The green light has been given to Cork Education and Training Board to proceed to the next stage in its development of a College of The Future, with Government funding worth tens of millions of euro now set to drive the development of the Bishopstown campus into a new central FET College, which will act as a focal point for all FET services in Cork.
The new College of the Future will deliver new infrastructure which will assist Cork ETB in the area of employer engagement, skills development and provide for a new Digital FET centre, incorporating digital teaching and learning facilities that will benefit the entire cork region.
CORK – ‘A SHINING EXAMPLE’
Speaking at the announcement in Bishopstown on Thursday, October 24th, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Patrick O’Donovan TD said it was ‘a fantastic day for Cork’.
“I’m thrilled to announce that Cork ETB is moving to the next stage in the process of delivering a further education and training campus that the entire county can be proud of.
“Cork has been a shining example of how best to deliver a quality and responsive tertiary education system that meets the needs of its region, and this announcement will allow its FET sector to take another significant step towards delivering a world-class environment for its learners, staff and community.”
ONGOING EDUCATION & TRAINING
Denis Leamy, Chief Executive, Cork ETB, said that the announcement marked ‘the largest infrastructural investment in Further Education and Training (FET) in Cork’s history’.
“With Government approval and Departmental support, it paves the way for the creation of a new “College of the Future” at the existing Bishopstown Campus on Rossa Avenue. The facility will include Life Sciences training, an Employer Engagement Centre, a Research and Skills Development hub, and a Digital Technology Teaching and Learning Centre. These resources will enhance the flexibility of FET programmes, aligning them with the evolving needs of both learners and employers. The new Campus is designed to accommodate 1,000 students and staff.
Mr. Leamy added: “While society today has access to more information than ever before, the full benefits of technological advancements can only be realized through ongoing education and training. Now, more than ever, enhancing digital literacy is essential. Technology enables mobile learners to expand their knowledge, and the future of education delivery is likely to be part-time, online, or blended, offered in proximity to people’s homes or workplaces.
“Learning is no longer confined to the early stages of a career or a few full-time courses. Instead, it will become a lifelong process involving numerous short and micro-courses. Tertiary education will take on greater importance, and the connection between further and higher education will play a crucial role in shaping the future of learning”.
For further information on Cork Education and Training Board and their wide range of schools, courses, and opportunities from Primary, through Post-Primary, to Further Education, see www.corketb.ie or see Cork Education and Training Board or CorkETB online.
