Cork Education and Training Board (Cork ETB) welcomes today’s announcement by Minister Harris of the first phase of projects proposed by the Further Education and Training (FET) sector to progress towards delivery of “FET Colleges of the Future”, and in particular the projects announced for two of the Campuses of Cork College of FET.
The projects announced include:
- the development of a centre on the Bishopstown Campus to include a Digital Technology Teaching and Learning Centre, additional accommodation for apprenticeships, an integrated FET management and support hub, an Employer Hub as well as a “Future Skills Centre”.
- a new Youthreach facility on the site of the existing Mallow Campus of Cork College of FET
Minister Harris, in making these announcements said:
This is a brilliant day for Cork. Cork has been chosen as one of ten locations to proceed to develop a further education College of the Future. The Minister went on to add, “Cork has been leading the way on creating a unified third level system that meets the needs of the region it serves. The College of the Future Major Projects Fund will support the implementation of the vision set out in the Further Education Strategy. This Fund, including the proposed for development in Cork has the potential to deliver on a range of strategic objectives. It is great that the Cork proposal will now proceed to Preliminary Business Case stage.”
Cork College of FET has at its core the principle of ensuring that all learners are provided with the opportunities and supports necessary for their personal and educational development and growth, that the options available support the economic development of the region, and that the pathways for learning and development provided by Cork College of FET support a truly lifelong learning experience.
The Mallow Campus development will provide, upon completion, for a new, purpose-built centre that will incorporate accommodation for a new Youthreach Centre and an integrated Adult and Community Education Centre. This investment into the Mallow Campus of Cork College of FET will allow for fully integrated FET programme delivery in an accessible location, with the facilities and services available to enable any learner to progress their learning. It supports Cork Education and Training Boards ambition and vision to provide a “pathway for every learner”.
Today’s announcements underline the support and commitment of the Minister, his Department and SOLAS, the national Further Education and Training Authority to Cork ETB in its efforts to deliver on these ambitions, and to further the objectives of the national strategy for Further Education and Training. The significant investment of over €55 million is testament to the commitment to the reshaping and realigning of services to ensure that the needs of current and future learners, employers and communities are met.
Mr. Denis Leamy, Chief Executive, Cork ETB stated:
Today is indeed a great day for Cork. This is an important milestone in support of our ambitions to provide a service to the people and communities across the region that can deliver the education and training services that are required at a local level, that are easily accessible, and have the most modern and up to date facilities possible. The Minister’s announcement this afternoon is warmly and enthusiastically welcomed by Cork ETB and it validates and supports our initiative to develop Cork College of FET as an exemplar of what the FET College of the Future can be.
Cork ETB recognises that these announcements are the first step in the journey to deliver on its ambitions for Cork College of FET, and that further investment will be required over the years ahead to develop the College Campuses and Centres across the region. The significant investment in the Centre to be located on the Bishopstown Campus will serve to support and underpin all Cork College of FET activities going forward.
Cork has a number of other projects in planning process under the Strategic Infrastructure Upgrade Fund (SIUF), including one for a new Youthreach Centre in Macroom and significant refurbishment projects at a number of Cork College of FET Campuses and Centres. The indication by the Minister that the Macroom development will shortly be approved by his Department to progress to the acquisition of a suitable site is particularly welcomed, as the ETB has for many years been seeking a more suitable, fit for purpose premises to deliver its service in the west Cork town.
Minister Harris’s announcement is a significant step on the journey to deliver a shared vision for the FET College of the Future.
Notes
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About Cork Education and Training Board
Cork Education and Training Board (hereinafter referred to as Cork ETB) was established under the Education and Training Boards Act, 2013 and is responsible and accountable for the proper direction and control of its functions in the Cork City and Cork County Councils’ local authority areas. Cork ETB plans, provides, supports and co-ordinates education, training and youth services in Cork which are recognised internationally as a model of excellence.
Cork ETB is a driving force of education and training in Cork, providing high quality services which are innovative, responsive and inclusive. Through Cork ETB there is a pathway for every learner.
Cork ETB’s target clients are learners in our schools, colleges, training centres and community settings, applicants under the various learner support schemes administered directly by Cork ETB, Youth Service Providers, Community Education and Training Groups, Voluntary Community Organisations and Communities throughout the City and County.
Cork ETB is the patron and management body for two Community National Schools and 28 recognised Post Primary schools, including four PLC Colleges.
Twelve of the post primary schools are designated Community colleges where there is an agreement with the local Catholic bishop on diocesan involvement in the governance of the college. Cork ETB provides a range of services to all our schools and colleges including financial, human resource, building, ICT, governance support as well as educational planning support. Cork ETB is also a co-trustee/co-patron of 13 Community and Comprehensive Schools
Cork ETB provides several educational settings of a post primary nature in collaboration with the HSE, to support students who are not able to participate in mainstream provision.
Further Education and Training (FET) is the provision of education and training services to a wide range of beneficiaries. The services provided range from full-time courses of varying duration to shorter part-time course options designed to meet a specific learner need, linked either to skills acquisition for employment, or the possibility of progression to further studies.
Cork ETB provides a range of Further Education and Training services, both full-time and part-time, under the new identity Cork College of FET.
Cork College of FET has seven campuses Bishopstown Campus
- Douglas Street Campus
- Kinsale Campus
- Mallow Campus
- Morrison’s island Campus
- Tramore Road Campus
- West Cork Campus
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