The Kerry College learners made an impressive mark at the Worldskills Ireland 2023 competition, showcasing their excellence across various skills competitions and career-focused initiatives. The event, regarded as the “Olympics of Skills,” took place from September 20th to 22nd at Dublin’s RDS Simmonscourt, attracting a record-breaking 30,000 visitors over three days.

Kerry Education and Training Board had a notable presence at Worldskills – with their Kerry College learners leading 3 skills competitions in Beauty Therapy, Architectural Stonemasonry and Industrial Mechanics holding an examiner post in the Commis Chef competition, and exhibiting at the THIS IS FET career village and Green Skills stand with their Wind Turbine Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship.

Visitors had the opportunity to explore the careers zone, participate in competitions, try their hand at various skills in interactive areas, and witness a wide range of demonstrations and exhibits. They also had the opportunity to attend inspiring talks on the ‘Heroes Stage,’ which featured Kerry ETB apprentice Mairéad Faherty who is working as a Wind Turbine Maintenance Technician with global company Siemens Gamesa.

Kerry College’s Broadcast Production Skills course led by Brian Nolan operated a live TV Studio during the event, directed by former RTE Director Theo O’Grady and featuring daily live broadcasts presented by Kerry College graduate, Radio Kerry’s Brendan Fuller.

World Skills Ireland is a partnership between enterprise, industry, education, training, and government, aimed at raising the profile and recognition of skills and apprenticeships while preparing today’s talent for the careers of the future. The event served as a unique opportunity for teachers, guidance counsellors, parents, and students to explore the diverse skill-based career options available in Ireland.

Silver Medal Winners

Kerry ETB/Kerry College came home with two prestigious Silver Medals:

Kieran Finnerty – Office of Public Works Apprentice, Stonecutting & Stonemasonry Apprenticeship

Silver Medal in Architectural Stonemasonry

 

Ciara O’Sullivan – Learner, Beauty Therapy

Silver Medal in Beauty Therapy

Runner-Up Achievements

In addition to the Silver Medal winners, Kerry ETB and Kerry College celebrated the accomplishments of other talented individuals:

Padraig O’Doherty – MAMF Apprentice at Torc Precision Engineering Limited, Killarney

Runner-Up in Industrial Mechanics

Alison O’Sullivan – Commis Chef Apprentice at The Killarney Park Hotel

Runner-Up in Cookery

Special Mention

A special mention goes to Plumbing Competition Winner Frank Moffit, who completed his Phase 2 Plumbing training at Monavalley under the tutelage of John O’Connor. John’s guidance and expertise were instrumental in Frank’s success, reflecting the dedication of Kerry ETB and Kerry College instructors.

 

 

Kerry Education and Training Board (Kerry ETB) are delighted to now offer two new tertiary degree programmes at Kerry College for the academic year 2023/2024.

A tertiary course is one that commences in an Education and Training Board (ETB) and continues in a Higher Education Institution (HEI), culminating in the award of a degree. In this proof-of-concept phase, Kerry ETB will offer, in partnership with the Munster Technological University (MTU), an Honours Degree in Animation, Visual Effects and Motion Design and an Honours Degree in Business. Learners will spend their first two years at Kerry College Clash Road Campus in Tralee, following on to then years three and four at MTU Kerry Campus.

Kerry ETB will not apply any tuition fee or student contribution fee for the duration of their tuition. The Free Fees Initiative and student contribution arrangements will apply to the agreed duration of the tuition delivered by the HEI on the tertiary programme.

 

The National Tertiary Office (NTO) was established by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Skills in a joint initiative between the Higher Education Authority and SOLAS. The NTO has been tasked with the development of new progressive pathways through further education to higher education, which is central to the government’s ambition of a unified tertiary education system.

 

Speaking at the launch today, Minister Harris said:

“These tertiary degree courses are a game-changer, offering students an alternative route to the points system and ensuring that we have a system driven by the career choices and needs of the learners. I want to thank the National Tertiary Office, the Higher Education Authority and SOLAS for their leadership in driving this change forward.”

 

Commenting on the launch, Owen O’Donnell, Director of Further Education and Training at Kerry ETB, said:

“The launch by Minister Harris of these first tertiary degree programmes is a pivotal day for learners in Kerry who, for the first time, will have access to a degree programme outside of the traditional CAO points system. I am delighted to see the offering, in partnership with the Munster Technological University (MTU), an Honours Degree in Animation, Visual Effects and Motion Design and the Honours Degree in Business to be delivered by Kerry College.”

 

The ETB and HEI partners collaborated closely on the development and shared delivery of tertiary programmes to provide students with a seamless transition from FET into higher education and a clearly defined learner pathway right through to professional practice. From day one of their tertiary degree course, the learner is recognised as a registered student of both the ETB where they are commencing their course and the partnered university, which provides the student with access to dual supports and services, including libraries, sports, and other campus facilities as well as academic, health and wellbeing supports.

 

Stephen Goulding, Principal of Kerry College, added:

“The development of these tertiary degree courses is a milestone in the FET/HE. The benefits to students of having the opportunity to study in their own county and progression to higher education will significantly reduce barriers for learners and offer parents and their children cost-effective choices. It will also significantly raise the standing of FET for school leavers and lead to better and informed choices and career direction. “

 

Welcoming the news today, Elaine O’Connor, Manager of the Kerry College Admissions Office, said:

“As a FET provider committed to academic excellence, Kerry College Admissions Office is thrilled with the tertiary expansion to our course offering, which will provide learners with even more opportunities for professional growth. Our admissions team is excited to be able to support applicants through their Tertiary degree application journey. ”

Students interested in pursuing either of the two new honours degrees on offer at Kerry College can contact the admissions office on 066 714 9696.

 

They can also contact the National Tertiary Office website (www.nto.ie), where students may apply for any of the 23 programmes on offer this September. For the eligibility criteria and course-specific entry requirements, please refer to the course information section on the NTO website. General enquiries may be addressed to the NTO, and course-specific queries should be directed to the relevant Tertiary Coordinator as listed on the website.