New courses launched at Cavan Institute

Cavan Institute, the largest Further Education institute in the region, has announced the launch of a range of new courses for entry in September 2010. The courses include courses in Renewable Energy, Forensic Science, Professional Cookery and Energy Medical Technician. Commenting on the new courses, Institute director, Ann Marie Lacey said: "We are delighted to launch these new courses, which represent new thinking and innovation in relation to the development of education and training in the region as well as continuing our solid link with local industry and the needs of the local labour market. I have no doubt these new courses will generate a lot of interest from students." Ms. Lacey outlined the importance of looking at market trends in the development of the new courses. "We have developed a suite of courses that meet the needs of both students and employers, particularly in the hospitality area with the All-Ireland Fleadh in Cavan in August and the demand for new energy initiatives, both of which are reflected in the new course provision." She said that the institute is constantly evolving to reflect the changes in the community, industry and education. "These needs are changing all the time and we are keen to develop our range of courses and qualifications to constantly maintain their relevance and value. Courses can also be designed and tailor made to meet the requirements of individual businesses and the institute works with groups and businesses throughout the region to ensure we best meet the demands of the employment market," according to Ms. Lacey. Further education courses at Cavan Institute provide progression to employment or further study through the links developed with Institutes of technology and universities. Each course contains an extensive work experience placement option with the opportunity to complete the placement in other EU countries through the EU lifelong Learning programme. Speaking at the launch of the new courses, the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Brendan Smith, said the considerable growth of the college in recent years is a positive statement about its past pupils and its current management and staff. "In this way, the growth of Cavan Institute is a tribute to yourselves, and is a testament to the confidence of the whole community in the director and all the staff." He added that the new courses would enhance the already excellent reputation of Cavan Institute. He singled out the Professional Cookery course, which he said has the potential to up-skill participants to meet the catering needs for the massive influx of visitors that will descend on Cavan this August for the Fleadh. "This is, I think, a clear example of Cavan Institute responding to the needs of the local community." The Cavan/Monaghan TD also complemented the commitment and enthusiasm of the VEC and its CEO, Colm McEvoy, and paid a particularly warm tribute to the director of Cavan Institute, Anne Marie Lacey, who through her professionalism and leadership, has made the institute the special place it is. "To the management, staff and students, I say thank you for your belief and commitment in this Institute, which is a place of education that all of Cavan is justifiably proud of," concluded Minister Smith. Cavan Institute was established in 1985 to provide education training opportunities in the region. It offers a total of 70 courses at level 5 & 6 with all courses accredited with national and international qualifications. The institute has experienced a dramatic growth in student numbers in the past year with 1,600 students enrolled on full-time courses and 800 students completing courses at night.