25 Oct 2024
Green Light given to Cork ETB for ‘College of the Future’
Government announces significant milestone for Cork ETB as green light given on next phase in multi-million euro FET investment.
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Patrick O’Donovan today announced the green light has been given to Cork ETB (Education and Training Board) to proceed to the next stage in its development of a College of The Future.
Government funding worth tens of millions of euro will drive the development of the Bishopstown campus. The development will mean a new central FET College which will act as a focal point for all FET services in Cork.
The new College of the Future will deliver new infrastructure which will assist Cork ETB in employer engagement, skills development and provide for a new Digital FET centre. It will also incorporate digital teaching and learning facilities that will benefit the entire cork region. The new campus is designed to accommodate 1,000 students and staff.
This is a fantastic day for Cork and I’m thrilled to announce that Cork ETB is moving to the next stage in the process of delivering a further education and training campus that the entire county can be proud of. Cork has been a shining example of how best to deliver a quality and responsive tertiary education system that meets the needs of its region, and today’s announcement will allow its FET sector to take another significant step towards delivering a world-class environment for its learners, staff and community.”
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Patrick O’Donovan
“Back in 2022, the department announced that Bishopstown had been chosen as one of a number of locations across the country to develop a further education College of the Future. The College of the Future Major Projects Fund is supporting the implementation of a bold vision as set out in the Further Education Strategy, and it has the potential to deliver on a range of strategic objectives. But most importantly, today’s announcement means learners, staff and the entire community can now look forward to the development of a modern, high-spec premises where everyone will have the opportunity to progress in the best possible facilities.”
Minister of State for Skills and Further Education Niall Collins
“This announcement marks the largest infrastructural investment in Further Education and Training (FET) in Cork’s history. With government approval and departmental support, it paves the way for the creation of a new “College of the Future” at the existing Bishopstown Campus on Rossa Avenue. The facility will include Life Sciences training, an Employer Engagement Centre, a Research and Skills Development hub, and a Digital Technology Teaching and Learning Centre. These resources will enhance the flexibility of FET programmes, aligning them with the evolving needs of both learners and employers.”
Denis Leamy, Chief Executive of Cork ETB
About Cork Education and Training Board (ETB)
Cork Education and Training Board was established under the Education and Training Boards Act, 2013. It is responsible and accountable for the proper direction and control of its functions in the Cork City and Cork County Councils’ local authority areas. Cork ETB plans, provides, supports and co-ordinates education, training and youth services in Cork. These services and training programmes are recognised internationally as a model of excellence.
Through Cork ETB there is a pathway for every learner.
Cork ETB’s target clients are learners in our schools, colleges, training centres and community settings. They also include applicants under the various learner support schemes administered directly by Cork ETB, Youth Service Providers, Community Education and Training Groups, Voluntary Community Organisations and Communities throughout the City and County.
To find out more about Living, Working, Studying and Investing in Cork visit WeareCork.ie.