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 .

0 0 I O I I

............................ ............................ ............................

S LAS