Cork College of Further Education Bishopstown to become 'college of the future'
Coughlan New The Picture: Campus Students Is 1,000 To Jim Acmodate Staff And Designed
The green light has been given to develop the Cork College of Further Education and Training (FET) Bishopstown campus into a new central college for the entire county.
Funding worth tens of millions of euro is to drive the development of the campus into a new central further education college, which will act as a focal point for all services in Cork.
It marks the largest infrastructural investment in further education in Cork's history, paving the way for the creation of a new "college of the future" at the existing Bishopstown campus on Rossa Avenue.
When completed, facilities are expected to include life sciences training, an employer engagement centre, a research and skills development hub, and a digital technology teaching and learning centre.
The new campus is designed to accommodate 1,000 students and staff, according to Cork Education and Training Board (ETB) chief executive Denis Leamy.
“Cork ETB is committed to taking this major step forward by developing the unified campus that will serve as a central hub for all FET services in Cork," Mr Leamy said.
"Both Cork ETB board and executive fully support this project, acknowledging that it offers a transformative opportunity for FET learners in the region for years to come."
One in 10 adults in Ireland now learn through further education or apprenticeships, according to Solas chief executive Andrew Brownlee. As such, the ongoing development of high-quality colleges in key locations like Cork will play a critical role in meeting the increasing demand for upskilling.
Cork College of Further Education and Training currently offers apprenticeships in construction, electrical, engineering, finance, hairdressing, hospitality and ICT.
Announcing the funding, Further and Higher Education Minister Patrick O'Donovan said it was a "fantastic day" for Cork.
“Cork has been a shining example of how best to deliver a quality and responsive tertiary education system that meets the needs of its region, and today’s announcement will allow its FET sector to take another significant step towards delivering a world-class environment for its learners, staff and community.”
Minister of State for Skills and Further Education Niall Collins said the announcement means learners can "look forward to the development of a modern, high-spec premises where everyone will have the opportunity to progress in the best possible facilities.”