BELLTIME

FURTHER EDUCATION MEETING THE NEEDS OF TECH SECTOR

FIT sees an increasing opportunity for the further education sector to support the skills needs of a growing and diverse tech sector. Recent examples which illustrate this include:

- Intel engaged with FIT in the development of an advanced Manufacturing Technician Programme at L6 which has just commenced in a centre of excellence established in partnership with Kildare and Wicklow Education and Training Board in Celbridge and supported by SOLAS.-‘ In-demand’ level 5 or level 6 technology courses developed by FIT and run under SOLAS’ s Momentum programme in collaboration with a number of Education and Training Boards are achieving substantial placements into employment.- Internationally, just last month Deloitte stated that a third level qualification was no longer a requirement for job applicants.

- FIT partners with Education and Training Boards in addressing skills needs and recruitment demands of predominantly tech and related sectors and we are encouraged to now see significant placements( into real jobs) reminiscent of pre-recession times.- FIT’ s current research into tech related sectors of eHealth, FinTech and the Internet of Things( IoT) suggest similar interest and opportunity for jobs seekers attaining mid-level skills which can be readily attained through further education programmes.

‘ Winning the war for talent can be achieved by ensuring that all of Ireland’ s citizens have access to the skills they need to succeed in life; and Irish business has the people with the skills they need to grow.’ Ireland’ s National Skills Strategy 2025

FIT’ s mission is to promote an inclusive Smart Economy by creating a fast track to marketable technical skills for those at risk of unemployment long term. It is the primary industry skills development initiative facilitating collaboration with government, education & training providers and disadvantaged communities to enable greater access to employment for marginalised job seekers. For more information see www. fit. ie and customer facing skills. The technology sector in Ireland is much broader and more varied than most people realise- with an appetite for ' Smart People with Smart Skills '- who have a wide range of talents and attributes, and most importantly the enthusiasm to work in the sector. We know it works!

What is FIT ICT Associate Professional?

FIT ICT Associate Professional is a dualeducation apprenticeship-style format of ICT skills training which has been endorsed by the industry and government.

This ' learn and earn ' model of provision is a two year programme during which you will attain a Level 6 ICT and Professional Development Qualification and will be awarded the title of FIT ICT Associate Professional by the industry. The first 6 months are college-based where candidates will acquire the technical acumen.

The remaining 18 months are a combination of work-place application and college-based learning where candidates will further their skills development and apply their learning to live projects within their sponsoring company.

Where is it running?

Five programmes are already up and running, 3 in Dublin and one each in Cork, Athlone, Galway and Monaghan. More programmes will commence throughout 2016 in Dublin, Cork, Galway, Louth, Mayo / Sligo / Leitrim.

What does it cost? The FIT ICT Associate Professional training is funded by SOLAS and the Education & Training Boards so there ' s no fees.

What will I earn?

Once you commence your work experience with your Sponsor company in the 7th month of the programme, you will receive an allowance of between € 260 and € 290 per week for the reminder of the first year.

In the second year of the programme, you will receive between € 340 and € 385 per week.

How do I sign up?

If you are a keen tech enthusiast and are interested in participating in the FIT ICT Associate Professional programme, then contact FIT at ICTAP @ fit. ie or give us a call on 01 8825570 or lo call on 1890 815 704.

See www. fit. ie for further information.

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