Minister at the Department of Education, Seán Sherlock has wished all students throughout North Cork all the best in their state exams, which take place throughout June.

The Minister with responsibility for Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM), said that the exams give students the opportunity to reflect their hard work and study over the past two years.

“I note the increase in the number of candidates who have applied to take higher level maths and my fingers are crossed that those who have applied to take this paper will proceed with higher level on the day. The country needs more science and engineering graduates. The more people who take higher level maths the greater the output of engineering and science there will be,” he said.

Last week, Minister Sherlock announced the second intake for a new course for maths teachers at UL, the goal of which is to allow teachers the opportunity to up-skill in the area of teaching methodologies and it will cover mathematical content and knowledge relevant to the new Project Maths syllabus.

“At present there is a significant shortage of qualified applicants to fill vacancies currently available in the ICT sector alone. We have a shortage of graduates to fill these positions. In order to equip our upcoming graduates for the future of the labour market, these will be the foundation elements that will ensure future economic growth,” Minister Sherlock said, adding that students should keep this in mind when filling in their change of mind CAO forms before July 1.