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by HRHQ Editorial Team
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris TD and has launched micro-qualifications – a new further education offering to upskill staff and future-proof businesses.
The new micro-qualifications are short, stackable micro qualification programmes that are delivered locally by the network of 16 Education and Training Boards across the country and developed collaboratively with industry.
The qualifications are aimed at employees with little or no cost to employers, and in areas such as sustainability, digital, robotics, aquaculture, business innovation and market development, and are set to expand to meet demand.
All programmes are fully accredited and lead to a Level 4, 5 and 6 Special Purpose Awards on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ).
Commenting on the launch, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris, said:
“The provision of accessible and flexible upskilling opportunities that can meet the demands of both business and work is critical for both employees and employers.
“In our constantly changing world of work, these micro-qualifications mark a fundamental transformation in our response to the upskilling needs of enterprise, acknowledging the necessity for employees and employers to meet the demands of the modern workplace.
“This is especially timely as we continue to deliver on strong objectives in the European Year of Skills, a year where we are encouraging individuals to avail of upskilling and reskilling opportunities.”
The programmes have been created in collaboration with SOLAS, the 16 Education and Training Boards (ETBs), QQI, ISME, SFA, Chambers, the Environmental Protection Agency, Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, Irish Water, IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland, and the Regional Skills Fora.
You can find what is on offer in your local area at Skills to Advance or by contacting your local Education and Training Board.
