Written answers

Wednesday, 5 April 2017

Department of Education and Skills

Skills Development

Photo of Niamh SmythNiamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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79. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he is actively working and co-operating with the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation on research and development at Cavan Institute or Monaghan Institute on initiatives to attract jobs to Counties Cavan and Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14434/17]

Photo of John HalliganJohn Halligan (Waterford, Independent)
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Both Cavan Institute and Monaghan Institute are operated by Cavan Monaghan Education and Training Board(CMETB).  CMETB works closely with both local authorities in Cavan and Monaghan as well as the local enterprise offices to ensure that the skills set is available in both counties to permit the growth and development of indigenous industry and meet the skills needs of those seeking to invest in the region.

In association with the Local Enterprise Office in Cavan, CMETB has supported the development of a Cavan employers HR and Skills Network Forum. 

The Regional Skills Forum Manager facilitates ongoing collaboration between employers and education and training providers in the region, with the view to providing targeted skills development opportunities that are relevant to the needs of learners, society and the economy. This has the effect of increasing the supply of skills to the labour market, thereby addressing skills shortages, supporting job creation and overall economic growth and development in Cavan and Monaghan.

CMETB facilitated a skills audit in Cavan and Monaghan and are responding to the needs identified in that audit. CMETB Training Services are working closely with the Agrifood industry in Cavan and Monaghan to meet identified skills needs in food preparation and manufacturing. It is consulting with the Hospitality sector including the Restaurant Association of Ireland and a number of employers in the local hospitality sector with a view to establishing a Professional Cookery traineeship to support the local food industry.

There are currently 166 registered employers of apprentices in Cavan and Monaghan and 334 registered apprentices. CMETB Training Services are also involved in the development of a number of new apprenticeships and is leading out on the development of two new programmes in the areas of engineering and HGV driving.

CMETB is engaging with indigenous companies and employers in the region to encourage up-skilling and development which will equip companies to grow. This function is delivered through its Training Services with courses based at Monaghan Education Campus and Monaghan Institute and also in the new Cavan Further Education and Training Campus.

Facilities in the new Cavan FET campus include general classrooms, IT rooms as well as an electrical installation classroom, delivering courses on smart technology, multimedia, IT support, healthcare and electrical installation. The army garage building has been upgraded to deliver a welding and fabrication course. 

Additional provision in the area of skills for work, adult literacy and basic skills services are also provided by Cavan Institute and Monaghan Institute supporting workforce development in line with national skills policy. CMETB through Cavan Institute and Monaghan Institute is also   providing bespoke training to a range of companies in Cavan and Monaghan

Cavan Institute and Monaghan Institute are also providing an extensive range of post-leaving certificate courses to over 1,600 learners comprising school leavers and mature learner in a broad range of provision aimed at providing suitably qualified graduates for the local jobs market in a  broad range of sectors. Both colleges work closely with employers through their work experience programmes.

The very broad range of activity and engagement by CMETB with learners, employers and enterprise demonstrates its commitment to ensuring the delivery of high quality training and skills to attract and retain investment and job opportunities for the region.

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