The Minister for Education and Science, Micheal Martin, announced late last week that applications are being sought for an innovative 18-month programme leading to a certificate in technology. The programme will follow a "sandwich" structure: six months in college, followed by six months in industry, then a further six months in college.
There are between 150 and 300 places available, depending on the number and quality of applications. Courses will begin in January in the following nine colleges: Athlone RTC, Carlow RTC, Cork RTC, Dundalk RTC, Galway RTC, Letterkenny RTC, Limerick RTC, Tralee RTC and Waterford Institute of Technology.
Each of the colleges is linked with between three and eight firms which will provide the industrial placements. These firms include 3Com, Intel, IBM, Hewlett Packard, Apple and Boston Scientific.
Dr Sean McDonagh, chairman of the industry/education task force, says the initiative, with its structured work placement, marks a new partnership between colleges and industry. Normal entry standards for a national certificate will apply, he says, but it is expected that a far higher proportion of non-standard applicants will apply.
The application form has space for Leaving Cert results, GCSE qualifications, NCVA level-2 exams, trade/craft qualfications and thirdlevel training which has been completed or is in process. Mature applicants are asked to state the highest level reached in full-time education and to give a brief summary of their careers.
The course may appeal particularly to older applicants who are underemployed or people in employment who wish to improve their qualifications, according to McDonagh, director of Dundalk RTC. He also suggests that women, who are grossly under-represented in the technological sector, might apply.
During attendance at college, students are eligible to apply for the various grants available. Companies will pay a weekly allowance to students on placement and the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs has approved these courses for third-level allowances.
In phase 1 in college (15 weeks), students will study maths, computing, engineering science, electrical science and communications; in phase 2 (nine weeks) they will study electronics technology, instrumentation, mechanical technology and industrial studies. Following the industrial placement, students return to college to study maths for manufacturing, computing, control and automation, instrumentation, industrial electronics or mechanical systems.
Successful graduates will receive the national certificate and are guaranteed a job interview. This will probably be at the company with which they have spent their placement.
Application forms and an information leaflet are available from the Central Applications Office, Tower House, Eglinton Street, Galway. The closing date is Friday week, November 14th.
Applicants must choose between nine course codes representing the nine colleges and the associated firms. A maximum of three choices is allowed.
The CAO has no function in the selection of candidates. Selection will be made by the participating colleges and firms and a short-list will be compiled on the basis of the application form.
Applicants may then be called for aptitude testing and interview.
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