Skills and training: Skills progress update
Thursday, March 1st, 2012Unemployment continues to be the impetus for gaining relevant skills through government-funded courses or full-time education. “Skills are important, whether you’re talking about some of the more immediate problems [of] basic employability skills … right through to discussing what are going to be the future skills needs of the economy,” Stephen Farry has told agendaNi (issue 50, page 8). The Employment and Learning Minister launched a revised skills strategy last year and intends to publish strategies on higher education and young people not in employment, education or...[full story]
Skills and training: University of Ulster – Overcoming time and location barriers
Thursday, March 1st, 2012A flexible approach to postgraduate study at the University of Ulster. Online learning is increasingly recognised by governments as an essential element not only in increasing access to education but also as a potential contributor to economic development (UK Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, 2009 Higher Ambitions: The future of universities in the knowledge economy). The University of Ulster’s School of Criminology, Politics and Social Policy has been offering an M.Sc. Social Research Skills with Specialisms, and linked Post-graduate Diploma and ...[full story]
People: Dublin City of science
Thursday, March 1st, 2012Europe’s most prestigious science gathering will be one of the high profile events held throughout Ireland in 2012, agendaNi reports. A year-long programme of science related events and activities, including at least one in Northern Ireland, will celebrate Dublin being the 2012 City of Science. The city will host the Euroscience Open Forum, Europe’s largest science meeting, from 11-15 July as part of Dublin’s 2012 City of Science festival. The annual event brings together scientists and public policy officials to address major global challenges, e.g. in energy, food and...[full story]
Education: A viability audit for schools
Monday, October 10th, 2011Education is to change “from this moment on,” John O’Dowd has stated. agendaNi examines his plans for the system. A viability audit within six months will identify schools experiencing difficulties in enrolments, standards and financial feasibility, following an announcement by the Education Minister. Schools will be judged against the six principles in the sustainable schools policy which have not been implemented rigorously to date: quality education, a stable environment, a sound financial position, strong leadership, strong links to the local community, and stable enrolment...[full story]
Education: Freezing student fees
Monday, October 10th, 2011The decision not to increase tuition fees for local undergraduates will not be replicated for students from England, Scotland or Wales who are considering studying here. Meadhbh Monahan reports. Capping student fees at £3,465 will cost the Executive £85 million over the next three financial years: £15 million in 2012- 2013; £30 million in 2013-2014; and £40 million in 2014-2015. The recurring shortfall will then be £40 million. The Department for Employment and Learning will contribute £41.5 million. This will be matched by the Executive by ‘top-slicing’ the budgets of eight...[full story]
ICT: Amey leading the way technology solutions
Monday, October 10th, 2011Library customers are benefiting from Amey’s innovative technology solutions. Leading public services provider Amey is helping to create ‘Libraries of the Future’ across 99 sites in Belfast, where state-of- the-art technologies will improve the customer experience and generate efficiencies around the clock. As public libraries face unprecedented financial pressures, Amey and Libraries NI are implementing a single computerised library service. New technologies will allow customers to check multiple items in at once, pay charges and return items without assistance from library staff....[full story]
