appeal to those looking to start an aquabusiness company or expand an existing company into new markets.

COURSE CONTENT Developed in partnership with Board Iascaigh Mhara (BIM – Ireland’s Seafood Development Agency), this programme offers modules in: — — — — — —

Aquabusiness Environment (Economics) * Law and Regulation for Aquabusiness* Strategic and Innovation Management* Financial Management and Planning* Marketing Management in Aquabusiness* Work Placement or Work Based Project

*Available as individual module certificates at Level 8

Open to candidates from the SEAFOOD INDUSTRY including fisheries, aquaculture & seafood processing Supported by: • Irish South and East Fish Producers Organisation (ISEFPO) • Irish South and West Fish Producers Organisation (IS&WFPO) • Women in Fisheries Network (WIFN)

COURSE FEES 2021 - 2022

The full course fee is €2,500 , however, fees could be reduced if paid in full by 31st August 2021 and/or if candidates are successful in securing EMFF grant aid. Individual certificates are €450.

For information on course content and applications please contact:

Applications are invited on the BIM grants portal www.bim.flexigrant.com for European Maritime Fisheries Fund (EMFF) assistance towards the cost of this programme. Grant aid of 50% of course fees and learner support costs are available for individuals in the sector.

Brian O’Loan

BIM Email: aquabus@bim.ie Mobile: 087 2626578

Dr Janette Davies

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS — NFQ Level 7 or level 8 Award or equivalent in a related discipline.

— Candidates who do not have a Level 7 or higher award but have other relevant industry experience may be eligible for the programme through RPL. Candidates may be required to attend an interview.

COURSE DELIVERY For this academic year we will be delivering the course through blended learning. The course is timetabled to take place every fortnight on Fridays and on Saturdays from 10-4pm over the academic year.

Course Start: During September 2021 Closing date for applications: Friday, 3rd September 2021 Ireland’s EU Structural and Investment Funds Programmes 2014 - 2020 Co-funded by the Irish Government and the European Union

Deputy Head Wexford Campus IT Carlow , Summerhill Road, Wexford Email: janette.davies@itcarlow.ie Phone: 053 9185808

“I think it is a very positive development for Ireland to have a course such as this and would encourage those working in fisheries , aquaculture or seafood processing to engage with it”

Sigurdur Bogason University of Iceland EUROPEAN UNION This measure is part-financed by the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund

................................................................................................................................ NEWS

Trinity research suggests that post National Gender lockdown transport may change Equality Dashboard NEW research suggests a significant proportion of Trinity College Dublin staff and student population that formerly relied on public transport will now choose to walk or cycle to campus when it fully re-opens after lockdown.

Among the reasons provided for the shift were that public transport options in Dublin’s city centre were inadequate even when operating at capacity preCOVID, and that public health guidelines are not enforced on public transport, raising safety concerns.

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, 16% of those surveyed walked and 10.4% cycled to Trinity. Once the campus re-opens fully, 27.3% intend to walk and 27.8% intend to cycle.

The research, from over 2,500 responses from staff and students surveyed in June and July 2020, also found that many people still harbour all-too familiar fears around how safe cycling and walking in Dublin is.

Some of those people indicated they too would be likely to switch to walking or

cycling to Trinity if there were safer options.

“Our research shows how travel to our city centre campus may change as restrictions ease. One of the key findings is that as travel returns to the campus that it is likely to be done by more active modes

with some reluctance to use public transport options,” said Professor Brian C a u l f i e l d , f ro m Tr i n i t y ’s S c h o o l o f Engineering.

“Trinity’s campus is one of the most sustainable in the world when it comes to mobility with less than 1% of staff driving to the campus each day."

for HEIs launched

A NEW National Gender Equality Dashboard for Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to measure progress on gender equality across the sector.

Based on published Higher Education Institutional Staff Profiles by Gender from the HEA, this dashboard developed by Maynooth University provides an interactive and comparative visualisation of key staff data and gender profile, from Irish higher education institutions.

The National Gender Equality Dashboard for HEIs, which will be updated annually, offers a valuable baseline (2017-2019), from which progress on gender equality can be visualized and measured across all grades of staff in the Universities, Colleges, and Institutes of Technology.

The HEA National Review of Gender Equality in Irish Higher Education Institutions in 2016 highlighted the systemic imbalance in female representation at professorial level in Irish universities (19%).

Education 33

................................................................................................................................ NEWS

DCU expert says Irish is no more difficult than any other language IN the wake of another Seachtain na Gaeilge, teachers and third level students are set to welcome the launch of ‘Foghlaim an Dara Teanga: Modhanna agus Tascanna sa Seomra Ranga’ which is the new book

by Assistant Professor Colin Flynn (right) from Fiontar & Scoil na Gaeilge at DCU. This is the first book written in Irish focused on second language learning theory and practice in more than forty years.

According to Dr Flynn, this book provides a much-needed up-to-date discussion, through the medium of Irish, on many developments in second language learning research and language teaching methodology which have come about over the last few decades.

Dr Flynn recognised the need for a stateof-the art textbook and reference resource written in Irish for those working in language education and applied linguistics and his book highlights the issues around the capacity of individuals to learn languages as well as teaching methodologies to support them.

New pregnancy healthy eating app backed by UCD clinical research RESEARCHERS at UCD have helped the National Maternity Hospital (NMH) build a new healthy eating app for pregnant women.

Hollestic provides up to a 100 recipes for healthy meal and snacks, all scientifically backed, with the aim of aiding women achieve optimum nutrition during and post pregnancy.

Each of the easy-to-use recipes is approved by researchers at the UCD Perinatal Research Centre and NMH dietitians. The app was trialled in an internationally recognised, randomised control study of over 500 pregnant women at the NMH.

According to Dr. Flynn: "At a certain level, there’s nothing more difficult about learning Irish than any other language.

There are sociolinguistic factors that may impact on the learning process, but they shouldn’t impede classroom practice. We simply need to take account of them.

"So this book aims to increase awareness and promote discussion around these issues to help teachers arrive at a combination of methodologies that will help them achieve their goals in the classroom.”

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Education 35 I

-$-

The accessible library you have never heard of…

LAUNCHED in 2019 by NCBI (National Council for the Blind of Ireland) Bookshare Ireland guarantees far greater equity of access and opportunity for students with print disabilities in higher and further education. Print disability includes visual impairment, blindness, dyslexia, or any physical limitation in holding a printed book or text.

Instantaneous access Bookshare provides instantaneous access to over 500,000 international and homegrown titles, in the student's preferred format including (DAISY Audio, DAISY with images, digital braille, PDF and Word).

Bookshare.ie has an easy search engine to enable students access volumes of relevant books, journals,

36 Education

and research for their own knowledge. These can then be simply downloaded onto a mobile or laptop.

The settings can also be changed depending on the users preferred way of learning such as slowing down audio, changing font or colour.

This is a total gamechanger for these students as previously they would have had wait weeks or months to get the required books in an accessible format. Now all the academic titles needed are at their fingertips.

It means these students will no longer be at a disadvantage but instead be able to embrace and thrive in 3rd level education like their peers.

Aoife, who has dyslexia, says: “It has completely changed and revolu-

"It’s easy to use, free and will allow you to thrive in college, without the added pressure of accessing readings"

tionised my learning experience.

Nearly every book I search is in the library and I then download it into a word format and use Read&Write (screen reading software) to read it to me. Not having a time limit on the books is helpful too as it is something that you can save and go back to.”

What is important Laura, who has a vision impairment, says: “It’s easy to use, free and will allow you to thrive in college, without the added pressure of accessing readings, I feel I can concentrate on what is important, and that is getting the degree I deserve.”

To join Bookshare, simply register by going to www.bookshare.ie

BLACKROCK FURTHER EDUCATION INSTITUTE

Apply Online

Institiúid Bhreisoideachais na Carraige Duibhe

www.bfei.ie

BUSINESS AND LAW

Find the right pathway for you

Main Street, Blackrock Tel: 01 288 9717 Email: office@bfei.ie COMPUTING,

NETWORKS AND DIGITAL DESIGN

BEAUTY THERAPY, MAKE-UP AND HOLISTIC THERAPIES

DESIGN

COMMUNITY, EMERGENCY AND HEALTH CARE

View Courses/Apply On-Line

www.bfei.ie Education 37

Launch your beauty career WITH graduates including Suzanne Jackson, Rose Connolly, Lyndsey Cavanagh, Michelle Regazzoli (Mrs Make Up) and Jennifer Rock (The Skin Nerd), to name but a few, Blackrock Further Education Institute (BFEI) is justifiable proud of the success of its beauty and make up graduates.

International awarding bodies, ITEC and CIDESCO, certify BFEI’s full time, one and two year courses, in a wide range of skill areas including Beauty Therapy, Nail Technician with Eyelash and Eyebrow Treatments, Holistic Therapies and Theatrical, Media and Fashion Make Up Artistry.

Excellent working knowledge Using professional product ranges and state-of-the-art equipment, students studying at BFEI will gain an excellent working knowledge of a range of treatments, and will learn the professional skills required for a successful career in this thriving industry.

We are proud of our long association with professional skin care company, Dermalogica, and honoured to have been selected as Ireland’s first Dermalogica School of Excellence, in 2019, receiving recognition for training our students in a simulated Salon environment to the highest standard using a wide range of Dermalogica products.

Students are also trained to use the Matis skincare range and are provided with an opportunity to compete in the Matis Student of the Year competition each year to win the opportunity to travel on an allexpenses paid trip to the exclusive Matis headquarters in Paris.

Holistic and Sports Massage Students on our Holistic and Sports Massage courses study for qualifications in Anatomy and Physiology, Holistic Body Massage, Reflexology, Nutrition, Sports 38 Education

"Students studying at BFEI will gain an excellent working knowledge of a range of treatments, and will learn the professional skills required for a successful career in this thriving industry"

Massage, Aromatherapy, Stone and On-Site Massage.

Our Theatrical, Media and Fashion Make Up Artistry course is well established, and we have over time, developed excellent relationships with employers including Inglot, Monroe Recruitment and Benefit Cosmetics. These companies recruit directly from BFEI assured of the quality of graduates who have undertaken a one year full time course.

The additional industry standard training provided to students on the course including training in Tanning, Advanced Special SFX, Drag training and hair styling including Up Styling, enhances graduates employment prospects.

Management roles In 2019, we launched a new one year, full time, course in Salon Management. This course is aimed at students who aspire to managem e n t ro l e s w i t h i n t h e b e a u t y industry.

"This new Course content includes managing initiative seeks clients, scheduling and managing to address the staff, marketing and promotion and current health and safety. This course will recruitment provide graduates with the necessary crisis in the skills and confidence to avail of a Beauty range of management employment Therapy opportunities in the industry. industry and will enable Erasmus opportunities BFEI graduates BFEI has been involved in to avail of the Erasmus+ mobility projects since many 2018. Students from our beauty employment therapy courses are provided with an opportunities opportunity to undertake a 3 week currently work experience placement in 4 and available in 5 star spas and salons in Tenerife, the Spa Spain, in March each year. industry" This year, for the first time, our Make Up students spent three weeks working with a designer in Tenerife to prepare for the Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, one of the largest carnivals in the word.

Funding is provided to students to cover the cost of flights, accommodation and living expenses, under Erasmus+, the EU's programme to support education, training, youth and sport in Europe and is coordinated by Ireland’s national agency Léargas. Students who have participated have improved both their technical and personal skills and have described it “the experience of a lifetime!”

Internship programme Exciting plans are currently underway to develop an internship programme for Beauty Therapy students in partnership with the Irish Spa Association. Second year beauty therapy students attending BFEI will be provided with an opportunity to work in a luxury Spa one day per week while continuing to attend College for the remaining four days to add to the portfolio of qualifications gained in first year.

This new initiative seeks to address the current recruitment crisis in the Beauty Therapy industry and will enable BFEI graduates to avail of the many employment opportunities currently available in the Spa industry.

There are many benefits to participating in an internship programme including providing students with valuable hands on experience that cannot be obtained in a classroom, increasing their confidence and providing an opportunity to develop and refine both practical and soft skills while networking with professionals in the beauty industry.

BFEI is delighted to be involved in this new initiative and we look forward to working with the Irish Spa Association and its partners to offer students the opportunity to participate in this new internship from September 2021.

Visit www.bfei.ie

Education 39

University Learning in the North West ST. ANGELA’S COLLEGE continues to adapt in using a concept of learning never before experienced on such scale. The academic year 20202021 began with a hybrid model of on-site practicals and virtual lectures, following national guidelines, the College has put in place the measures required to ensure the safety of students and staff on campus at all times. As semester two commences, the College plans to bring full groups of students back on a phased basis when safe to do so.

College President, Amanda McCloat explains: "These challenging times have put additional strain on students and parents/guardians alike and we want to assure everyone that our COVID-19 Steering Group continue to meet and assess developments as they happen".

She continues: "our students this year will have a very different College experience but supports and help is available, from an academic as well as a health and wellbeing perspective, we pride ourselves in our close sense of community and will continue to promote this virtually or otherwise".

CAO preferences As students consider their CAO preferences ahead of the first closing date (1st February 2021) we remind everyone of the undergraduate options available at St. Angela’s College, a safe environment to learn in with high employment opportunities upon Graduation. Courses range from Nursing (General/Intellectual Disability); Home Economics Teacher Education; Home Economics; and Nutrition, Food and Business Management.

Nursing Science Bachelor of Nursing Science (General/Intellectual Disability) students contribute not only to the campus but to the local community with many placements at Sligo University Hospital as well as other HSE clinical settings here in the North West. BNSc students enjoy Clinical Placement each year of the 40 Education

course and gain valuable experience in a variety of settings. In just four years, BNSc students can register with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland and become fully recognised nurses.

The College continues to be the sole provider of Home Economics study at third level in the country.

With Home Economics Teacher Education as popular as ever, the College strives to meet this demand on a national level. This five-year course will see graduates complete a BA which is then followed by a Professional Master of Education (PME). Graduates will also be qualified to teach in a second elective subject (Biology, Religious Education or Irish).

Home Economics In September 2019, the College launched a BA in Home Economics focusing on the three core disciples of Home Economics; Food Studies; Textiles, Fashion and Design; Family Resource Management.

Graduates of this new BA will become Home Economists and will acquire the skills and knowledge to work in the Community (advocating sustainable health and wellbeing of individuals, families and community

"We pride ourselves in our close sense of community and will continue to promote this virtually or otherwise"

g ro u p s ) a s w e l l a s t h e F o o d / Beverage Sectors (food advisors, product development).

Graduates of the BA in Home Economics may also explore teaching, through further postgraduate studies at NUI Galway.

Careers in the food industry With an emphasis on food and nutrition, combined with business management, the Bachelor of Applied Science in Nutrition, Food and Business Management continues to produce graduates who gain employment in Ireland’s many food and beverage companies, as well as overseas employment opportunities.

The four-year course seeks to prepare individuals for the challenges of producing foods safe for human consumption and developing more nutritious, healthier food options for dynamic, ever-changing markets.

Students can also consider the alternative pathways to the Undergraduate courses including Mature Applicants, APT Project, QQI, Access Programme, HEAR and DARE. For more course details, see www.stangelas.nuigalway.ie.

DUNBOYNE COLLEGE OF FURTHER EDUCATION Academic Year Sept 2021 - May 2022 Post Leaving Cert Courses at QQI Level 5 & 6 COMPUTERS AND DESIGN DEPARTMENT

HEALTHCARE DEPARTMENT • • • • • • • • • • •

• • • • • • • • • • •

Social Studies/Social care Youth and Community Work *New Applied Psychology Criminology and Psychology *New Childcare/Special Needs Assistant * Pre-University Nursing with Midwifery Option Health Care Assistant Pre-Paramedic Fire and Ambulance *New Physiotherapy Studies *New Occupational Therapy Studies *New Pharmacy Assistant

SERVICES AND LEISURE DEPARTMENT

SCIENCE DEPARTMENT • • • • • • •

Pre-University Science Pre-University Agricultural Science Pre-University Forensic Science *New Pre-University Environmental Science *New Pre-University Sports Science Pre-University Food Science-Nutrition,Health and Well-being *New Pre-University Animal Science *New * ARTS / LAW /TEACHING DEPARTMENT

• • • • •

Software Development & Games Design *New Creative Digital Media Online Marketing/eBusiness Computer Systems and Networks Graphic Design Architectural Technology and Design *New Media and Film Production * Music Performance Sound Production Art (Fine Art or Design/2D) *New Animation

• • • • • • • •

Airline Studies Beauty Therapy * Hairdressing * Professional Cookery * Sports Management and Coaching Sports Injury Prevention and Massage Therapy Animal Care & Grooming Horsemanship and Equine Business * * Level 6 Option Offered

Pre-University Arts Pre-University Liberal Arts Pre-University Teaching Pre-University Law Pre-University Business Law BUSINESS DEPARTMENT

Pre-University Business * Pre-University Business and Accounting *New Pre-Apprenticeship Banking, Insurance and Financial Services *New Legal and Medical Secretary/Office Administration Office Accounts Administration and Information Processing (Family Friendly Timetable) *New • Journalism, Digital Media and Public Relations *New • Tourism and Business • • • • •

APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN

APPLY ONLINE - www.Dunboynecollege.ie Contact: Dunboynecollege@Lmetb.ie or Phone 01-8026577 Dunboyne CFE, Dunboyne Business Park, Dunboyne, Co. Meath A86WC91 Dunboyne College of Further Ed

@Dunboyne College FE

@DunboynecollegeFE

ALL COURSES AT DUNBOYNE COLLEGE HAVE PROGRESSION LINKS TO UNIVERSITIES / INSTITUTES OF TECHNOLOGY AND OTHER COLLEGES THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY OR CAN LEAD TO AN ARRAY OF EXCITING EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES.

Education 41

Record graduate success for Dunboyne College OVER 900 students graduated this week from Dunboyne College in a unique graduation ceremony. The virtual online event took place as the record figures for graduate progression and employment were announced by the college.

Dunboyne College Principal Denis Leonard revealed that CAO figures show over 90% of students who graduated from Dunboyne College and applied for third level places received at least one offer.

Demand for places The Dunboyne Principal also announced that Dunboyne College is now among the top 5 largest colleges of further education in the country and the largest in the north east region. The demand for places at the college is out stripping supply.

Over 2530 students applied for 1000 places for 2020 entry. This is expected to continue in 2021 as new courses in Occupational Therapy, Software Development and Games Design, Animal Science and PreApprenticeship Banking, Insurance and Financial Services were announced.

The college has already accepted several hundred applicants for places in 2021. This figure is expected to grow with Virtual Open Evenings scheduled on Wednesday 13th and Thursday 14th January 2021 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

42 Education

Speaking in advance of the unique graduation ceremony Mr Leonard said that the college felt it was very important to celebrate the achievements of the graduates. “2020 was a very strange year for them, a graduating class always has reason to be proud. But this group of students have added reason.

"They adapted very quickly to online learning and achieved great success despite the disruption to their studies. As a college we felt it was more important than ever to honour the graduates of 2020 and their resilience in finishing out their course and progressing to Universities and Institutes of Technology and employment in such great numbers.”

Virtual ceremony Drawing on the skills of its Film and Media Production department the virtual ceremony was broadcast live to graduates and their families with an opening address by Mr Leonard, a summary of the student’s academic achievements and their journey thought the year from Deputy Principals Irene Togher and Emer Cloak as well as a special address from the Minister for Justice Helen McEntee. In a series of three ceremonies the name of each graduating student was announced by the academic staff.

Mr Leonard revealed that

Dunboyne College is represented in nearly every third level college in the country from Dublin to Dundalk, Athlone to Galway, Waterford to Cork to Tralee.

In congratulating the graduating c l a s s o f 2 0 2 0 D e n i s L e o n a rd , Principal, Dunboyne College revealed the highest progression rates to universities and Institutes of Technology in the history of the Meath based college.

“Three hundred and seventy-four (374) students received honours degree Level 8 offers and two hundred and forty-eight 248 received a Level 7 ordinary degree offers. These figures do not include the many mature students who received early offers and those who took up offers in the UK for nursing, law or sports degrees.

"They adapted very quickly to online learning and achieved great success despite the disruption to their studies.

As a college we felt it was more important than ever to honour the graduates of 2020 and Strong progression their resilience "In addition to these students the in finishing out majority of the students who studied their course" on the vocational skills courses obtained employment, this is particular relevant in the service and leisure courses. The strong progression to direct employment must be noted too, as many students choose not to make a CAO application but to upskill with a chosen sector, thus enhancing their CV for future career opportunities.”

“Distance proved no barrier to Dunboyne College students. From

Nursing and Midwifery in Dundalk, to Sports Science in Carlow, to Bio-Veterinary Science in Athlone, to Sports Management in Waterford, to Environmental or Marine Science in Galway, to Arts in Cork or Forensic Investigation in Sligo, students travelled to access the exact course they wanted."

As usual some of our local universities had the bulk of the offers. In total there were 130 offers for Maynooth University with 75 students receiving offers for First Arts, while 10 were offered Social Science, 13 received offers of place for Science and 7 for computer science with 14 offers across a range of business course.

Growing university link The growing link between our pre-university law course saw 3 students receiving offers for law, with some students also offered places in psychology and early childhood studies.

32 students were offered places in DCU with 5 of these receiving offers for Nursing and 3 for Law. This is a remarkable achievement given the limited number of places available in N u r s i n g a c c o rd i n g t o t h e Dunboyne Principal.

28 students from Dunboyne College progressed to UCD (including nine into various science courses), while there are 14 students studying in Trinity College on courses ranging from Law to Dental Nursing.

T h e r e w e r e 7 o ff e r s o n courses in National College of Ireland and 5 for each of the National College of Art and Design and the Institute of Art, Design and Technology.

There were 92 offers of Level 8 places and 166 at Level places to Dunboyne graduates by the new TUD Dublin which comprises of DIT, IT Blanchardstown and Tallaght IT. The bulk of these were in Social Care, Business, Computer/IT courses, Pharmacy, Tourism, or Sports Management and Coaching, Other college offers include: • Dundalk Institute of Technology...27 • Athlone Institute of Technology...21 • Waterford Institute of Technology...11

"Dropout rates for students who do a level 5 QQI course are less than 3% on progression compared to up to 10% in universities and up to 33% on some third level courses for Leaving Cert entrants"

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• Tralee Institute of Technology...7 • Carlow Institute of Technology and Carlow College...23 In addition, some students opted for private colleges with eleven offers for Dublin Business School in 2020 and five for Griffith College. Many students went to the UK this year to study nursing and many of other graduates attainted immediate employment in areas like childcare, sports, computers, health care, business, hair and beauty, tourism and professional cookery.

Flexible options Reflecting on the success of the students Mr Leonard said that the Dunboyne College sends more students to universities and Institutes of Technology than the majority of secondary schools in the country.

“The flexible options in Dunboyne allow students to sample various modules in September to make sure they are pursuing the correct course choice. Dropout rates for students who do a level 5 QQI course are less than 3% on progression compared to up to 10% in universities and up to 33% on some third level courses for leaving cert entrants.”

The Dunboyne Principal believes that the skills the students acquire will support them in their further studies. “As students also learn referencing, research and self-directed learning they tend to stay the full third level course afterwards, unlike many who go straight from leaving cert who are often not very sure of their options.”

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Every new donor, every new donation saves many lives. #EveryOneCounts Follow us for more updates and news

The ISPCC Shield Programme 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.

Discover more at www.ispcc.ie/shield-anti-bullying-programme/

Education 43

44 Education

Engineering & Innovation at Munster Technological University

A Global Success Story Engineering and Innovation at Munster Technological University IN May 2020, the Government announced that Munster Technological University (MTU) will be established officially in early 2021 and will be Ireland’s newest Technological University.

MTU will see the merging of Cork Institute of Technology (CIT ) and the Institute of Technology Tralee (IT Tralee) and will be a multi-campus technological university, contributing to the region through the provision of academic programmes that support student development and opportunities, education, and research.

MTU will have an extensive footprint with six campuses right across the South-West region.

Strategic development MTU will play a leadership role in the strategic development of the region, and, in so doing, will adopt a global outlook and a civic centric value system.

Studying at MTU will have many benefits for students, including: • The range and quality of services and supports available to students will be enriched; • Students will have a greater range of options available to them in relation to course choice, progression opportunities, research and industry placement; • Graduates will be able to avail of a greater selection of options nationally, and internationally, for further study and participation in research; • Graduates will experience enhanced employability both in Ireland and internationally as MTU graduates.

MTU will be a multi-campus technological university, contributing to the region through the provision of academic programmes that support student development and opportunities, education and research.

Partnering with industry and community, MT U w i l l i nve s t i n t h e f u t u re w i t h state-of-the-art research, education, enterprise, cultural and sports facilities.

The quite remarkable global success story over the past decade and beyond of the institute’s engineering and innovation students and their unprecedented achievements on the international and national stages is a very significant reflection and quite outstanding validation of Ireland’s newest university MTU. The remarkable sustained global engineering design, innovation and entrepreneurship achievements of the students is founded on a continuous design

"MTU will be a multi-campus technological university, contributing to the region through the provision of academic programmes that support student development and opportunities, education and research"

"Partnering with industry and community, MTU will invest in the future with state-of-the-art research, education, enterprise, cultural and sports facilities"

core centred on universal design principles, a strong innovation ethos, product development from student concept to prototype manufacture and optimisation, multi-discipline teamwork, business plan development, communication and exhibition skill enhancement and a unique engineering education model have all combined to create a critical mass leading to the remarkable international and national successes over a sustained period of the students of MTU’s engineering and business degree courses.

Award winning Sustained International and national success has been achieved consistently at all level of engineering and innovation education delivery for many years as exemplified in 2020 by the achievement of Cathal Merz (pictured on Education Magazine Front Cover), Master of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering, Munster Technological University.

Cathal's projec t on “ Test Method Development for Evaluation of Process and Design Effect on Reinforced Tube”, carried out under the supervision of Dr. Gareth O’Donnell and Professor Ger Kelly, won the Best Presentation Award at the ICBBBS 2020 Barcelona International Conference on Biotechnology, Bioengineering and Biological Solutions.

Simon Dring’s Final Year Biomedical Engineering project TraumAlert™, on development of spor ts protection device SmartGuard to improve concussion awareness and player safety at all levels and allow for quick and easy detection of potential concussion with zero subjectivity, carried out under the supervision of Dr. Darren Dawson, won the Grant Thornton Emerging Business National Award of €5,000 at the Enterprise Ireland Student Entrepreneur Awards Virtual Finals in June 2020.

Further success Further national success at the 2020 Enterprise Ireland Student Entrepreneur Awards Virtual Finals was achieved by the Innovative Product Development MultiDiscipline Start-Up Team EnablAid™ , Eoghan O’Sullivan, James O’Riordan, Rhiannon Madigan, Jack McDonnell, Ryan Thomas, Michael Cronin, Padraig Dillane, Fionan Leahy, Kieran Velon for their third year undergraduate group project.

This project on design and development of a mobility device to aid people with reduced mobility to manouevre around

their gardens and to easily access their flowerbeds, while significantly reducing the physical effort and upper body strength required to get down to and back up from ground level was carried out under the supervision of lecturers Dr Hugh O’Donnell, Paul Keane, Lisa Murphy, Scott McGowan and Professor Sean F. O’Leary.

Based on many year’s work contributing to the advancement of student innovation, the Enterprise Ireland Academic Award 2020 Student Entrepreneur Awards Virtual Finals was presented to Professor Sean F. O’Leary.

Jack Murphy, Sustainable Energy Engineering Student, has also achieved national success in 2020, winning the M E E TA A s s e t M a n a g e m e n t a n d Maintenance Student Project National First Place Award 2020.

Jack’s National First Place Award was a n n o u n c e d a t t h e M E E TA A s s e t Management Awards Ceremony, which took place yesterday Thursday 26th November a t t h e h i g h p r o f i l e M E E TA A s s e t Management National Virtual Conference “Restoring Vision from 2020”. Jack’s final year capstone project concerns the “Energy Optimisation of Compressed Air at Thermo Fisher Cork” and was carried out under the supervision of Mr. Edmund Collins of Thermo Fisher Cork and Senior Lecturer Chris Gibbons.

Remarkable platform The Universal Design Grand Challenge also proved another remarkable platform for national success in 2020. At the Virtual Finals in Dublin on 11th November 2020 the First Place National Award Winner 2020 in the Built Environment Category was announced as Lydia Rose Morgan, Interior Architecture, Cork Institute of Technology for her project on “Wandesford Quay Intergenerational Community Hub” carried out under the supervision of Dr Marc Ó Riain and Dr Jason O’Shaughnessy of the Department of Architecture.

The SafeSource Multi-Disciplinary Team of Stephen Moroney, Patricia O' Sullivan, Evan Enright, Kieran Pyke, Darragh Bateman, Stephen Lynch, Peadar Keane, Hannah Ahern and Andrew Clarke under the supervision of lecturers Dr Hugh O’Donnell, Paul Keane, Lisa Murphy, Scott McGowan and Professor Sean F. O’Leary also were shortlisted as National Finalists 2020 in the Product and Services Category of the Universal Design Grand Challenge 2020.

The multidisciplinary programmes, developed and led by the Innovative Product

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Engineering & Innovation at Munster Technological University

Development team Lecturers Dr. Hugh O’Donnell, Paul Keane, Lisa Murphy, Scott McGowan and Professor Sean F. O’Leary, has proved hugely successful over the years in encouraging development of novel student projects with many self-conceived student teams and products addressing very important individual and societal needs and achieving major international and national honours.

Multi-Discipline Start-Up This global success is clearly signposted by the Multi-Discipline Start-Up Team StrydeTech, whose novel enablement project won three major international awards including the First Place Technology Gold Award at the Global Student Innovation Challenge at iCreate, the International Convention on Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology in Canberra Australia in August 2019.

A further example of global achievement is the Multi-Discipline Start-Up Team MacGlas, whose macular degeneration novel solution developing technology won the USWC19 Contribution Award at the University Start Up World Cup 2019 in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Gender synergies The forging together of student multidisciplinary teams based on universal design philosophy and practice from career streams and disciplines with traditionally and currently high proportions of male participation such as Mechanical Engineering and Accountancy with career streams and disciplines with traditionally and currently higher proportions of female participation such as Biomedical Engineering and Marketing /Management has harnessed a powerful and groundbreaking synergy between the genders and has had a hugely beneficial effect in incul-

cating an innovation / entrepreneurship ethos, mindset and skillset amongst these young people.

The multidisciplinary programmes actively promote the role of women in engineering in general and specifically in relation to participation through leading roles throughout the innovative product development process.

Indeed the prevalence of women engineers in team leadership and project management roles had been a major driver and central component of the international/ national success of these multidisciplinary teams including the global award winning teams StrydeTech (Team Leader - Muireann Hickey) and MacGlas (Team Leader - Elaine Leahy).

Award winning women students Further examples of international and national award winning women students include Niamh Thompson (Queen’s Silver Jubilee Award), Dr. Xiao Fang Zhang (European Laureate of Innovation), Kathleen Hurley (Design and Development of a Biomedical Device - International Medical Engineering Competition Award London), Eveleen Clanc y - Team Leader ZipI t (Universal Design Grand Challenge), Niamh Savage - Team Leader Safely Snooze (Universal Design Grand Challenge), Karen McDonnell (MEETA - Asset Managers Association National Award), Ciara Doherty - Team Leader Pendulife (Enterprise Ireland Student Entrepreneur National Award), Ciara C ro n i n - Te a m Le a d e r S t ro k e S e n s e (Enterprise Ireland Student Entrepreneur National Award), Rose Clancy - Team Leader GreenBreathing (Enterprise Ireland Student Entrepreneur National Award), Nichola O ’ M a h o n y - Te a m L e a d e r M a s t e c h (Enterprise Ireland Student Entrepreneur National Award).

The achievement by Ms. Louise Connolly,

ESBI and CIT Mechanical Engineering Graduate, as First Female Winner of the Engineers Ireland National Award of Chartered Engineer of the Year Accolade is another example of the groundbreaking achievements of our women engineering graduates.

Entrepreneurship ethos A strong innovation and entrepreneurship ethos is encouraged within the new "Ground-breaking university’s student body and links have synergy between been developed with students from other the genders and disciplines including ground-breaking multi-discipline team projects in liaison with has had a hugely beneficial effect in Marketing, Accounting and Information Systems students. inculcating an From student concept, current issues and innovation / entrepreneurship needs are assessed and addressed through applied engineering design solutions under ethos, mindset the supervision of a young and vibrant staff and skillset via oral and written presentations and amongst these round-table student/staff fora. young people" A continuous design core, a strong innovation ethos, product development from student concept to prototype manufacture and optimisation, multi-discipline teamwo r k , b u s i n e s s p l a n d e ve l o p m e nt , communication and exhibition skill enhancement and a unique engineering education model have all combined to create a critical mass leading to the remarkable International and National successes over a sustained period of the students of MTU’s engineering degree courses.

A quite remarkable period of sustained achievement both nationally and internationally over the past decade and beyond - recognized by the prestigious European Commission for the European Enterprise P r o m o t i o n Aw a r d " P r o m o t i n g t h e Entrepreneurial Spirit" National Award - is detailed and illustrated in the accompanying table (next spread).

Universal Design Grand Challenge Awards - Virtual Finals Dublin 11th November 2020 First Place National Award Winner 2020 - Built Environment Category

Lydia Rose Morgan

Interior Architecture, Cork Institute of Technology “Wandesford Quay Intergenerational Community Hub” Supervisors: Dr Marc Ó Riain and Dr Jason O’Shaughnessy, Department of Architecture

ICBBBS Barcelona 2020

International Conference on Biotechnology, Bioengineering & Biological Solutions

Best Presentation Award

Cathal Merz - Cork Institute of Technology Supervisors Dr. Gareth O’Donnell and Professor Ger Kelly

THE International Conference on Biotechnology, Bioengineering and Biological Solutions brings together leading academic scientists, researchers and research scholars to exchange and share their experiences and research results on all aspects of Biotechnology, Bioengineering and Biological Solutions.

The International Conference also provides a premier interdisciplinary platform for researchers, practitioners and educators to present and discuss the most recent innovations, trends and concerns as well as practical challenges encountered and solutions adopted in the fields of Biotechnology, Bioengineering and Biological Solutions.

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National Finalist 2020 - Product and Services Category

SafeSource

A self-cleaning water trough for indoor agricultural housing The SafeSource MultiDisciplinary Team: Stephen Moroney, Patricia O'Sullivan, Evan Enright, Kieran Pyke, Darragh Bateman, Stephen Lynch, Peadar Keane, Hannah Ahern and Andrew Clarke (SafeSource Team photo taken in academic year 2019-20) Supervising Lecturers: Dr Hugh O’Donnell, Paul Keane, Lisa Murphy, Scott McGowan, Professor Sean F. O’Leary

Engineering & Innovation at Munster Technological University

Enterprise Ireland Student Entrepreneur Awards | Virtual Finals 12th June 2020 Grant Thornton Emerging Business National Award - €5,000 THE developing TraumAlert SmartGuard is designed to improve concussion awareness and player safety at all levels and to allow for quick and easy detection of potential concussion with zero subjectivity.

“The Student Entrepreneur Awards have allowed me to develop skills that will benefit me through my career, regardless of what path I choose.” Simon Dring

Three Major National Awards at National Finals achieved at Enterprise Ireland Student Entrepreneur Awards 2020

TraumAlert™ Simon Dring - Final Year Biomedical Engineering. Supervising Lecturer: Dr. Darren Dawson

(1) Grant Thornton - Emerging Business €5,000 National Award 2020 - TraumAlert™ (2) Enterprise Ireland - National Merit €1,500 Award of Excellence 2020 - EnablAid™ (3) Enterprise Ireland Academic Award 2020 - Professor Sean F. O’Leary WITH over 1,000 entries nationally in 2020 to this prestigious entrepreneurship and innovation multi-discipline competition, the achievement of three major national awards by one college is quite remarkable.

See www.studententrepreneurawards.com/about-the-awards/

National Merit Award of Excellence 2020 - €1,500 Enabl-Aid is a mobility device which will aid people with reduced mobility to manouevre around their gardens and easily access their flowerbeds. It significantly reduces the physical effort and upper body strength required to get down to/ and back up from ground level.

However the Enabl-aid is more than just a tool, it is a comfort.

“The Student Entrepreneur Awards has provided our team with fantastic resources to convey our business idea to a huge audience.”

EnablAid Multi-Disciplinary Start-Up Innovation Team - Cork Institute of Technology Eoghan O’Sullivan, James O’Riordan, Rhiannon Madigan, Jack McDonnell, Ryan Thomas, Michael Cronin, Padraig Dillane, Fionan Leahy, Kieran Velon (EnablAid Team photo taken in academic year 2019-20) Supervising Lecturers: Dr Hugh O’Donnell, Paul Keane, Lisa Murphy, Scott McGowan, Professor Sean F. O’Leary

MEETA - Asset Managers Society First Place National Student Award Winner 2020

Jack Murphy, Sustainable Energy Engineering “Energy Optimisation of Compressed Air at Thermo Fisher Cork”

CORK Institute of Technology's Jack M u r p h y, S u s t a i n a b l e E n e r g y Engineering, has won the MEETA Asset Management and M aintenance Student Projec t National First Place Award 2020.

Jack’s National First Place Award was announced at the MEETA Asset Management Awards Ceremony, which took place Today Thursday 26th November at the high profile MEETA Asset Management National Virtual Conference “Restoring Vision from 2020”.

Jack’s national award winning

projec t concer ns the “Energy Optimisation of Compressed Air at Thermo Fisher Cork” and was carried out in conjunction with Thermo Fisher Cork by Jack to fulfil the requirements of his final year individual Sustainable Energy Engineering Level 8 Degree project for the academic year 2019/20.

Jack’s project was carried out under the supervision of Mr. Edmund Collins of Thermo Fisher Cork and Senior Lecturer Chris Gibbons of CIT. Following written submission and short-listing, Jack presented his

undergraduate capstone project before a distinguished panel of leading industrial experts in the field of Asset Management and Maintenance competing amongst a very strong nationwide entry of students at both Undergraduate Level 8 and Masters Level 9, who presented over 2 days at the national virtual finals.

A super national achievement for Jack under the as always brilliant supervision of Senior Lecturer Chris Gibbons and for all involved at Thermo Fisher Cork and CIT.

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Engineering & Innovation at Munster Technological University

International Prize-Winners in Engineering Innovation, Design & Entrepreneurship include:

National Prize-Winners in Engineering Innovation, Design & Entrepreneurship include:

■ ICBBBS Barcelona 2020 - International Conference on Biotechnology, Bioengineering and Biological Solutions - Best Presentation Award (2020) ■ Four Enterprise Ireland / Invest Northern Ireland Think Outside the Box Academic Innovation Awards (2020,2016,2012,2009) ■ One Global Student Innovation Challenge, i-CREATe, Canberra, Australia - Global First Place Technology - Gold Award (2019) ■ One Global Student Innovation Challenge, i-CREATe, Canberra, Australia - Best Presentation Award (2019) ■ One Global Student Innovation Challenge, i-CREATe, Canberra, Australia - Public Choice Award (2019) ■ One University Startup World Cup Finals - USWC19 Contribution Award Copenhagen Denmark (2019) ■ One University Startup World Cup Finals - Health Category – Top 2 Global Award Copenhagen Denmark (2018) ■ Two Dubai Design Week -Global Grad Show - Invited Exhibitor (2018, 2017) ■ One University Startup World Cup Finals - Global HealthTech Leadership Award Copenhagen Denmark (2017) ■ One European Commission Award - European Enterprise Promotion Awards “Delivering Innovative Product Development, Multi-disciplinary Engineering and Ground-breaking Education” Luxembourg (2015) ■ One University Startup World Cup Finals Sole Irish Finalist Category Finalist Award Winner Copenhagen Denmark (2015) ■ Nine First Places and Seven Runner Up Finalists in the Institution of Mechanical Engineers Best Medical Engineering and Design and Development of a Biomedical Device Competitions, London (2015, 2014, 2011, 2010, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005) ■ Two European Laureate of Innovation First Place Award - European Student Innovator of the Year 2014 and 2012 - European Student Innovation Finals Innovact Reims France (2014, 2012) ■ European Science Engineering and Technology Best European Mechanical Engineering Student One First Place and One Runner Up Babcock Award - SET Finals London UK (2013, 2011) ■ One European Laureate of Innovation Third Place Award – European Student Innovation Finals - Innovact Reims (2010) ■ One First and One Second Place in the ISEA International Sports Engineering Competition, London ■ Two Queen’s Silver Jubilee awards for Best Mechanical Engineering Degree Project in Ireland and Britain ■ One Genius 2000 Award for Best New Invention at the Nuremburg Inventors’ Fair ■ Two Society of Manufacturing Engineering Outstanding Young Engineer Worldwide Awards ■ Three First Places for Best Published and Presented Paper at the International Manufacturing Conference.

■ Eleven MEETA Asset Management and Maintenance National Awards (2020, 2019, 2016(x2), 2015(x2), 2014, 2013(x2), 2011, 2006) ■ Two Enterprise Ireland Grant Thornton First Place National Awards (2020, 2016) ■ Thirteen Enterprise Ireland / Invest Northern Ireland National Awards of Merit (2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2015, 2013, 2012, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007) ■ Seven Enterprise Ireland / Invest Northern Ireland Cruickshank Most Technologically Innovative Project First Place National Awards (2019, 2017, 2016, 2013, 2009, 2008, 2007) ■ One National Startup Awards Dublin City Hall 3rd Level Spinout Category Gold Award (2019) ■ Two National Disability Authority Centre for Excellence in Universal Design Grand Challenge Enterprise Ireland Commercialisation National Award (2019, 2016) ■ Twelve Engineers Ireland Innovative Student Engineer of the Year First Place Awards sponsored by Siemens (2018 L9/L8/L7, 2014 L8, 2013 L8, 2012 L8, 2011 L7, 2009 L7, 2008 L8, 2007 L7, 2006 L8, 2005 L8, 2004 L8, 2003 L8) ■ Four Enterprise Ireland / Invest Northern Ireland Young Entrepreneur of the Year First Place National Awards (2018, 2016, 2013, 2007) ■ Eight Engineers Ireland Innovative Student National Finalist Awards - / Combined L9/L8/L7 Competition - (2018(x2, 2017(x2), 2016(x2 2015(x2)) ■ One Institute of Designers in Ireland (IDI) Graduate National Award First Place - Product Design - Medical Devices Category (2018) ■ One National Disability Authority Centre for Excellence in Universal Design Grand Challenge Judges’ Choice ICT Award (2018) ■ One National Disability Authority Centre for Excellence in Universal Design Grand Challenge People’s Choice National Award (2018) ■ Two Enterprise Ireland / Invest Northern Ireland Intel ICT First Place National Awards (2017, 2016) ■ Three Enterprise Ireland / Invest Northern Ireland Academic Innovation National Awards (2016, 2012, 2009) ■ One James Dyson Design National Award Ireland First Place (2016) ■ One Accenture Leaders of Tomorrow First Place National Award Accenture HQ Grand Canal Square Dublin (2016) ■ One National Disability Authority Centre for Excellence in Universal Design Grand Challenge Judges’ Choice Award Technology Trophy National Award (2016) ■ One Early Career Awards Special Recognition National Award (2016)

European Laureate of Innovation Dr. Xiao Fang Zhang Medical Infusion System Air Bubble Extractor Design and Development by Dr. Xiao Fang Zhang, Mechanical Engineering Degree Graduate, Cork Institute of Technology in conjunction with Cork University Hospital Three Innovact Student Laureates Announced in Reims: Finals of the European Student Innovation Awards - Innovact Reims From a large Europewide Entry and 28 Short-listed European Finalists, the three European Innovation Student Laureates 2010 are: Cecille Schomollgruber - Stereolabs - France Eric Hogner - Windflip - Norway Xiao Fang Zhang - Med-Ware™ - Ireland

European Laureate of Innovation Dr. Xiao Fang Zhang showcased promotional video “Postcard from the Edge of Europe” at the Shanghai Exposition

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A delighted Ms. Xiao Fang Zhang of Med-Ware™ of Cork Institute of Technology has been interviewed by French Television.

Inventor and Designer, Dr. Xiao Fang Zhang drew her project inspiration from both Chinese and Irish sources, quoting dual inspiration from Mr. Ger Flynn, Chief Biomedical Engineer, Health Service Executive Southern Region, Cork University Hospital, her Lecturer, and Mr. Gou Yu Zhang, Veterinary Surgeon, Liao Ning Province, China, her Dad.

Engineering & Innovation at Munster Technological University

Global Student Innovation Challenge 2019 iCreate International Convention on Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Canberra Australia

First Place Technology Gold Award - StrydeTech

MacGlas Team

wins USWC19 Contribution Award at

University Start Up World Cup 2019 Copenhagen, Denmark MacGlas is designed to help people suffering from Macular Degeneration, the leading cause of vision loss in the western world, which results in the progressive loss of central vision By configuring and applying existing technologies in a new and innovative way to harness and optimally utilise the sufferer’s peripheral undamaged vision, MacGlas helps individuals regain everyday capabilities such as reading which have been made impossible by the genetic disease StrydeTech has indeed won three significant awards at the Global Student Innovation Challenge 2019 in Canberra: • The Overall First Place Technology Gold Award presented at the Great Hall, Australian Parliament House by the Princess of Thailand - HRH Princess MAHA Chakri Sirindhorn of the Kingdom of Thailand • The Best Presentation Award - a really remarkable achievement for Muireann and Kevin following an arduous 35 hour outward journey and under the bright lights of

Australian National TV Live Recording during the Adjudication (the only team whose entire adjudicated presentation was selected for recording by Australian National TV) • The Public Choice Award - This award has been emphasised by the organisers of the Global Student Innovation Challenge as a hugely significant award as it was viewed as the independent convention industrial / biomedical / clinician / healthcare delegate validation of the international judging panel gold award

Queen’s Silver Jubilee Award

for Best Engineering Degree Project in Ireland and Britain Mechanical Engineering Degree Student

Niamh Thompson

has won Top National and International Engineering Awards for her Total Hip Replacement Project THE Queens Silver Jubilee, I nstitution of Mechanical Engineers Competition to determine best Engineering Degree Project in Ireland and Britain took place at Birdcage Walk, London.

First Place was achieved by Ms. Niamh Thompson, Cork Institute of Technology, for her

p ro j e c t o n " I n f l u e n c e O f Surgical Solutions on the Fatigue Properties of Total Hip Replacement Bone Cement" carried out in conjunction with Orthopaedic Surgeons at Cork University Hospital and St. Mary's Orthopaedic Hospital, Cork under the supervision of Dr. Keith Bryan.

Total Hip Replacement Project wins Siemens Engineers Ireland National Award

Niamh Thompson

MacGlas invited to and exhibits at Dubai Design Week 2018 Global Grad Show The exhibition brings together highlights from the degree shows of the most innovative technology and design programs in the world, featuring works from 50 universities in 30 countries. This includes well established schools such as MIT, Royal College of Ar t, and National University of Singapore, as well as smaller ones such as Srishti Institute in Bangalore and Higher Institute of Industrial Design in Havana.

Ms. Elaine Leahy, Team Leader, MacGlas has travelled to Dubai as Ireland’s sole representative in the Global Grad Show.

The MacGlas stand has created great interest in Dubai – see attached photo from Dubai depicting Biomedical Engineering Student Elaine describing Macular Degeneration, the leading cause of vision loss in the western world, which results in the progressive loss of central vision and the motivation for the innovative MacGlas developing product.

The D ubai D esign Week Global Grad Show is a globally unique exhibition of innovation, inventions and technology that will transform our future, all showcased by the world’s next generation of design talent.

From over 1,000 submissions this year, 150 of the world’s best graduate projects are selected to be showcased at the Global Grad Show.

This invitation and participation represents a great international honour for the team and for CIT.

(See www.dubaidesignweek.ae and www.globalgradshow.com)

The Finals of the Siemens Engineers Ireland National Competition for best Engineering Degree Project in Ireland took place in the LectureTheatre at the Institution of Engineers of Ireland's Headquarters, Clyde Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4.

Finalists from all disciplines of Engineering, presented to an expert panel of judges.

First Place was achieved by Ms. Niamh Thompson, Cork Institute of Technology, for her project on "Influence of Surgical Solutions on the Fatigue Properties of Total Hip Replacement Bone Cement" carried out in conjunction with Orthopaedic Surgeons at Cork University Hospital and St. Mary's Orthopaedic Hospital, Cork under the supervision of Dr. Keith Bryan

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Engineering & Innovation at Munster Technological University

CIT Mechanical Engineer

Kathleen Hurley

declared Outright Winner of Information and Communication Technology Category - First Place National Award

Safely Snooze CIT Multidisciplinary Innovative Product Development Laboratories Team

Presentation of Universal Design Grand Challenge Technology Trophy by Mr. Declan Brady, President Irish Computer Society to Safely Snooze team - represented by Niamh Savage (Team Leader), Shane Guerin, Alice Brislane and Darren O’Sullivan

National Disability Authority – People’s Choice Prize First Place National Award

- Siemens Engineers Ireland Innovative Engineer National Award Dublin - Design and Development of a Biomedical Device, International Award London

Kathleen Hurley, Final Year Mechanical Eng. Degree Student, CIT. Project Title: "Fractured Finger Splint System Design & Development" . Industrial Partner: Mr. James Harty, Consultant Surgeon. Supervisor: Dr. Keith Bryan

ZipIt! CIT Multidisciplinary Innovative Product Development Laboratories Team

Prototype 'Finger Fit' Device by K.Hurley

THE objective of this project is to research and design an improved support system for the treatment of a fractured fifth metacarpal (also known as a boxer’s fracture) as an alternative to the current conventional treatment.

From surgeon concept, an

Presentation of Universal Design Grand Challenge People’s Choice Trophy by Associate Professor Liz Sanders Ohio State University - Founder MakeTools to ZipIt! team - represented by Eveleen Clancy (Team Leader), Cillian Kearney and Cian Moore

50 Education

aluminium splint is designed to provide a three point pressure system to immobilise the fifth knuckle.

The new fractured finger splint is developed in parallel with an innovative neoprene glove support system to prevent rotational deformity.

Engineering & Innovation at Munster Technological University

Presentation of the Richard Hale Excellence Award

MEETA - Asset Managers Society First Place National Student Award Winner

Ms. Ciara Doherty Team Leader

Pendulife

CIT Bachelor of Engineering in Biomedical Engineering First Class Honours Degree Graduate

at National Finals in Engineers Ireland, HQ, Ballsbridge, Dublin

Ms. Karen McDonnell, Biomedical Engineering, CIT presented with MEETA Student Overall National Award Winner by Mr. Dermot Byrne, President of Engineers Ireland pictured with Mr. Ray O’Neill, General Manager ESS and Mr. John Coleman, Chairman of MEETA Asset Managers Association

Karen McDonnell, Biomedical Engineering CIT “Optimisation of the Packaging System at Wright Medical”

Pendulife™ Transport Safety Device Design and Development.

Multi-Discipline Start-Up Innovation Team CIT. Ciara Doherty, Patrick Collins , Richard Moynahan, Keith Lawlor, Padraig O’Callaghan, Yola Versteegh

Supervisor: Lecturer Sally Bryan AT A glittering Awards ceremony in Dublin, CIT Biomedical Engineering Student Karen McDonnell was adjudged as first place national winner and presented by Mr. Dermot Byrne, President Engineers Ireland with the prestigious MEETA Asset Management and Maintenance National Student Overall Award Winner.

A double success ensued for CIT as CIT Sustainable Energy Engineering student Lisa Mooney was adjudged winner of and was presented with the MEETA National Certificate Award of Excellence by Mr. Dermot Byrne,

President Engineers Ireland.

These successes represent a significant groundbreaking achievement for two women (and both proud Kerrywomen at that) to choose and pursue capstone projects and indeed excel at the highest level in the traditionally highly male dominated Asset Management and Maintenance sector, while in competition against the cream of Undergraduate and Masters Degree students across the country for the highly prestigious MEETA National Student First Place Award Winner.

Think Outside the Box Finals Galway First Place and Student Entrepreneur of the Year - €10,000

Engineers Ireland National Award Chartered Engineer of the Year First Female Winner

Louise Connolly, ESBI, CIT Mechanical Engineering Louise Connolly, ESBI, CIT Mechanical Engineering Graduating from CIT with an honours degree in Mechanical Engineering in 2004, Louise joined ESB International. She is currently a consultant engineer in ESBI Engineering’s power plant department and works on Irish and international power plant and gas pipeline projects. Pics: Maxwells

James Dyson Design Award Ireland First Place National Award Enterprise Ireland Student Entrepreneur Awards Cruickshank Intellectual Property Attorneys Award

HydroFLOcean (H-FLO) Multidisciplinary Team: Arran Coughlan, Kelly Lane, George O’Rourke, Shane O’Driscoll, Jason Shorten, John Harrington, Kacey Mealy & Gerard O’Connell

H-Flo is a new innovative water safety device that disengages a lanyard from a harness when submerged in water.

Company AH Technology, Product Mastech, Cork Institute of Technology Animal Healthcare Device Design and Development CIT Multi-Discipline Start-Up Innovation Team: Nicola O’Mahony (Team Leader), Donal Carey, Kenneth Barry, Damien McAuliffe, Ciaran Malone, Owen Mc Donagh, James Cahill

See H-FLO's winning entry at: www.jamesdysonaward.org/projects/hydro-flocean/ Education 51

Engineering & Innovation at Munster Technological University

Engineering in Medicine and Health Division

CIT Gasgon Student Team Honoured University Start Up World Cup

HealthTech Leadership Award Copenhagen, Denmark

Westminster London The Healthcare Technologies Student and Early Career Awards International Medical Engineering Finals First Place - Vicon Prize for Best Undergraduate Medical Engineering Project First Place: James Fogarty Cork Institute of Technology “Design and Development of an Assistive Technology Music System for Sufferers of Cerebral Palsy.

Supervisor: Lecturer Sally Bryan

Westminster London David Kelleher and Ciara McKenna Win Overall First and Three Awards at the 22nd Annual International Medical Competition

FROM 1,500 Business Plans submitted from 40 Countries to the University Startup World Cup, CIT’s Gasgon Medical Team were shortlisted to just 70 Finalists for the Global Competition Finals in Copenhagen, Denmark.

News has just arrived from Denmark that following an extensive adjudication process undertaken over the past month by a distinguished panel of international judges, that based on demonstration of the highest professionalism throughout the world cup finals and a concept which has extreme high potential to make a difference that CIT's Gasgon Medical Student Team, Vincent Forde and Conor O’Brien, has been adjudged winner of and is to be honoured with the University Start Up World Cup HealthTech Leadership Award. A really fantastic global success and immense international honour for Vincent and Conor.

Undergraduate students, Vincent and Conor demonstrated great passion and dedication and rose admirably throughout

the week long international finals in Copenhagen to the huge challenge of competing at this esteemed level amongst the cream of the cream of postgraduate teams globally.

Finalist teams in the HealthTech category of the University Start Up World Cup hailed from Germany, China, Norway, Portugal, Denmark, United Arab Emirates, Sweden, Austria, Finland, Ukraine and Hungary.

2017 University Startup World Cup HealthTech Leadership Award Gasgon Medical Team Vincent Forde and Conor O’Brien

European Student Innovation Awards - Innovact Reims France

European Campus Student Innovator of the Year First Place and Outright Winner Ms. Ciara McKenna, Senior Lecturer Sean F. O’Leary, Mr. David Kelleher at London Finals

FOLLOWING short-listing from a large international entry and an exhaustive process of submission investigation, prototype presentation demonstration and exhibition before a distinguished adjudication panel of internationally renowned Medical Engineering Industrialists and Professors, the International Medical Engineering Student Award Winners were announced on Thursday 24th June in Westminster, London: International Medical Engineering Competition Overall Prize for Best Published and Presented Paper Open to all Undergraduate and Postgraduate (Masters and PhD) Entries First Place - David Kelleher, Cork Institute of Technology Development of Bovine Teat 3D Sensing System for Disinfection Purposes Supervisor: Dr. Michael J. O’Mahony International Medical Engineering Competition Best Project involving the Design or Development of a Medical Device Open to recent graduates (2009), third/fourth year undergraduates and taught Masters degree students, who have completed or are working on a project involving the design or development of a medical device First Place - David Kelleher, Cork Institute of Technology Development of Bovine Teat 3D Sensing System for Disinfection Purposes Second Place - Ciara McKenna, Cork Institute of Technology Evaluation of the Pullout Strength of Orthopaedic Screws in a Developing Novel Bone Cement

www.innovact.com First Place European Campus Student Laureate of Innovation John Roberts PyraAid™ "Wheelchair Enablement Device" Cork Institute of Technology - Ireland

IT has been announced before a packed auditorium at the European Innovation Finals Innovact 2Reims, France, that First Place and Outright Winner of European Campus Student Innovator of the Year, from hundreds of international entries and 20 shortlisted international finalists is John Roberts of Cork Institute of Technology.

John would like to pay particular tribute to his third year Multidisciplinary Engineering and Business student colleagues: Siobhan Hickey, Alan O’Reilly, Laura Hannon, Sandra Hayes, Thomas Thornton and Stephen O’Brien, who were central and crucial to the early inspiration and development of the enablement project and whose support and encouragement persuaded John to continue on the project as a most challenging and rewarding final year capstone mechanical engineering project.

Undergraduate Awards of Ireland and Northern Ireland

Engineering and Mechanical Sciences William Butler Yeats Gold Medal Winner: William Holland Mechanical Engineering CIT Design, Modelling, Prototype Production and Testing of Innovative Sports Footwear Outsole Outsole Design for the Enhancement of Support and Performance in Sports Footwear 52 Education

Engineering & Innovation at Munster Technological University

European Science Engineering and Technology SET Awards Millennium Hotel London

Enterprise Ireland - Student Entrepreneur Awards

The Babcock Award - European Mechanical Engineering Student of the Year - First Place www.setawards.org First Place Babcock Award - Best European Mechanical Engineering Student:

Rian Edman

of CIT Thermodynamic Analysis, Testing and Evaluation of a Concept 6 Stroke Engine Supervisor: Dr. Keith McMullan

European Student Innovation Awards - Innovact Reims France

CIT Innovative Product Development Multidisciplinary Teams

Win All Five Major Awards at National Finals

European Student Innovator of the Year - First Place and Outright Winner

First Place European Laureate of Innovation

(1) Enterprise Ireland Overall Winner and Student Entrepreneur of the Year (2) Cruickshank Intellectual Property Attorneys National Award (3) Grant Thornton National Award (4) Intel ICT National Award (5) Enterprise Ireland Academic Innovation National Award THE achievement by CIT Engineering stu- Ireland Academic Innovation Lifetime dents and staff of all five major awards at the Achievement Award - is really unpreceEnterprise Ireland Student Entrepreneur dented.

Awards Finals - the Enterprise Ireland Overall With over 500 entries nationally to this Winner and Student Entrepreneur of the Year, prestigious entrepreneurship and innovation the Cruickshank Intellectual Property multi-discipline competition, the achieveAttorneys Exceptional Business Idea Award, ment of all five major national awards by the Grant Thornton Exceptional Business Idea engineering projects, students and staff from Award, the Intel ICT Award and the Enterprise one college is quite remarkable.

See studententrepreneurawards.com/ and studententrepreneurawards.com/category/previous-winners/2016/

Dr. Kieran O'Callaghan VisionRE™ Mechanical Engineering Graduate CIT, "Real Time Interactive Obstacle Detection and Navigation Aid for the Visually Impaired" IT has been announced before a packed auditorium at the European Innovation Finals Innovact Reims, France, that First Place and Outright Winner of European Student Innovator of the Year, from hundreds of international entries and 42 shortlisted international finalists

from 28 European countries, is Kieran O'Callaghan of Cork I n s t i t u t e o f Te c h n o l o g y .

S u p e r v i s o r : D r. M i c h a e l J .

O’Mahony This is the first time that the accolade of First Place Laureate in European Innovation has been won outright by an Irish student.

CIT Mechanical Engineer Brian Guilly wins - ISEA International Sports Engineering Association Silver Medal London - I.Mech.E. Frederic Barnes Waldron Award

Mr. Brian Guilly, Final Year Mechanical Engineering Degree Student CIT. Project Title: "Equine Tendon Support Boot Testing" Industrial Partner: Dalmar Ireland. Supervisor: Dr. Keith Bryan

SPORTS injuries of the tendons are common in race, show jumping and other performance horses.

On average over 150,000 horses are affected annually - resulting in a reduction in sporting appearances and often leading to retirement of the horses (to the big racecourse in the sky).

The equine sports medicine project was carried out in conjunction with Dalmar Ireland, a small but dynamic equine medicine company based in Glanmire, Co Cork, specializing in the design and manufacture of technologically advanced products for the effective prevention and treatment of lower leg

injuries in horses.

This new boot will facilitate natural healing of the damaged tendons, and bring the horse back to full performance fitness. It is unique in that it allows movement of the fetlock joint whilst still supporting the tendons in a controlled manner over healing time.

Education 53

Engineering & Innovation at Munster Technological University

European Enterprise Promotion Awards Luxembourg

See video of Luxembourg Awards Ceremony at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0-iehXI5tE

Cork Institute of Technology ‘Engineering an Innovation Eco-System’

Irish National Award Winner

European Commission for the European Enterprise Promotion Awards under

Hewlett Packard INVENT Award for Best Honours Degree Project in Science, IT and Engineering in Ireland Institution of Mechanical Engineers International Best Medical Engineering Award

"Promoting the Entrepreneurial Spirit" The European Commission quoted the reasons for Cork Institute of Technology’s selection as the National Winner as “Delivering innovative product development, multi-disciplinar y engineering and ground-breaking education” The Objectives of the Awards are to: ■ Identify and recognise successful activities and initiatives undertaken to promote enterprise and entrepreneurship; ■ Showcase and share examples of best entrepreneurship policies and practices; ■ Create a greater awareness of the role entrepreneurs play in society; ■ Encourage and inspire potential entrepreneurs.

The Award Categories are: ■ Promoting the entrepreneurial spirit promote an entrepreneurial mindset, especially among young people and women; ■ Investing in entrepreneurial skills – aid

entrepreneurial and managerial skills; ■ Improving the business environment support enterprise start-up and growth, simplify legislative and administrative procedures for businesses; ■ Supporting the internationalisation of business - encourage enterprises and particularly small and medium-sized businesses to benefit more from the opportunities offered by markets, both inside and outside the EU; ■ Supporting the development of green markets and resource efficiency support SME access to green markets and help to improve their resource efficiency through, for example, green skills development and matchmaking, as well as funding; ■ Responsible and inclusive entrepreneurship - promote corporate social responsibility among small and medium-sized enterprises and entrepreneurship among disadvantaged groups such as the unemployed, legal migrants, disabled, or people from ethnic minorities.

"Vena Cava Blood Clot Prototype Filter Hook Design Analysis and Testing"

by John Geary carried out in conjunction with Boston Scientific Cork

International Sports Engineering Award for Brendan’s Hurling Helmet Testing Project CIT Mechanical Engineering Degree Student Brendan Quirke has won the ISEA Top International Sports Engineering Award for his Hurling Helmet Testing Project.

The International Sports Engineering Association Competition to determine Best International Sports Engineering Degree Project took place at Birdcage Walk, London First Place was achieved by

Mr. Brendan Quirke

Cork Institute of Technology, for his project on

Hurling Helmet Impact Testing Supervisor: Dr. Keith Bryan, carried out in conjunction with MycroSports Ltd. Of Ballincollig, 54 Education

Your Progression Starts Here

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WHEN summer is over, seaside towns have more to offer than icecream cones and candy floss, and the Victorian seaside town of Dún Laoghaire is no exception. In the quiet end, bordering on leafy Monkstown, a restrained revolution is playing out in a modest building on Cumberland Street.

The warriors are students and teachers carrying the banner for that educational sector that does not receive the same media attention as other educational sectors; extraordinary when you think that it is Further Education colleges like DFEi that are very real channels into third level institutions for school leavers who are disappointed with their Leaving Certificate results, and mature students who are looking to improve their prospects. It’s what a casual observer would call a win, win situation in the educational stakes.

Personal missions So, let’s dust off our imaginary satchels and go inside the building where we will be met by a veritable ant colony – stairs and corridors filled with students of all ages and from diverse backgrounds, each focused on their own very personal mission.

The short-term mission might be getting a seat in the canteen; the longer term one will, of course, be getting a place in a third level college or finding employment; but students always work better on a full stomach, so, while the queue for the canteen moves at its own pace let’s take a quick tour of DFEi. IIf you are lost, Kieran at reception will point you in the right direction, so don’t hesitate to ask him. Perhaps you would like to see the Learning Centre, and why not? It is a very bright and attractive space, specifically designed as a study hub replete with banks of computers. It is also 56 Education

on this corridor that you will get that recognisable smell of newly sawn wood. If you dream of designing and making your own furniture, or making and repairing musical instruments, this is where you need to fulfil that dream.

Or perhaps you look at the bigger picture – the buildings that house the furniture and the musical instruments. If this is the case, you need to look at DFEi’s Architectural Te c h n o l o g y & D e s i g n o r Construction & Engineering Technology courses.

STEM cells It may seem insincere to say that STEM is a ‘no brainer’ but when you think about it, it’s true. Courses related to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics have proven to be reliable and sustainable routes to gainful employment. DFEi’s Pre-University Science courses in Laboratory Techniques and Food Science & Nutrition are the perfect first steps to a STEM career.

Indeed, the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs has identified a dearth of graduates to fill available scientific jobs. If you are more attracted to the binary than the organic, a bit ‘nerdy’ perhaps, or a fan of the IT Crowd, you need to check out DFEi’s Computing & Electronic Technology or Software Development courses.

These courses are supported by FIT (Fast Track into IT); a unique IT led initiative giving students the opportunity gain the skills that lead to employment. It’s true then; STEM is a ‘no brainer’.

‘Front of house’ roles Of course, while the STEM people are beavering away in the background, other personality types like to be ‘front of house’, or managing situations. If you fall into this category you should consider DFEI’s courses in Marketing & Event

Management, Business Studies with Law, or Police & Security Studies.

If your desired theatre of action falls into the medical sphere, DFEi’s Community & Social Care course will get you started on the path that will enable you to work with dementia sufferers, or people with disabilities, mental health or social issues.

If your heart is set on the nursing profession, you need to consider DFEi’s very popular Nursing Studies course. The success rates from this course are very high for progression to third level nursing degree programmes in Ireland and the UK. Some people are attracted to the unconditional love of animals; and where would the world be without domestic pets, farm animals and wildlife? Delivered by practicing professionals, DFEi’s Animal Health Care courses boast state of the art facilities and provide regular field trips.

On occasion, you might be surprised by a preponderance of dogs around the building; probably a clue that the animal grooming class has gone ‘live’ or the canine obedience class needs willing woofters. You will be relieved to learn that the large farm animals do not stalk the corridors of DFEi but are instead receive visits from the animal care students.

Going digital The doings of humans, animals, and machines make for an interconnected machine in a complex world; a world that needs to be interpreted, entertained, investigated, and reported on. We’ve got it all covered at DFEi with courses in TV & Digital Film, Digital Radio Production, Journalism for the Digital Age, Sound Production, and Music Production.

The Higher National Diploma in Music Production is taught by working professionals.

On each of these courses you will use industry standard equipment and software. You can do your own

Don’t have enough points?

come to DFEi recording in the sound studio, broadcast your own show in the radio studio, or edit your own programme in the TV studio. Why not tune in to 107.8fm and listen to DFEi’s very own radio station, The Wave? You will find an archive of accomplished documentaries.

Of course, nothing goes unnoticed by journalists, and the journalism students in DFEi are given every opportunity to report on the doings of the humans, animals and machines that make for that interconnected machine in a complex world. Having visited the Criminal Courts of Justice and listened to the evidence in a murder trial, sat in on a Dail debate, or grappled with the spectres of Brexit and Trump, the journalism students have plenty to write about.

will be taught basic research skills, referencing systems, and general academic conventions across all courses. Experience at DFEi has taught us that every student does not learn in the same way or at the same pace. If you have particular learning support requirements, they will be met at DFEii. A tried and tested way DFEi’s quality assured courses are open to anyone who is seeking the knowledge, skills and competencies to enhance their employment opportunities or educational progression.

If you did not get enough points for your chosen third level course, consider spending a year in DFEi. It’s another tried and tested way to get a place in college, as incidentally, is our legendary Arts, Culture & History course – an excellent founda-

"The academic life of DFEi is punctuated by a vibrant calendar of social events showcasing the talents of the students.

If you like an audience, there’s a captive one in DFEi.

tion for pursuing an arts degree in NUI. With subjects like archaeology, folklore and local history, this course is perfect for those of you who want to use your fascination with the past to propel your academic career forward. The formula is simple – eight QQI Level 5 or Level 6 modules with as many distinctions as you can get.

But it takes work on your part. You need to come to class, complete assignments on time and prepare for exams. The teachers are there for you every step of the way if you are there for them.

Find out more Look at our website on www.dfei. ie; it’s really rather attractive and the menu is quite tempting; our brochure is not bad either. We don’t offer ice-cream or candy floss but we do offer a fine education.

Showcasing talent The academic life of DFEi is punctuated by a vibrant calendar of social events showcasing the talents of the students. If you like an audience, there’s a captive one in DFEi. Sound Production students compose their own material to audition for the annual college album release.

The skills of the Event Management, Office Administration and Security students are always sought for college events. Gigs, concerts, and talent shows are enjoyed by both students and staff, usually in the canteen, also known as The Hub, which as well as providing hot food, is equipped with a stage, sound booth and acoustic panelling.

Ladder to a third level DFEi’s courses are designed to meet current industry standards.

Students are taught the fundamental skills and survival techniques that will put them on the ladder to a third level qualification.

You will be taught how to present work in written and oral format. You Education 57

A broad range of further CRUMLIN College of Further Education has been offering educational services in South Dublin for over 60 years. Located on Crumlin Road, its close proximity to Dublin Bus and Luas services makes it an ideal location for students.

A range of QQI courses are offered at Level 5 and Level 6 in the schools of Hairdressing, Beauty, Fashion, Sports, Information Technology, Business & Accounting, To u r i s m , C a t e r i n g , S a l e s & Administration. In addition, a range of night courses are offered at its Evening School. Here’s just a flavour of what’s on offer at Crumlin College…

Fashion The Fashion Department in Crumlin College offers industry focused courses that reflect the current and future staffing requirements of the business and creative sectors of the fashion industry.

Students can choose between the QQI Level 5 course in Fashion Buying & Merchandising or Fashion Styling with Design. Both courses offer students a comprehensive understanding of their chosen field as well as a rounded perspective on the fashion industry as a whole.

The college has established close links with a network of professionals

within the fashion industry and students benefit from visits by a variety of guest speakers. Research fieldtrips for college assignments are organised throughout the academic year and are enjoyable and valuable learning experiences.

Students have the opportunity to get hands-on experience through the college’s work experience programme. There is also the possibility to apply for college-organised internships and work-experience placements in major international Buying and Merchandising offices.

Through the college’s industry links with some of Ireland’s leading fashion designers and fashion stylists, there are frequent opportunities to apply to gain practical hands-on experience in fashion design studios or in assisting in the styling of fashion shows and photo shoots.

Upon successful completion of the QQI Level 5 course, many graduates have gained employ- ment in the fashion industry as Trainee Buyer & Merchandisers, Assistant Stylists or Design Studio Assistants. Through the QQI pro- gression routes, graduates may also apply to third level courses. Crumlin College graduates have progressed to successfully complete the BA in Visual Merchandising & Display in DIT. There is also the option to progress

"The college has established close links with a network of professionals within the fashion industry and stu- dents benefit from visits by a variety of guest speakers"

onto the QQI Level 6 course in Fashion Management in Crumlin College and this will appeal to students who wish to develop a career in the business, managerial and retailing side of the fashion industry while actively developing imagination and flair for design, buying and selling.

The dynamic and industryfocussed courses offered by Crumlin College’s Fashion Department equip graduates with a well-rounded and practical skill-set desired by prospective employers in the fashion industry and prepares them for study at third level institutions.

Beauty The School of Beauty is located in a separate building in Captain’s Road, Crumlin.

Crumlin College offers a one or two year Diploma in Beauty Therapy. The Diploma in Beauty Therapy includes accreditation from QQI, ITEC and CIDESCO. The course provides intensive practical and theoretical training in a various aspects of Beauty Therapy and leads to an internationally recognised qualification. Successful graduates can work as a beauty therapist in range of industries including Cruise Liners, Beauty Salons and Health and Leisure centres.

New Courses on offer at Crumlin College of Further Education Business Studies with Sport and Fitness This course is ideal for prospective Students who are interested working in the growing area of business and sport. Students will achieve an international gym instruction qualification along with a QQI Major Award in Business Studies Level 5.

On completion of the course, students will be ideally equipped to start their own business within the fitness sector or gain employment in the growing number of related areas such as sports marketing, National Governing Bodies of Sport and local councils sporting and fitness projects.

Students will also have the option of progression to Higher Education options in Institutes of Technology where we have direct links.

IT Sales and Digital Skills There is a growing demand in the marketplace for personnel who possess practical IT sales and digital skills.

This core aim of the course is to provide the opportunity for 58 Education

Students to acquire and practice the skills necessary to pursue an exciting career in working with, promoting and selling these new innovative technologies. Students will also undertake relevant work experience in order to develop their skills.

On successful completion of the course, graduates will be equipped to embark on a career in a wide range of online business and ICT-related fields. eBusiness with Computer Applications Many businesses today have an online arm to their operation. This in-demand course offers prospective Students an excellent opportunity to acquire and practice the cutting-edge eBusiness and ICT applications skills essential in today’s online commercial world.

Students will also undertake relevant work experience in order to develop their skills. Students may progress to eBusiness and ICT-related degree programmes at participating higher-level institutions.

education opportunities Beauty and Retail Sales may be taken as a one year course at QQI Level 5 or a two year course at QQI Level 6. The course also includes ITEC accreditation in manicure, pedicure, make-up and beauty specialisations.

Practical and theoretical knowledge is enhanced through work experience in the beauty and retail sector and through the running of pop-up salons within the college.

Culinary Arts Students have the option of choosing the Culinary Arts (Professional Cookery) Programme or Commis Chef Apprenticeship programme.

The Culinary Arts (Professional Cookery) is a one year course at QQI Level 5 with the possibility to progress to a second year at QQI Level 6. Students get a solid grounding in the practical side of Culinary Arts and participate in a work experience programme which allows them to further hone the skills acquired in class.

On successful completion of the course, students may progress on to a range of higher certificate and degree courses in Institutes of Technology or Universities.

A l t e r n a t i v e l y, t h e y w i l l h a v e acquired the necessary skills to take up employment in a broad range of hospitality organisations, a sector of industry where suitably qualified applicants continue to be in high demand.

The Commis Chef Apprenticeship Programme is geared towards apprentices who are employed in the catering industry. Crumlin College is just one of two colleges in Dublin offering the apprenticeship programme. The course is full time and students time is divided between industry and college.

The course allows participants to build on their practical culinary skills and techniques by attaining a professional qualification. Applications are now invited at www.apprencticeship. ie for the next intake of students in 2021.

Information on these and all courses offered at Crumlin College of Further Education can be accessed at www.crumlincollege.ie. Applications for September 2021 are open now

www.crumlincollege.ie Apply online

Beauty

Business & Administration

Culinary Arts

Tourism

Information Technology

Hairdressing

Fashion

Fitness & Sports Therapy

Tel/Fón: 01 454 0662 Crumlin College of Further Education, Crumlin Road, Dublin 12 Coláiste Breisoideachais Croimghlinne, Bóthar Croimghlinne, Baile Átha Cliath 12

Find us on

Education 59

Liberties College

The Pathway to YOUR Future ESTABLISHED well over 50 years ago, Liberties College has earned its well-deserved reputation as a major p l a y e r i n t h e a re a o f F u r t h e r Education and Training in Dublin.

Situated in the heart of the Liberties and just a stone’s throw from bustling Grafton Street, we attract students from all corners of Ireland as well as from all over Dublin and its surrounding areas.

Our range of courses caters for school leavers, people who wish to upskill or re-skill, as well as people returning to education.

With over 600 students across our two campuses, the mix of nationalities, ages, backgrounds and experiences makes for an exciting culture and atmosphere in the

"Liberties College is as much about personal development as it is about academic development and it helped me believe in myself and showed me what I could achieve"

College.

In addition to the academic schedule, students engage in a variety of extracurricular activities including practical workshops, seminars, educational and cultural trips, visits, shows and a range of hobby and relaxation options – so in such a busy college, with so much happening, you’ll always have an interesting calendar.

This year, Liberties College introduced 3 New Courses: 1. Textiles – Heritage Crafts Revival and Renewal This course focuses on developing artistic skills, techniques and knowledge, based on the traditional crafts of weaving, embroidery, lace making and felting.

Students receive the QQI Level 5 Award in Design 5M2208 2. Pre-Apprenticeship in Software Development This course prepares students to progress into the FIT Apprenticeship in software Development, where they can “Earn as they Learn”, in companies such as, Google, S a l e s f o rc e , M i c ro s o f t , A p p l e , Facebook, Linkedin and many more.

Students receive the QQI Level 5 Award in Software Development 3. National Tour Guiding Award with Business Option This course is for people who have a genuine interest in their locality and are enthusiastic about sharing Ireland’s history, tradition, culture and folklore with others.

The business option provides an

60 Education

insight into running your own business. Students will receive the QQI Level 6 Special Purpose Award in National Tour Guiding together with The QQI Level 6 Award in Tourism with Business.

The feedback received from graduates of Liberties College has been excellent over the years. Many highlight the new skills and confidence gained, which enabled then to take up employment in their chosen area or gain entry to third level institutions to complete Level 7 or Level 8 Degrees, Masters Degrees and even PhDs….

“Liberties College was the catalyst for everything I have done in my life since I left there in 2004, with a Certificate in Youth Work and Community Development – it started a journey that would transform my life.

"I completed a degree in youth

work, became a project leader in the John Bosco Youth Centre, where I’ve worked for the past 14 years and am currently studying for a master’s degree in PR and Journalism.

"Liberties College is as much about personal development as it is about academic development and it helped me believe in myself and showed me what I could achieve” Stephen Sharpe, Youth Studies 2004 “I enjoyed every moment of TAP. This eye-opening course has reversed my attitude towards education and prepared me for university.

"Most importantly, it lighted a spark of interest in the world around me, which I’ll keep forever. I believe the unique opportunity to study at Trinity College afterwards puts TAP ahead of most other PLCs in the country.”

Daniel Craig, TAP Student 2018

G E L L 1e 2 O 0 i C DAYlle2ge. o c s e i t r libe y

Our practical courses meet the needs of students and employers and are focused on emerging employment and 3rd Level opportunities.

With QQI Level 5 and Level 6 qualifications, our students greatly improve their prospects for a third level qualification.

are

Tourism

@libertiescollege @LibertiesCollD8

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e ar dc sso l i Ch nte Mo

ri

T: (01) 454 0044 E: info@liberties.cdetb.ie

&

Liberties College Bull Alley Street Dublin 8

C

Social Stud ies

Apply online today at www.libertiescollege.ie

c l th a e

ive at re rts A

Our new pre-apprenticeship courses in ICT/Networking and Software Development open doors to careers in IT.

& h ut ni Yo mu m Co

Our Guidance and support services take enormous pride in helping students to reach their potential and a range of student supports are provided in this regard.

It is gratifying each year to see our students blossoming, as they engage in courses and activities that interest and inspire them. Many discover individual skills and qualities they weren’t even aware they possessed.

So, if you’re looking for a way to kick start your career, in a progressive and supportive environment, just log on for more info to our website www.libertiescollege.ie and follow us on Facebook, Instagram at #libertiescollege…… And twitter @ LibertiesCollD8 Looking forward to seeing you in Liberties College, the pathway to further study and to your future career.

LI

H

“I received huge amounts of support and encouragement from all the tutors at Liberties College.

“I currently work as a Programme Facilitator in a day service for adults with disabilities, whilst completing my degree in Social Care at night” Mairead

S E I T R E BE

Informatio n Technolog y

“Completing my Travel & Tourism Level 5 Course at Liberties College has opened up a world of opportunities for me.

"I have since graduated as an official Cabin Crew Member with Emirates and have been travelling all over the world” Shannon Foley, Travel & Tourism 2015

Con tinuing Edu cation

Education 61

SCFE students are looking IT’S that time of the year again when school leavers and other adults are planning for next September. The value of Further Education or Post Leaving Certificate courses as an alternative pathway to Higher Education is now widely understood especially by students who find the Leaving Certificate model of assessment does not work for them.

Sallynoggin College of Further Education has a long history of providing courses at QQI Level 5 and Level 6 as well as other industry recognised certification including ITEC, REPS Ireland, The Irish Board of Speech and Drama, IAOT and the State Junior Trade examinations.

These qualifications ensure that students have the relevant expertise, skills and experience to gain employment in their chosen field with the option of progressing to higher Education if they wish.

SCFE College has a truly diverse range of courses on offer, many of which really suit learners who excel in creative and practical areas such as Art, Floristry, Fashion, Drama and Musical Performance, Hairdressing & B e a u t y, S p o r t , F i t n e s s a n d Wellbeing.

SCFE has a strong reputation for excellence in the area of Early Childhood Education, Youth Work and Social Studies and now also offers courses in Inclusive Education,

SCFE Student Grazia Savoka celebrates her achievements at the virtual graduation

62 Education

Special Needs Assisting and Pre University Primary and Post Primary Teacher Training. Our Travel and Tourism courses suit learners who enjoy working with others and have an interest in travel and heritage.

Choose what’s right for you, and the staff of Sallynoggin College will be there to help and support you on every step of your journey.

SCFE College Life: Embracing the challenge and staying strong SCFE students are seeing the light at the end of the tunnel by continuing to forge ahead with their dreams and aspirations by following their chosen career path. The SCFE virtual graduation took place on November 27th and hundreds of graduates and their families tuned in to celebrate their achievements and chat to staff about where they are now.

SCFE has been busy adapting the college facilities and virtual learning platforms to ensure that the quality of learning continues in a safe and healthy environment. Students have stepped up to the challenge and are determined to make this year count by achieving a well earned qualification.

From Cocooning to Climate Change: SCFE budding designers and stylists are future focused SCFE is well recognised as trend setters in Fashion Design, Fashion Buying, Styling and Visual Merchandising and Fashion Industry Practice. The way we create, wear, style and design our clothes is rapidly changing, in response to this SCFE has a strong focus on ethical and

sustainable approaches to fashion while keeping an eye on future trends.

This term our Fashion Design students are working hard to design and finish their first garments. Meanwhile Thinking ahead to 2021, our Sallynoggin College Advanced Fashion Industry Practice students "SCFE has will be bringing us their updated been busy version of Cocooning. adapting the After months of lockdown, living college and working in our slippers and facilities and comfy layers, we are all ready to virtual learning make some shapes and bring a little platforms to drama into our wardrobes. Our stuensure that dents will be exploring shapes and the quality of ideas, between protection and learning breaking free, by devising and styling continues in their “Cocoon” themed Fashion a safe and Photo-shoot for Spring/Summer healthy 2021. We are all looking forward to environment" seeing the world through their eyes and making an entrance into a new and better year.

Travel and Tourism set to recover in 2021 The Travel and Airline industry may have been hard hit by the global pandemic, but with airlines forecasting a rapid return to activity from mid-2021 SCFE Airline and Travel Industry Studies students are ensuring that they are well positioned to take advantage of the upturn.

Our current students are already preparing for assessment in their Cabin Crew Operations module and will shortly engage in virtual training with Waterford Airport to perfect their skills.

Fashion Design upcycling project

by SCFE student Santiago Vahn Sire

SCFE: A Career in Special Needs Assisting, Inclusive Education and Disability Support Services.

One of the issue highlighted

FIND OUT MORE: Check us out at www.scfe.ie for a full list of courses.

Contact us: reception@scfe.ie Tel: 01 285 2997 Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter @ SCFEOfficial

forward to a Bright Future through the COVID-19 related lock down was the importance of educational support services and in particular the work of Special Needs Assistant for children and adults with special needs and disabilities and their families.

The role of the Special Needs Assistant or Care Assistant in disability support services is crucial in enhancing the quality of life and educational outcomes for thousands of individuals in Ireland yet the education and training programmes for this role often fall far short of the skills and knowledge required for the challenges involved.

SCFE has worked closely with service providers such as pre-schools, schools and disability services to develop a course that ensures that learners are fully equipped with the skills, knowledge and professional capacity to provide the highest standard of support to children and adults with special needs.

The SCFE Inclusive Education and Training with Disability Studies and Special Needs Assisting course is a QQI Level 6 award which prepares learners to work in a range of settings including pre-schools, primary and post primary schools and in public and private health services and community settings.

Alternatively, learners can start their educational journey with QQI Level 5 Early Childhood Care and Education with Special Needs Assisting. This course primarily focus on young children and will give learners the option of working as an SNA in preschools and primary schools.

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.

Applications open Applications are now open for September 2021. Apply online at scfe.ie or contact Reception@scfe.ie Tel: 012852997

SCFE Socially distanced Pilates Teacher Training class

SCFE Early Childhood Education students explore our range of specialist learning equipment

SCFE students prepare for take off

SCFE Airline and Travel Industry Studies class of 2021 prepare to welcome our future visitors

Education 63

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Email: info@stac.ie Tel: 061-595 290 | Mobile: 086-8187403 Unit 11A Ballycummin Village Raheen, Limerick, Ireland

Your future starts here INCHICORE College is a leader in further education. Renowned for our friendly and welcoming atmosphere and our excellent range of innovative courses, studying with us will take students to the next level of their education and/or career pathway.

With courses in the Creative and Performing Arts, Business and HR, Computing, Sport, Nursing, Paramedics and Healthcare, Social Care and Social Studies, Psychology, Childcare & Education, Theatre, Tourism, Dance, Costume & Make Up our graduates have gone on to achieve outstanding success in both employment and higher education.

As a college, we are committed to the personal and professional development of all our students.

Employers value graduates who have both professional knowledge but also skills such as team work, flexibility, decision making and creativity.

Our courses empower students to develop all of these skills and our graduates are much sought after in an ever-changing employment market. Many of our students go directly into employment on successful completion of their courses where they are highly regarded for their work ethic.

Dedicated team All our courses have a dedicated team of highly qualified staff with vast industry experience and who retain close links with their fields.

Therefore, students can be sure that the education they receive is of a high quality and meets their individual needs.

For example, our small class sizes and flexible teaching methods allow for greater participation and students can learn in ways that best suit them.

Our students are central to our purpose and we are committed to their success.

Inchicore College graduates go places. We have an outstanding track record for student progression to higher education.

For example, every year, graduates from our Nursing Studies course

perform exceptionally well in achieving CAO nursing places via the higher education links progression system.

Advanced entry Students also gain advanced entry to higher education in many Irish educational establishments and many progress to study in the UK through our well-established links.

For instance, every year, graduates from our Assistant Occupational Therapy course have advanced to degree level study in Scotland,

"Students also gain advanced entry to higher education in many Irish educational establishments and many progress to study in the UK through our wellestablished links"

At Inchicore College, our Erasmus+ programme is second to none. This highly regarded work placement programme offers students the opportunity to work and study in countries such as Sweden, The Netherlands, Spain, Austria, Finland, Italy and France.

For students who are considering their educational choices for 2021, Inchicore College of Further Education offers the very best of courses with proven pathways to employment and higher education.

Look no further.

Inchicore College of Further Education Apply now for a course at Inchicore College of Further Education.

Our courses offer affordable, supportive and exciting pathways to real employment prospects or progression to Higher Education.

Healthcare and Nursing Courses

Creative and Performing Arts Courses

Childcare Courses

Healthcare Assistant/

Furniture Design and Making Level 5

Childcare and Education Level 5

Disability Support Worker Level 5

Art & Design Portfolio Preparation Level 5

Childcare & Education – Advanced Level 6

Assistant Occupational Therapist Level 5

Costume Design & Make-Up Levels 5 & 6

Pre-Paramedic Studies Level 5

Business and Computer Courses

Theatre Studies Performance Level 5

Nursing Studies Level 5

Computer Applications and

Theatre Studies

Mobile Technologies Level 5

Children’s Healthcare Assistant Level 5

Advanced Performance Level 6

Business Studies & Digital Marketing Level 5

APPLY NOW

Healthcare Supervisory Management Level 6 Technical Theatre Diploma: Lighting,

at inchicorecollege.ie

Social Care Courses Applied Psychology Level 5 Applied Psychology in the Community Level 5

Social Studies Level 5 Social Studies Level 6 Social Care Diploma Level 6+ Community Work Diploma Level 6+ Tourism Courses Inchicore College of Further Education, Luby Road, Dublin 8. Ph: 01 4535358

creating futures

Tourism Studies Level 5 Travel and Tourism Management Diploma Level 6+ Tourism and Cultural Events Management Level 6

Sound & Stage Management Level 6+ Dance Studies Level 5 Advanced Dance Studies Level 6

Hospital Administration Level 5 Business Studies & Human Resources Level 5 Business and HR Management Advanced Level 6

Creative Writing and Cultural Studies Level 5 Business Studies Diploma Level 6+ Creative Writing & Media Production Level 6 Arts Event Management Advanced Level 6

Adult & Community Education Courses Basic Fitness (Part-time) BTEI Level 4

Sports Courses

Childcare Studies (Part-time)

Strength and Conditioning for Sport Level 5

BTEI Levels 4 & 5

Sports Coaching: Fitness Instructor Level 5

Horticulture (Part-time) Level 4

Sports Coaching: Personal Trainer Level 6

Return to Education: Community Care

Sport and Fitness

(Part-time) Level 5

Management Diploma Level 6+

Hospital Administration (Part-time) Level 5

Sport & Exercise Science Diploma Level 6+

Furniture Design and Making (Part-time) Levels 4 & 5

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Services at Carlow ETB 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 Generation Apprenticeships The SOLAS Standards Based Apprenticeship is a system of employment focused training and 66 Education

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 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 New Apprenticeships will combine

The 27 designated crafts are as follows:

"All of our courses lead to nationally and internationally industry recognised accreditation.

Furthermore, many of our courses lead directly into employment"

• Agricultural Mechanics * • Aircraft Mechanics * • Brick and Stonelaying • Carpentry & Joinery • Construction Plant Fitting * • Electrical * • Electrical Instrumentation * • Electronic Security Systems * • Farriery • Floor & Wall Tiling * • 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

Professional Bus and Coach Driving

Software Developer

Van Delivery Driver

Healthcare Assistant

Office Administration

practical on-the-job learning in sponsor companies, 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 will lead to QQI awards from level 5 to 9 on the NFQ. The duration of these apprenticeships will 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 Education and Training Board, Unit 4 Danville Business Park Kilkenny 056 7813014

www.kcetbtraining.ie Training Centre: Unit K, IDA Business Park, Purcellsinch, Dublin Rd, Kilkenny 056 789456 Education 67

68 Education

................................................................................................................................ NEWS

Ineffective age controls putting children at risk on social media AGE restrictions on social media apps aim at protecting children are ineffective and easily bypassed, according to new research.

A study carried out by Dr Liliana Pasquale (pictured), from the UCD School of Computer Science, found young people of all ages can sidestep age verification measures when signing-up to popular social media apps like Snapchat, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook by simply lying about their age.

"This results in children being exposed to privacy and safety threats such as cyberbullying, online grooming, or exposure to content that may be inappropriate for their age," she said.

The study, published in the peer-reviewed jouranl IEEE Software, carried out by researchers at Lero, the Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre for Software, examined ten well known apps and found each allowed users setting up accounts to avoid giving proof of their age if they first

claimed to be 16. Under the GDPR, children below the age of digital consent (13-16) need parental permission for their data to be collected and processed.

“Our study found that some apps disabled registration if users input ages below 13, but if the age 16 is provided as input initially then none of the apps requires proof of age,” Dr Pasquale said, calling for much more robust age verification methods.

“Providing mechanisms that deter a user from installing an app on a device on which they have previously declared themselves to be underage is currently one of the most sensible solutions not to incentivise users to lie about their age.”

The researchers studied the age verification process of Snapchat, Instagram, TikTok, HouseParty, Facebook, WhatsApp, Viber, Messenger, Skype and Discord in April 2019 and again one year later.

Ireland’s first free voluntary tax clinic arrives in NUI Galway IRELAND’S first free tax clinic has been set up in NUI Galway to educate students about entitlements, obligations and how to run their tax affairs.

The pioneering initiative will see tax students in the J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics work in partn e r s h i p w i t h t e a c h i n g s t a ff a n d professional, external tax advisors in providing an online and confidential service.

The NUI Galway Tax Clinic is being established initially to assist the University’s students, with a view to extending its services to community groups which are unable to access or afford tax information. The service will run for at least six weeks at first, offering practical tax information and support to students with tax concerns and queries arising from a change in their circumstances, particularly as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Education 69

RECENTLY PUBLISHED ...........................................................................................................

Voices: An Open Door Book of Stories Edited by Patricia Scanlon SINCE 1998, Open Door has been introducing readers new and old to some of Ireland’s finest writers. In this our first collection of stories, we have gathered a range of voices to suit every taste. With them e s r a nging f ro m fa m i l y a n d friendship to ageing, love and childhood, there is something for everyone.

Featuring writing from: Blindboy Boatclub, Dermot Bolger, Marita Conlon-McKenna, Sinéad Crowley, Martina Devlin, Roddy Doyle, Christine Dwyer Hickey, Rachael English, Patrick Freyne, Yan Ge, Carlo Gébler, Ciara Geraghty, Ruth Gilligan, Emily Hourican, Úna-Minh Kavanagh, Louise Kennedy, Sinéad Moriarty, Graham Norton, Nuala O’Connor, Roisín O’Donnell, Sheila O’Flanagan, Colm O’Regan, Paul Perry, Deirdre Purcell, Donal Ryan, Patricia Scanlan, Melatu Uche Okorie.

New Island • Around €10

Flann O’Brien: Gallows Humour

By Ruben Borg and Paul Fagan

Beyond the Tape

By Marie Cassidy IN 1997, Dr Marie Cassidy arrived in Dublin from Glasgow. There to discuss a possible deputy state pathologist post with Professor John Harbison, instead she was whisked by police escort to a Grangegorman murder scene. There was no turning back. She became Ireland’s State Pathologist from 2004 until 2018, her image synonymous with breaking news of high-profile cases – a trusted figure in turbulent times.

Here, with the scalpel-like precision and calm authority of her trade, Marie shares her remarkable personal journey from workingclass Scotland into the world of forensic pathology, describing in candid detail the intricate processes central to solving modern crime. Beyond the Tape is a unique behind-the-scenes journey into the mysteries of unexplained and sudden death.

Hachette Ireland • Around €16

Making Belfield - Space and Place at UCD

By Ellen Rowley & Finola O'Kane (editors)

THE essays collected in this volume draw unprecedented critical attention to the centrality of politics in Flann O’Brien’s art. The organising theme of Gallows Humour focuses these inquiries onto key encounters between the body and the law, between death and the comic spirit in the author’s canon.

These innovative analyses explore the place of biopolitics in O’Brien’s modernist experimentation and popular writing through reflections on his handling of the thematics of violence, justice, capital punishment, eugenics, prosthetics, skin, prostitution, syphilis, rape, reproduction, illness, auto-immune deficiency, abjection, drinking, Gaelic games and masculinist nationalism across a diverse range of genres, intertexts, contexts.

Cork University Press • Around €39

RICHLY designed and illustrated, Making Belfield reflects on the making and shaping of UCD to celebrate 50 years of college life (Belfield 50).

Dipping in and out of recent architectural histories and older and more far flung landscapes, it brings key UCD thinkers on spatial and cultural history together as well as highlighting the Libraries and collections of the university.

"Making Belfield describes the UCD’s campus’s significant international impact on the historiography of the Modern Movement, as well as placing it firmly within Irish cultural and institutional history. Intrinsically significant, the book’s thematic analysis of Belfield as a large-scale Modernist complex is pioneering for Ireland." Prof Miles Glendinning, University of Edinburgh.

UCD Press • Around €35 Hardback

The Last Day at Bowen's Court

Ireland - A Directory 2021

By Either Walshe

By the Institute of Public Administration

This remarkable novel explores the life of the Irish novelist, Elizabeth Bowen, her time in London during the Second World War and her ‘reporting’on Irish neutrality for the Ministry of Information.

At the centre of the novel is her Blitz love affair with the Canadian diplomat, Charles Ritchie, a wartime romance that inspired her most famous novel, The Heat of the Day, a gripping story about espionage and loyalty that became a bestseller.

At the centre of the novel is a portrait of Elizabeth Bowen, one of Ireland’s most influential writers.

Somerville Press • Around €10

Do you need to know who’s who in government and business life in Ireland?

Do you want to have at your fingertips the name of the human resources director of Diageo? Or the CFO of Smurfit Kappa? Or the secretary general of the Department of Justice? Or any leading business person in this country? The IPA’s Ireland – A Directory provides all of that and more in mobile App and hard copy formats.

The IPA’s Ireland is now in its 55th year, this resource lists the details of over 9,000 organisations and 11,000 contacts across both the private and public sectors. The Ireland – A Directory App is available from 1st December on Apple App Store and Google Play.

IPA • Around €70

70 Education

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A dedicated STEM Careers website to inspire the next generation Online resource providing valuable insights into Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) careers.

SmartFutures.ie supports students, teachers and guidance counsellors with practical information about working in STEM. The website showcases how all kinds of people work in STEM; from designing video games to medical devices, food science to sport, helping to save lives through cancer research and battling climate change.

Keep up-to-date on upcoming: STEM Careers Webinar Series launching in 2021 Monthly talks, articles and competitions.

Visit www.SmartFutures.ie to read interviews with STEM professionals working in industry and academia, how they got started, their typical day, what motivates them and their career progression insights.

Use this online resource to inspire students to think differently about school subjects, life after school and to look beyond stereotypes.

More on SmartFutures.ie Teachers, guidance counsellors, TY coordinators, parents can access: Free downloadable career infographics Posters for the classroom Read case studies from STEM professionals in Ireland.

Contact Smart Futures at smartfutures@sfi.ie if you require any additional help.

72 Education

Smart Futures is a government / industry programme that provides secondary school students in Ireland with FREE access to role models working in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).