2010 press releases
Posted 19 April 2010
AIT and Offaly VEC Sign Cooperation Agreement
Education services in the Midlands
received a considerable boost today (Monday 19 April) with Athlone Institute of
Technology (AIT) and County Offaly Vocational Education Committee (VEC)
agreeing to establish a formal linkage.
The Taoiseach, Brian Cowen TD, witnessed the signing of the agreement at a function in Tullamore.
AIT and Co Offaly VEC will now work together to develop FETAC Level 5 modules that will equip students to progress to third level. In a parallel move, the first year of a number of AIT higher certificate courses will be delivered through the VEC in Tullamore, Banagher, Kilcormack and Edenderry. Students will transfer to AIT to complete the second year of their course.
The modules and programmes to be delivered under the agreement will be in specialised high skill areas such as IT, science, healthcare, engineering and management.
The agreement contains a proposal to put dedicated supports in place for mature students. These supports will be focused on ensuring that prospective students are given the opportunity to acclimatize to third level and are provided with tailored study and pastoral supports.
Edward McEvoy, Acting Chief Executive of Co Offaly VEC, said that: “Over the past ten years there has been exponential growth in progression to third level from all the post-primary schools in the county. However, what has been missing has been a link between adult and further education and third level. Our agreement is the much-needed bridge to third level for both adults and school leavers.”
Co Offaly VEC and AIT will be “working in close partnership to prepare people both to gain access to third level and to be successful when they get there,” Mr McEvoy added. “This in turn will help the people of Co Offaly to transform their lives and enrich their communities,” he said.
AIT President, Professor Ciarán Ó Catháin, noted that: “The agreement is significant in strengthening relationships between the Gateway towns of Athlone and Tullamore. Considerable progress has been made in developing the infrastructure, enterprise environment and quality of life proposition of the Midlands Gateway. The region is competing strongly for inward investment, as well as being an attractive location for indigenous industry.
“Central to its value proposition is an education and innovation support base that serves the needs of the local population and enables the area to compete on a national and international basis. Today’s agreement strengthens that offering,” he stated.
