New agreement marks education progression
THE INSTITUTE of Technology, Carlow, and Waterford and Wexford Education and Training Board ( WWETB) have signed a progression agreement aimed at enhancing the opportunities for students to progress into Higher Education programmes at IT Carlow’s Wexford campus.
The move was welcomed by the Chairperson of the WWETB, Cllr Jim Moore, who is also the Cathaoirleach of Wexford Borough Council.
‘ This is a welcome opportunity for learners in counties Wexford, Waterford, and beyond to progress to higher education and enhance their career opportunities,’ he said.
The agreement will mean that students will have access to the range of Level 7 and 8 degree programmes currently offered by Carlow IT through its various campuses including Wexford.
The agreement signing is reflective of a national strategy focused on enhancing and improving the links between further and higher education, however, it also highlights the aim of both organisations to provide greater access for learners.
Commenting on the agreement the Chief Executive Officer of WWETB, Kevin Lewis, said it was another example of joined-up thinking: ‘It’s another example of joined-up thinking in the South East region between further education and higher education providers in the interest of the learner.’
The President of IT Carlow, Dr Patricia Mulcahy, welcomed the agreement and said: ‘Over 20 per cent of our current First Year intake comes from further education backgrounds so this agreement builds on that to ensure greater opportunities and assistance for students transitioning from further to higher education,’ she said.
‘We look forward to continuing to support and develop this important partnership,’ she added.
WWETB was set up in 2013 as a result of the amalgamation of County Wexford VEC, County Waterford VEC, City of Waterford VEC and the Waterford/Wexford Training Functions of SOLAS. It’s a statutory body which has responsibility for education, training and youth service provision across the two counties.