24 new micro-qualifications will help businesses to ensure staff have relevant skills.
A new further education offering to upskill staff and future-proof businesses has been launched by the Irish Government.
Micro-qualifications are short, stackable programmes that are delivered locally by the network of 16 Education and Training Boards across the country and developed collaboratively with industry.
“The days of doing a block of education from age 18-21 that will serve you throughout your chosen vocation are gone – this initiative reflects the need for a dip in, dip out education and training system that facilitates the continual upskilling and reskilling now required throughout lifetimes and careers”
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).
FET Micro-Qualifications
“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,” said the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris, TD.
“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.
“Targeted initiatives such as these micro-qualifications are delivering for employees and employers, both in supporting them to excel in their chosen fields, while also addressing Ireland’s critical skills gaps,” Minister Harris said.
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.
Find what is on offer in your local area at skillstoadvance.ie or by contacting your local Education and Training Board.
“Today marks a significant step forward for further education and training with targeted and flexible upskilling options,” said SOLAS chief executive Andrew Brownlee.
“FET Micro-Qualifications will ensure that enterprise remains responsive to meet the rapidly changing world of work, advances in technology and our commitments to tackling climate change.”
“This ground breaking nationwide provision of short stackable FET micro-qualifications through the ETB network will deliver fully accredited upskilling opportunities at local level across the country, empowering learners to flourish in their chosen careers while upskilling staff in line with future business needs. The days of doing a block of education from age 18-21 that will serve you throughout your chosen vocation are gone – this initiative reflects the need for a dip in, dip out education and training system that facilitates the continual upskilling and reskilling now required throughout lifetimes and careers.”
“The collaborative partnership between SOLAS, the ETBs and industry has been key to delivering this targeted suite of upskilling programmes. With over 60,000 people having upskilled through Skills to Advance programmes nationwide since 2019, the potential for roll-out and delivery of FET micro-qualifications to Irish enterprise at local level through the ETB network is vast.”
