Latest news with #LOETB
Agriland
27-05-2025
- Business
- Agriland
Programme for TY students provides pathway into agriculture
Agri Aware, in partnership with the Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board (LOETB) has officially launched its Intro to AG programme for transition year students. The launch of the programme took place at LOETB's Midlands Skills Centre in Tullamore, Co. Offaly, alongside LOETB schools that took part in the pilot programme during the academic year. Local TDs and councillors were in attendance to celebrate the achievements of the programme. Students showcased the projects they created as part of their learning, with a wide array of projects on display covering topics from challenges facing the agri-food sector to farm safety. The winners of the Intro to Ag programme were Jack Hyland, Conor O'Shea, Lennon Conroy and Jack Kelly from Clonaslee College, with their project titled 'Issues in Agriculture'. TY students The aim of the Intro to Ag programme is to encourage more students to study agricultural science for the Leaving Certificate and to pursue a career in the industry. It is also an effort to future proof the sector that has a growing demand for agricultural science graduates to take on a variety of roles across the industry. The programme gives students a flavour of what to expect when studying the subject for the leaving certificate and offers an insight into career opportunities in the sector. It also provides a pathway to guide the next generation of students towards careers in agriculture and food production. It supports them at an important stage in their education, when they are making decisions on subject choices and exploring potential career paths. The executive director of Agri Aware, Marcus O'Halloran said: 'The pilot of the Intro to Ag programme has been a huge success and it was capped off with a brilliant day with everyone who has been a critical cog in the development of the programme. 'Congratulations to the winners of the programme Clonaslee College and to all the schools who took part in the programme's pilot.' 'We look forward to seeing you back in the programme next year. Agri Aware is delighted to launch the Intro to Ag programme in partnership with the LOETB and look forward to welcoming students to the programme in September 2025,' O'Halloran added.
Irish Independent
07-05-2025
- Science
- Irish Independent
New tertiary degrees available in Laois for upcoming academic year
Tertiary degrees are not based on a points system, and provide enhanced access for people of all ages to earn a Bachelor's Degree, with no tuition fees for the first one to two years. There will be a Bachelor of Science (Honours), Bachelor of Business (Honours), and Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Software Development all available at the Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board (LOETB) (Portlaoise Institute). All three degrees will provide a seamless transition into year two at the South East Technological University's (SETU) Carlow campus. Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless announced the third round of degree programmes. 'These initiatives are giving more students than ever the chance to pursue their ambitions without being tied down by the CAO points race,' he said. 'I understand that many young people feel anxious about their educational future, worrying each year if their Leaving Certificate results will be enough to get into the course they want. 'These programmes ensure that your exam results won't limit your options. If you're willing to study and work hard, there's a path for you in tertiary education,' the minister added. Tertiary Bachelors' Degrees were first open to applicants for the 2023/2024 academic year. There were 13 programmes in the first year. That has almost trebled for 2025/2026 with 38 programmes nationwide, across business, ICT, arts, engineering, social sciences, early learning and care, agricultural science, sport, manufacturing and construction, and health and welfare. Deputy director of the National Tertiary Office, Tanya Jones said: 'There are no compromises; students earn the same Bachelor's Degree, it's just a different route. 'Options and demand are increasing year on year, demonstrating the need for and importance of a more accessible route like the one presented by tertiary Bachelors' Degrees.'
