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TUS Athlone Opens Multi-Million Euro Apprentice Block

Wednesday, 14 June 2023 14:47

By Kamron Clarke @kamron_clarke

It will cater for up to 1,000 apprenticeships.

A new multi-million euro Apprentice Block has been officially opened at TUS Athlone.

The €4 million facility will cater for up to 1,000 apprentices, doubling the existing campus' capacity.

It was officially opened by Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris.

TUS also launched its new 'Learning in the Hubs' initiative, which will allow students to complete their courses from a remote working hub.

Speaking at the launch, Minister Harris says students shouldn't have to pack their bags and move for college:

As part of this initiative, 11 Connected hubs are already within the catchment area of TUS Midlands Midwest taking part – with plans to expand this network of TUS Learning Gates to all Counties, Towns and Communities that already have Remote working hubs and that are part of the Connected Hubs network.

And as part of today’s announcement, the following programmes will take place exclusively in the 11 Connected Hubs and newly designated Learning Gates commencing September 23:

  • Certificate in Business in Entrepreneurship (Level 6) - the objective being to support potential entrepreneurs, start-ups and others locally with an interest in the world of entrepreneurship;
  • Bachelor of Business (Hons) (Level 8) degree programme with plans to to widen participation in third-level education through general business.

Speaking at the launch today in Athlone, Minister Heather Humphreys says:

"Learning in the Hubs’ is the latest in a range of exciting new initiatives that we are rolling out as part of our bold ambition to make remote working a reality.

This is about bringing remote working and learning into the education sphere and into the heart of our rural communities.
It’s about working with our education institutions so that everyone can benefit – the students, the colleges and our rural towns and villages.
I’m really pleased to announce this exciting new initiative today, with a particular focus on hubs in the Midlands and courses being taught by the Technological University of the Shannon.
I believe that by giving our students that choice to do a course in their local hub, we will breathe new life into towns and villages and change the way education is delivered for the better.”

 

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris TD said:

"I am delighted to see the setting up of the “Learning in Hub” initiative which brings third-level education to communities across the country.
The 11 Learning Gates established by Connected Hubs and TUS mean part- time adult distance learners can study together in their locality without having to travel to a college campus.
More and more, people are accessing education at different stages of their lives. It is essential that we provide flexibility and agility to learners.
This means allowing people the option of studying remotely. This initiative is really important as it ensures a person can study remotely but can do it out of the family home and with their peers.
The delivery of two new courses by TUS that will be delivered exclusively online through the network in Business and in Business in Entrepreneurship is really welcome too."

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