FET micro-qualification courses to address skills needs of workforce

MINISTER for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris TD and Minister of State for Business, Employment and Retail at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Neale Richmond TD have launched Further Education and Training (FET) micro-qualifications - a new FET offering to future-proof businesses.

The launch marked a transformative upskilling offer for both employees and employers. FET micro-qualifications are short, stackable micro qualification programmes that are delivered locally by the network of 16 Education and Training Boards across the country and developed collaboratively with industry under the Skills to Advance initiative.

Offering guaranteed accredited qualifications to employees at little or no cost to employers, micro-qualifications are a new route to future-proofing businesses, upskilling teams to address business needs, and flexibly delivered to fit busy work schedules.

Created in partnership with enterprise, FET micro-qualifications are already available in areas as diverse 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).

Commenting on the launch, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris, said: “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.

“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.

“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.”

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 FET micro-qualifications on offer in your local area at https://www.solas.ie/programmes/skills-to-advance/microqualifications/or by contacting your local Education and Training Board.