Tipperary Institute has launched their new B.Sc in Computing (Smart Sustainable Energy), which focuses on developing and designing innovative sustainable energy technology that solves energy problems. This innovative course is essential in supporting the development of Ireland’s smart green economy. This programme addresses the requirement for a low carbon high-tech economy with the potential to create 80,000 jobs over the next decade as identified by the Green Enterprise Group in Dec 2009.
The course is unique in Ireland and is built upon Tipperary Institute’s expertise in the sustainable energy sector. The course will commence in September 2010 and students can apply through the CAO.
A recent Government White Paper and the National Development Plan indicates a long-term demand for expertise in technology that integrates with sustainable energy systems. This mirrors an increase in career opportunity globally, where a cumulative investment of $20 trillion is estimated by the International Energy Agency as being required in the period 2005 – 2030.
When designing the programme, Tipperary Institute consulted with sustainable energy industry representatives to insure that graduates will be ready for the rapidly expanding sustainable energy sector and the exciting opportunities (Internationally and Nationally) that exist to maximise energy efficiency and renewable energy through the use of software and IT applications.
The programme provides a range of advanced modules in sustainable energy technologies and computing thus producing graduates with strong employment prospects within the sustainable energy and software development areas.. Graduates will acquire the necessary knowledge to cope with the changing nature of the sustainable energy domain and the computing industry throughout their careers.
“Maximising the efficient use and control of sustainable energy sources is necessary if Ireland is to secure its energy future” said James Greenslade, director of the ICT dept in Tipperary Institute. “Economic, political, and environmental concerns are among the drivers contributing to this rapid growth. The rapidly expanding sustainable energy sector needs graduates with strong computer applications skills and knowledge so it can maximise the efficient use and production of energy, and thereby reduce carbon emissions.”
Students who are interested can apply through the CAO. If you require more information you can contact the programme co-ordinator Dr Liam Noonan at 0504 28254 or email lnoonan@tippinst.ie
A blog about higher education in Tipperary with specialties in Sustainable Rural Development, ICT and Business.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Information Evenings @ Tipperary Institute
Information Evenings
All you ever wanted to know about course and career options, financial support, how to apply, accommodation and more:
Clonmel campus, Tuesday 7 September, 6 – 8pm
Thurles campus, Wednesday 8 September, 6 – 8pm
Everyone is welcome!
Friday, August 13, 2010
Third level Educations Options August 2010
The Education Experience in Tipperary Institute
Michael O’Connell Acting CEO
There are about 1700 students doing the Leaving Cert in Tipperary who have applied to the CAO this year. There are about 4600 students from Tipperary in 3rd level education in colleges all over the country at any one time in Limerick, Cork, Dublin, Galway etc.In Tipperary Institute we have about 750 places at the moment, about 320 in first year so we can’t fit all the students from Tipperary.
And even if we could we would not wish to. Many students like to leave home to go to College, they want to experience a new place, or the course they want to do is only available outside Tipperary.
So we recognise that many students will leave Tipperary.
But for those who choose to stay, we in Tipperary Institute promise to provide you with an exciting full education experience that will meet your needs. And we would go further; we believe that for some Tipperary students we are not just a good option but the best option for them.
How can I say this?
1. There are courses available in Tipperary Institute which are not available anywhere else and that are geared to areas people are really interested in today and which will underpin the jobs of the future . For The “ Green Sustainability ” domain we have a new course in 2010 called Smart Sustainable Energy Technologies and we continue to provide the very successful Environmental and Natural Resource Management .The Smart Technology agenda is well catered for with Creative Multimedia and Games Development courses , and the whole Entrepreneurial and Community Agenda is catered for in our wide range of Business courses and our Social and Community Studies programme. Full details of our entire course listing are in our prospectus and on our website.
2. TI will be providing more first year places in September 2010 than ever before. This is in response to a 20% increase in applications over last year. (For Clonmel programmes this increase has been a 50%). Increased places are available across all our programmes .
3. Remember we offer courses at level 6, level 7 and level 8 giving you a stepping stone which enables you to build up your qualifications .So you can do 2 years and get a Higher Certificate qualification (Level 6), add a year for an ordinary degree in (Level 7) and another year for the honours degree (Level 8).
4. There is also the way we teach at TI. Our groups are small, lecturers know your name, you know them and you are more than a number. I have seen the effect of this in students who are really engaged and excited about their subject and so thrive on it.
5. Every course in TI uniquely includes a personal development module in each year. Research has shown that students today need not just technical skills but what employers stress are what we call soft skills, like communicating clearly, making presentations, working in teams, and self awareness. No other Institute provides this approach across all courses.
6. In these times Tipperary parents like everyone else are under alot of pressure to provide the money to support their children’s education. Often accommodation costs in big cities are expensive up to €100 a week. In Thurles and Clonmel rentals are €55 a week on average .
7. Quality of courses and CAO points
I am often asked about comparing CAO cut off points in TI with larger colleges. People say to me, if the points are lower in TI doesn’t this mean that the quality of the course is inferior? My answer is – Not at all.
All the TI courses are independently validated by the Higher Education and Training Awards Council (HETAC) ,the very same body that oversees the courses of all the other Institutes of Technology. And in fact you can widen that comparison to University degrees as exactly the same standards apply.
And something else about CAO points. Points are set based on the number of applications and the number of places available. Naturally large urban centres like Dublin and Cork are going to have higher points because more people live there and apply but the points set in themselves say nothing about the usefulness of the course or how much the students enjoy it or whether they get jobs afterwards.
8. To further underpin the quality point, in June this year the Government approved the merger of Tipperary Institute (TI) with Limerick Institute of Technology (LIT). This development guarantees the stability and growth of higher education in Tipperary in the years to come and eliminates any doubts raised in 2009 about the Tipperary Campuses future. Students who register in TI in September 2010 can now be fully confident of an LIT backed education and qualification when they have successfully completed their studies
Conclusion
In summary then my advice is to decide what you really would like to do. Research* the courses that best suit your strengths and aptitude and then go for that and don’t let the points worry you too much.
*Research that carefully – go and talk to the college and the current and past students and find out all you can.
Finally
I very much look forward to some of you doing that research in Tipperary Institute. We can be contacted at 0504-28000, Website www.tippinst.ie
Michael O’Connell Acting CEO
There are about 1700 students doing the Leaving Cert in Tipperary who have applied to the CAO this year. There are about 4600 students from Tipperary in 3rd level education in colleges all over the country at any one time in Limerick, Cork, Dublin, Galway etc.In Tipperary Institute we have about 750 places at the moment, about 320 in first year so we can’t fit all the students from Tipperary. And even if we could we would not wish to. Many students like to leave home to go to College, they want to experience a new place, or the course they want to do is only available outside Tipperary.
So we recognise that many students will leave Tipperary.
But for those who choose to stay, we in Tipperary Institute promise to provide you with an exciting full education experience that will meet your needs. And we would go further; we believe that for some Tipperary students we are not just a good option but the best option for them.
How can I say this?
1. There are courses available in Tipperary Institute which are not available anywhere else and that are geared to areas people are really interested in today and which will underpin the jobs of the future . For The “ Green Sustainability ” domain we have a new course in 2010 called Smart Sustainable Energy Technologies and we continue to provide the very successful Environmental and Natural Resource Management .The Smart Technology agenda is well catered for with Creative Multimedia and Games Development courses , and the whole Entrepreneurial and Community Agenda is catered for in our wide range of Business courses and our Social and Community Studies programme. Full details of our entire course listing are in our prospectus and on our website.
2. TI will be providing more first year places in September 2010 than ever before. This is in response to a 20% increase in applications over last year. (For Clonmel programmes this increase has been a 50%). Increased places are available across all our programmes .
3. Remember we offer courses at level 6, level 7 and level 8 giving you a stepping stone which enables you to build up your qualifications .So you can do 2 years and get a Higher Certificate qualification (Level 6), add a year for an ordinary degree in (Level 7) and another year for the honours degree (Level 8).
4. There is also the way we teach at TI. Our groups are small, lecturers know your name, you know them and you are more than a number. I have seen the effect of this in students who are really engaged and excited about their subject and so thrive on it.
5. Every course in TI uniquely includes a personal development module in each year. Research has shown that students today need not just technical skills but what employers stress are what we call soft skills, like communicating clearly, making presentations, working in teams, and self awareness. No other Institute provides this approach across all courses.
6. In these times Tipperary parents like everyone else are under alot of pressure to provide the money to support their children’s education. Often accommodation costs in big cities are expensive up to €100 a week. In Thurles and Clonmel rentals are €55 a week on average .
7. Quality of courses and CAO points
I am often asked about comparing CAO cut off points in TI with larger colleges. People say to me, if the points are lower in TI doesn’t this mean that the quality of the course is inferior? My answer is – Not at all.
All the TI courses are independently validated by the Higher Education and Training Awards Council (HETAC) ,the very same body that oversees the courses of all the other Institutes of Technology. And in fact you can widen that comparison to University degrees as exactly the same standards apply.
And something else about CAO points. Points are set based on the number of applications and the number of places available. Naturally large urban centres like Dublin and Cork are going to have higher points because more people live there and apply but the points set in themselves say nothing about the usefulness of the course or how much the students enjoy it or whether they get jobs afterwards.
8. To further underpin the quality point, in June this year the Government approved the merger of Tipperary Institute (TI) with Limerick Institute of Technology (LIT). This development guarantees the stability and growth of higher education in Tipperary in the years to come and eliminates any doubts raised in 2009 about the Tipperary Campuses future. Students who register in TI in September 2010 can now be fully confident of an LIT backed education and qualification when they have successfully completed their studies
Conclusion
In summary then my advice is to decide what you really would like to do. Research* the courses that best suit your strengths and aptitude and then go for that and don’t let the points worry you too much.
*Research that carefully – go and talk to the college and the current and past students and find out all you can.
Finally
I very much look forward to some of you doing that research in Tipperary Institute. We can be contacted at 0504-28000, Website www.tippinst.ie
Friday, July 23, 2010
Free College Places at Tipperary Institute for Unemployed People
Labour Market Activation
Tipperary Institute has 80 free College places available for courses starting in September, funded by the Government’s Labour Market Activation Fund, 2010. Free places on these courses are available to applicants who are unemployed and in receipt of unemployment benefit or assistance. Applicants who are under 35 years of age must be at least 3 months unemployed before the course commences. Applicants who are over 35 years of age must be at least 12 months unemployed before the course commences.
To be eligible for free places, applicants must also meet the normal minimum entry requirements for the course they are interested in. The new places created at Tipperary Institute will be in a range of full-time and part-time courses delivered in Thurles or Clonmel, as outlined in the attached brochures.
Application forms and further information may be obtained from Tipperary Institute by phoning (0504) 28072 or downloading from the website at www.tippinst.ie. Completed applications should be returned by 20th August. Late applications may be considered pending availability of places.
Tipperary Institute has 80 free College places available for courses starting in September, funded by the Government’s Labour Market Activation Fund, 2010. Free places on these courses are available to applicants who are unemployed and in receipt of unemployment benefit or assistance. Applicants who are under 35 years of age must be at least 3 months unemployed before the course commences. Applicants who are over 35 years of age must be at least 12 months unemployed before the course commences.
To be eligible for free places, applicants must also meet the normal minimum entry requirements for the course they are interested in. The new places created at Tipperary Institute will be in a range of full-time and part-time courses delivered in Thurles or Clonmel, as outlined in the attached brochures.
Application forms and further information may be obtained from Tipperary Institute by phoning (0504) 28072 or downloading from the website at www.tippinst.ie. Completed applications should be returned by 20th August. Late applications may be considered pending availability of places.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Job Hunting While Employed - Dos and Don'ts
It's a common dilemma: You have a job but you want a better one. Whether you've outgrown your current role, seek increased compensation or need a change of scene, you're ready to explore new employment options. How do you go about looking for opportunities and meeting with hiring managers without jeopardising your current position? The following are some dos and don'ts for conducting a job search while employed:
DON'T overlook opportunities within your own company. Consider employment opportunities that may be right under your nose. Many companies looking to fill vacancies give preference to internal candidates and make an effort to encourage these individual to apply for other positions within the company.
DO be discreet. If you want to keep your job search a secret, don't talk about it. If you tell your co-workers, you can be sure that it will get back to your boss, one way or another.
DON'T search on your employers' time. You are being paid to work for the company, so you shouldn't be surfing the internet for job openings during business hours. Any activity related to your job search, including scheduling interviews, should be completed on your own time.
DO get organised. Set aside blocks of time that you can devote to your employment search; you will be amazed by how much you can get done in just a few hours. In addition to focusing on your job hunt at night and on weekends, you can use your lunch break to review your CV or write covering letters.
DON'T use company resources. No matter how convenient it may be, don't use office stationery, stamps, fax machines or copiers. It's not only an inappropriate and unethical use of company resources but also an easy way for colleagues to find out about your job search from evidence you accidentally leave behind.
DO be careful where you post your CV. To ensure that your current company does not accidentally find your CV when searching for new hires, post on a job site where you can keep your employer and contact information confidential.
DON'T make up excuses when meeting with hiring managers. Most hiring managers will understand that accommodations may have to be made for you to attend an employment interview. Try to schedule meetings for either the beginning or the end of the day, or during your lunch hour.
DO pay attention to how you dress. If your normal work attire consists of jeans and sneakers, showing up to the office in a business suit is likely to arouse suspicion. Avoid the attention by bringing a change of clothes or just ditch your suit jacket.
DON'T forget to network. More jobs are obtained through word of mouth than any other method, so take every opportunity to expand your circle of contacts. In addition to getting involved in professional associations and other networking groups, focus on meeting people while doing everyday activities.
DO register with a recruitment agency. Consider partnering with a recruiter, who can work discreetly on your behalf to distribute your CV and uncover job opportunities. These professionals also can offer guidance on enhancing your CV, improving your interview skills and increasing your chances of landing a new position.
If you want to find a new job, stick to your game plan, be persistent and, perhaps most importantly, be respectful of your current employer. Though you may be tempted to conduct a quick search between projects or work on your CV on the job, think twice before doing so. You wouldn't want to do anything that could jeopardise your current position and future references.
Robert Half is the world's first and largest specialised recruitment consultancy with a global network of more than 360 offices throughout North America, South America, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. For more information about our Robert Half please visit www.roberthalf.co.uk.
DON'T overlook opportunities within your own company. Consider employment opportunities that may be right under your nose. Many companies looking to fill vacancies give preference to internal candidates and make an effort to encourage these individual to apply for other positions within the company.
DO be discreet. If you want to keep your job search a secret, don't talk about it. If you tell your co-workers, you can be sure that it will get back to your boss, one way or another.
DON'T search on your employers' time. You are being paid to work for the company, so you shouldn't be surfing the internet for job openings during business hours. Any activity related to your job search, including scheduling interviews, should be completed on your own time.
DO get organised. Set aside blocks of time that you can devote to your employment search; you will be amazed by how much you can get done in just a few hours. In addition to focusing on your job hunt at night and on weekends, you can use your lunch break to review your CV or write covering letters.
DON'T use company resources. No matter how convenient it may be, don't use office stationery, stamps, fax machines or copiers. It's not only an inappropriate and unethical use of company resources but also an easy way for colleagues to find out about your job search from evidence you accidentally leave behind.
DO be careful where you post your CV. To ensure that your current company does not accidentally find your CV when searching for new hires, post on a job site where you can keep your employer and contact information confidential.
DON'T make up excuses when meeting with hiring managers. Most hiring managers will understand that accommodations may have to be made for you to attend an employment interview. Try to schedule meetings for either the beginning or the end of the day, or during your lunch hour.
DO pay attention to how you dress. If your normal work attire consists of jeans and sneakers, showing up to the office in a business suit is likely to arouse suspicion. Avoid the attention by bringing a change of clothes or just ditch your suit jacket.
DON'T forget to network. More jobs are obtained through word of mouth than any other method, so take every opportunity to expand your circle of contacts. In addition to getting involved in professional associations and other networking groups, focus on meeting people while doing everyday activities.
DO register with a recruitment agency. Consider partnering with a recruiter, who can work discreetly on your behalf to distribute your CV and uncover job opportunities. These professionals also can offer guidance on enhancing your CV, improving your interview skills and increasing your chances of landing a new position.
If you want to find a new job, stick to your game plan, be persistent and, perhaps most importantly, be respectful of your current employer. Though you may be tempted to conduct a quick search between projects or work on your CV on the job, think twice before doing so. You wouldn't want to do anything that could jeopardise your current position and future references.
Robert Half is the world's first and largest specialised recruitment consultancy with a global network of more than 360 offices throughout North America, South America, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. For more information about our Robert Half please visit www.roberthalf.co.uk.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Friday, June 11, 2010
Cabinet approves the integration of Tipperary Institute into Limerick Institute of Technology
“We very much welcome the vote of confidence which the cabinet has made today in the future of higher education in Tipperary. The Tipperary campuses at Thurles and Clonmel can now focus afresh on developing and expanding educational opportunity for all the people of Tipperary and surrounding counties.” said Acting CEO of Tipperary Institute, Michael O’Connell. The integration with LIT provides for the maintenance and development of courses already available at Tipperary Institute but also provides for new courses specifically developed for Tipperary and the opportunity for Tipperary and indeed the Mid West students to tap into the wider array of choices available in the wider LIT organisation.
The new relationship with LIT will
1. Build the courses at Tipperary Campuses so as to service 1000 full time students from Tipperary and adjacent counties in 2014/15. Full time students stood at 337 in 2009
2. Protect the future of long term jobs and education by bringing the cost base of Tipperary campuses into line with national norms over a 5 year period.
3. Use the established LIT brand e.g. LIT (Tipp.) to build further students, parents and schools confidence in courses
4. Provide from an expanded LIT Governing Body to include membership from North and South Tipperary
5. Develop the campuses both in Thurles and Clonmel to meet demand from higher Education especially in new domains for Tipperary like Science and Education
6. Develop Enterprise Acceleration and industry support services to drive new business and economic activity in Tipperary
7. Preserve and strengthen key strong projects being delivered by TI e.g. the SERVE project and the Tipperary Energy Agency and the National Rural Network.
There are many benefits to the new organisation including
• It secures its future to provide 3rd level education in Tipperary and especially increasing interest from schools
• It makes wider range of courses and expertise available to it to meet Tipperary demands
• It preserves key strength of TI in sustainability, creativity and cross disciplinary approach
• Bringing TI into the IOT system will give credibility to proposals for expansion and development
• It provides expertise in Enterprise Development – the Community Enterprise Centre in Thurles and the development of a Enterprise Acceleration Centre in Clonmel
• Provides sound platform for future investment in campuses
• Access to expertise of TI staff especially in areas under developed in LIT
Michael O’Connell said “We are delighted with the cabinet’s endorsement and look forward now to a bright future for LIT Tipperary.”
Enquiries:
Laura O’Mahony (Marketing Officer)
0504 28071
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