Latest news with #LOETB
Irish Post
10-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Post
New plan revealed to modernise construction sector in Ireland
A NATIONAL plan has been launched in Ireland which is designed to modernise the construction industry. The Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) Action Plan provides a framework to support the adoption of modern, innovative tools that can improve the sector among the firms that work within it. It was revealed at an event held at the National Construction Training Campus in Offaly's Mount Lucas where work to build a new National Demonstration Park has now begun. "I am delighted to publish this landmark Action Plan which will assist in the accelerated adoption of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), a significant representation of my Department's and the Government's commitment to meeting national skills needs,' Ireland's Further Education Minister James Lawless said. Minister Jim Lawless addresses the event in Mount Lucas "In addition, the National Demonstration Park will be Ireland's flagship centre for MMC showcasing, learning, and innovation. 'It will build industry and public confidence, technical expertise, and a national ecosystem around MMC." The MMC Action Plan, which has been developed by the Department of Further and Higher Education in partnership with industry and education providers, sets out 58 targeted actions across eight themes to scale the adoption of MMC across Ireland. The Demonstration Park, which is co-funded by three government departments, will be operated by the Laois-Offaly Education and Training Board (LOETB). Work has begun to build the National Demonstration Park It is designed to 'showcase leading MMC techniques, provide immersive learning, and support the growth of a national innovation ecosystem', it was confirmed this week. 'The National Demonstration Park for MMC at Mount Lucas represents a pivotal moment for construction education and training in Ireland,' Joe Cunningham, Chief Executive of LOETB, said. 'This isn't just about showcasing cutting-edge building techniques; it's about creating a living classroom where trainees and students, apprentices and professionals can experience, hands-on, the future of the industry.' He added: "The educational value of this park lies in its ability to bridge the gap between theory and practice, providing immersive learning opportunities that will equip our workforce with the vital skills needed to deliver on national housing and sustainability targets." The Demonstration Park will house live examples of MMC across a variety of MMC technologies. It will also serve as a research and training space for new entrants, upskilling professionals, and MMC innovators. The first units in the Demonstration Park are expected to be completed by the end of 2025, with training and industry and public engagement activity scaling throughout 2026.
Irish Post
10-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Post
Ireland reveals new plan to modernise construction sector
A NATIONAL plan has been launched in Ireland which is designed to modernise the construction industry. The Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) Action Plan provides a framework to support the adoption of modern, innovative tools that can improve the sector among the firms that work within it. It was revealed at an event held at the National Construction Training Campus in Offaly's Mount Lucas where work to build a new National Demonstration Park has now begun. "I am delighted to publish this landmark Action Plan which will assist in the accelerated adoption of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), a significant representation of my Department's and the Government's commitment to meeting national skills needs,' Ireland's Further Education Minister James Lawless said. Minister Jim Lawless addresses the event in Mount Lucas "In addition, the National Demonstration Park will be Ireland's flagship centre for MMC showcasing, learning, and innovation. 'It will build industry and public confidence, technical expertise, and a national ecosystem around MMC." The MMC Action Plan, which has been developed by the Department of Further and Higher Education in partnership with industry and education providers, sets out 58 targeted actions across eight themes to scale the adoption of MMC across Ireland. The Demonstration Park, which is co-funded by three government departments, will be operated by the Laois-Offaly Education and Training Board (LOETB). Work has begun to build the National Demonstration Park It is designed to 'showcase leading MMC techniques, provide immersive learning, and support the growth of a national innovation ecosystem', it was confirmed this week. 'The National Demonstration Park for MMC at Mount Lucas represents a pivotal moment for construction education and training in Ireland,' Joe Cunningham, Chief Executive of LOETB, said. 'This isn't just about showcasing cutting-edge building techniques; it's about creating a living classroom where trainees and students, apprentices and professionals can experience, hands-on, the future of the industry.' He added: "The educational value of this park lies in its ability to bridge the gap between theory and practice, providing immersive learning opportunities that will equip our workforce with the vital skills needed to deliver on national housing and sustainability targets." The Demonstration Park will house live examples of MMC across a variety of MMC technologies. It will also serve as a research and training space for new entrants, upskilling professionals, and MMC innovators. The first units in the Demonstration Park are expected to be completed by the end of 2025, with training and industry and public engagement activity scaling throughout 2026.
Agriland
27-05-2025
- Business
- Agriland
Programme for TY students provides pathway into agriculture
Agri Aware, in partnership with the Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board (LOETB) has officially launched its Intro to AG programme for transition year students. The launch of the programme took place at LOETB's Midlands Skills Centre in Tullamore, Co. Offaly, alongside LOETB schools that took part in the pilot programme during the academic year. Local TDs and councillors were in attendance to celebrate the achievements of the programme. Students showcased the projects they created as part of their learning, with a wide array of projects on display covering topics from challenges facing the agri-food sector to farm safety. The winners of the Intro to Ag programme were Jack Hyland, Conor O'Shea, Lennon Conroy and Jack Kelly from Clonaslee College, with their project titled 'Issues in Agriculture'. TY students The aim of the Intro to Ag programme is to encourage more students to study agricultural science for the Leaving Certificate and to pursue a career in the industry. It is also an effort to future proof the sector that has a growing demand for agricultural science graduates to take on a variety of roles across the industry. The programme gives students a flavour of what to expect when studying the subject for the leaving certificate and offers an insight into career opportunities in the sector. It also provides a pathway to guide the next generation of students towards careers in agriculture and food production. It supports them at an important stage in their education, when they are making decisions on subject choices and exploring potential career paths. The executive director of Agri Aware, Marcus O'Halloran said: 'The pilot of the Intro to Ag programme has been a huge success and it was capped off with a brilliant day with everyone who has been a critical cog in the development of the programme. 'Congratulations to the winners of the programme Clonaslee College and to all the schools who took part in the programme's pilot.' 'We look forward to seeing you back in the programme next year. Agri Aware is delighted to launch the Intro to Ag programme in partnership with the LOETB and look forward to welcoming students to the programme in September 2025,' O'Halloran added.
Irish Independent
07-05-2025
- Science
- Irish Independent
New tertiary degrees available in Laois for upcoming academic year
Tertiary degrees are not based on a points system, and provide enhanced access for people of all ages to earn a Bachelor's Degree, with no tuition fees for the first one to two years. There will be a Bachelor of Science (Honours), Bachelor of Business (Honours), and Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Software Development all available at the Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board (LOETB) (Portlaoise Institute). All three degrees will provide a seamless transition into year two at the South East Technological University's (SETU) Carlow campus. Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless announced the third round of degree programmes. 'These initiatives are giving more students than ever the chance to pursue their ambitions without being tied down by the CAO points race,' he said. 'I understand that many young people feel anxious about their educational future, worrying each year if their Leaving Certificate results will be enough to get into the course they want. 'These programmes ensure that your exam results won't limit your options. If you're willing to study and work hard, there's a path for you in tertiary education,' the minister added. Tertiary Bachelors' Degrees were first open to applicants for the 2023/2024 academic year. There were 13 programmes in the first year. That has almost trebled for 2025/2026 with 38 programmes nationwide, across business, ICT, arts, engineering, social sciences, early learning and care, agricultural science, sport, manufacturing and construction, and health and welfare. Deputy director of the National Tertiary Office, Tanya Jones said: 'There are no compromises; students earn the same Bachelor's Degree, it's just a different route. 'Options and demand are increasing year on year, demonstrating the need for and importance of a more accessible route like the one presented by tertiary Bachelors' Degrees.'
