All About Cork: ALCON partner FET campus for staff upskill programme

Cork College of FET-Bishopstown Campus has partnered with ALCON to launch an inaugural Maintenance Skills Technology Upskilling Programme for ALCON staff.

The programme, which is fully funded under the Skills to Advance initiative by SOLAS, offers subsidised upskilling and reskilling opportunities for companies and employees.

The programme was conceived by Catherine Browne and Andrew Mahon and provides ALCON staff with the opportunity to enhance their skills in maintenance technology while creating clear career progression pathways within the company.

Over the next two years, participants will work towards completing the QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Maintenance Skills Technology.

The curriculum covers critical areas such as team leadership, electrical principles, safety management and mechanical maintenance.

Upon completion, learners will be well-positioned to advance into more specialised roles within ALCON, contributing to the company’s continued success and innovation.

At the official launch in Bishopstown, general manager of ALCON Ireland Jackie Murphy expressed enthusiasm for the programme and wished the learners well.

“I am incredibly proud to see the launch of this upskilling programme, which is a testament to our commitment to investing in our employees and their future,” she said.

“This initiative not only enhances the technical capabilities of our team but also opens doors to new career pathways within ALCON. I wish all the learners the very best as they embark on this exciting journey.” 

Speaking on the day, campus manager at Cork College of FET- Bishopstown Campus Valerie Cowman praised ALCON for their commitment to employee development and lifelong learning.

“The vision of ALCON for this programme is very clear - to develop career pathways for their staff. 

"I commend all the management for their commitment to investing in their employees and thank them for partnering with us in Bishopstown campus,” she said, wishing the learners every success on their learning journey.

For more information about the Skill to Advance upskilling and reskilling opportunities at Cork College of FET-Bishopstown Campus contact skillstoadvance@corketb.ie.

Lions Club cycle classic

Marymount University Hospice is encouraging people to get involved in the Carrigaline Lions Club Cycle Classic taking place this month.

Now in its 33rd year, the event has raised €750,000 for various charities over the years.

The cycling event with distance options of 50km and 100km will take place on Saturday, September 28.

Check-in opens at 9am at the Carrigaline Lions Youth Centre and the event begins at 10am.

Other worthy beneficiaries supported by the event since its inception include ARC Cancer Support, Cork University Hospital, Carrigaline Senior Citizens and the Lions Youth Centre Project.

For details email cycle@carrigalinelions.com.

Cornhouse art exhibit in library

Bishopstown Library is hosting an exhibition of work by artist Jack Cornhouse this Saturday.

Born in London, Jack Cornhouse was creative from a young age. He developed a career as a hairdresser but spent his spare time painting and drawing. In 2004 he sold his hairdressing salon and house in London and at the age of 63, he bought a rucksack and travelled around the world.

In 2005 he returned to London and completed a BTech Higher National Diploma in Fine Art at the Chelsea and Westminster College and a year later moved his life to Cork where he now owns a studio producing works in watercolour, oil, pen, charcoal, and pastels.

Mr Cornhouse will be joined by fellow artist Elizabeth Mansfield for the exhibition event on Saturday, September 7, at 3pm in the gallery space at Bishopstown Library.

All are welcome and no booking is required.

MTU orientation week will begin on September 9

Munster Technological University (MTU) Bishopstown is getting ready to welcome new students to the campus next week.

New students will be connected with the MTU staff and student community during orientation week which will be held from September 9 to September 13.

Year one and advanced entry students who have accepted their place on one of MTU’s Cork campuses will receive an email inviting them to set up their MTU account.

Students will then receive an email invitation to register online their new email account where they will receive an email including information about orientation and the documentation needed on the day.

Incoming first year and advanced entry mature students are also invited to attend the mature student orientation on Saturday, September 14, from 10am to 12pm on the Bishopstown campus where they will have the opportunity to meet the mature student team on hand to support students throughout their MTU journey.

Advanced booking is essential and registration on the day will open at 9.45am.

New courses in SMA Wilton

SMA Wilton is set to deliver two new courses in the community starting this September.

The ‘Sharper Brains’ course which runs from September 17 has been developed as part of a postgraduate programme in healthcare innovation at Trinity College Dublin.

The aim of the course is to provide awareness, guidance, and hope to those worried about developing Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in later life.

Over the six-week course, the course provider will give information on the latest healthy ageing research and lead participants through exercises, healthy eating, meditation, and strategies designed to keep their brains sharp, healthy, and resilient to Alzheimer’s disease.

The six-week ‘Culinary Medicine’ course which will run from September 17 will be delivered by Neil Hogan, a trained chef and a certified nutritionist dedicated to improving the health of individuals and communities through nutrition education.

Culinary medicine is an evidence-based field of lifestyle medicine that combines culinary skills and nutrition education, focusing on the health benefits of traditional mediterranean and DASH diets.

Participants will learn how to avoid unhealthy foods and cook nourishing meals at home for themselves and their families, helping them to achieve better health outcomes.

GAA club library is free to use

Bishopstown GAA Club is reminding people of its library of books which is free for all to use.

The club’s library collection consists of sport biographies and analysis, political and crime biographies, thrillers, drama, young adult, soccer star stories for teens, and kids books for all ages.

The collection of books is located in the committee room and people are encouraged to take their pick of books free of charge.

Have Bishopstown news to share? Email breda.graham@theecho.ie.