Blog Archive
Could the Cloud Be Your Silver Lining?
Posted on July 25, 2011
Every cloud has a silver lining they say. For those engaged in a job search it could be that cloud computing could provide an opportunity. The National College of Ireland is one of the colleges offering a range of accredited learning opportunities in cloud computing at the moment.
Robert Ward, Director of Student Recruitment from NCI explained why the Cloud is so important. 'ICT Ireland has said as many as 75% of ICT companies have vacancies in cloud computing and web development with up to half of companies having more than 20 roles to fill.'
Permanent link | Comments | Categories: Springboard • Higher Education • Labour Market Activation
Numbers on the Back to Education Allowance soared in 2010
Posted on July 12, 2011
A telling statistic in the Department of Social Protection's Annual Report 2010 released earlier this week is the number of people last year who availed of the Back to Education Allowance. The report reveals that in the 2009/2010 academic year a total of 20,808 people (10,457 at 2nd level, and 10,351 at 3rd level) were in receipt of a Back to Education allowance, an increase of 79% on 2009.)
Permanent link | Comments | Categories: Back to Education Allowance • Springboard • Demand for Adult Learning
Ten things mature students need to know about student grants
Posted on July 06, 2011
Some important changes have been taking place in how student grants are being administered. In previous years there were four different grant schemes, whereas this year there is only one scheme. The new student grant scheme was launched on June 27th this year. The website Studentfinance is an excellent source of information on grants and finance for all third level students. Here are ten things you need to know if you're applying for a grant.
Apply early: September may seem like a long time away, but the Department of Education and Skills advises all students to apply early to avoid delays in having your grant processed.
Permanent link | Comments | Categories: Student finance • Third level grants • Maintenance grants • Mature students
A World worth living in : ICAE VIII World Assembly Malmo Sweden, 14-17 JUNE 2011
Posted on June 21, 2011
An Assembly worth going to?
The eighth world assembly which provided a forum for over 700 adult educators from over 80 countries around the globe is an event which has huge potential to influence the status of adult learning at a global level and promote its key role in the development of a sustainable world; a world worth living in. The impeccable organisation by the Swedish partners ensured that participants were able to integrate and network, as well as learn about the concept of folkbildning, a learner centred process of adult education used by the Nordic Countries. Camilla Croso as conference rapporteur has put together a summary that provides an excellent background and context for the conference.
Permanent link | Comments | Categories: ICAE • World Assembly
New European study gives vocational education and training some credit
Posted on June 13, 2011
Some interesting European research came out last week about the benefits of vocational education and training.
The economic return on investment in education is the case continually put forward by different sections within education - whether it is the link between third level education and economic competitiveness, or the long term savings to public services such as health and social welfare. The American academic James Heckman has argued that investment in early childhood education reaps huge economic rewards based on his studies in the States.
Permanent link | Comments | Categories: Vocational Education and Training • Community education • Research on Adult Education
Springboard – Skills for Today
Posted on May 26, 2011
Hot on the heels of the Jobs Initiative comes 'Springboard' a new initiative which will make almost 6000 higher education places available, from certificate level right through to masters degree to people who are unemployed. Wednesdays Irish Independent includes a comprehensive supplement which explains all of the detail, what courses are available and what the application process involves. If you didn't manage to get a copy, you can have a look at what's available on Bluebrick.
Permanent link | Comments | Categories: Higher Education • Labour Market Activation
