State-Supported Courses Elevate Skills in Construction, Sustainability, and AI Expertise
In a significant strategic move, Minister for Further and Higher Education Simon Harris is set to unveil a groundbreaking initiative aimed at strengthening expertise in key sectors such as renewable energy, sustainability, construction, and artificial intelligence. The initiative involves allocating approximately €10 million in funding to reduce fees for State-subsidized micro-credential courses by 50-80%. These short courses, traditionally valued at €1,100 and lasting between six to 12 weeks, will now be available at a significantly reduced cost, ranging from €220 to €550. This initiative is expected to impact around 14,000 learners across diverse fields.
Micro-credentials, known for their brevity and flexibility, are accredited by universities and tailored to meet the needs of learners juggling work and life commitments. Minister Harris highlighted the role of these courses in providing a flexible and accessible solution for acquiring targeted and contemporary skills, complementing traditional degree programs. The courses are primarily delivered online, ensuring accessibility and convenience. Detailed information about the subsidized courses is available on the Higher Education Authority’s website, hea.ie.
Minister Harris emphasized that the initiative aligns with national priorities, addressing critical areas such as new technologies, construction, sustainability, and energy. To streamline access to all courses, a unified platform called MicroCreds.ie has been developed collaboratively by seven universities. This platform, part of the MicroCreds project led by the Irish Universities Association (IUA), aims to make lifelong learning more accessible for individuals and enterprises. The initiative responds to a skills review by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), which warned last year that many adults in Ireland are at risk of falling behind due to a lack of essential skills for current employment and unpreparedness for evolving work dynamics.
Source: The Irish Times
