Frances O’Connell, vice-president Student Education and Experience; Dr Terry Twomey, VP for Academic Affairs and Registrar, TUS; Liz Lavery, chief executive, LWETB; and Antonine Healy, director of Further Education and Training, LWETB.

TUS and LWETB partnership to help FET learners

Published: Thu 19 Oct 2023, 3:56 PM

Last updated: Thu 19 Oct 2023, 5:01 PM

The Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) and Longford and Westmeath Education and Training Board (LWETB) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to enhance progression opportunities for FET learners.

Strengthening the existing relationship between this parties, the MoU represents a significant step forward in making higher education more easily accessible to all students in the midlands region, in line with TUS’s stated commitment to broadening third-level participation.

Through the partnership, TUS and LWETB will bolster the connection between TUS and schools under the patronage of LWETB and identify pathways for adult learners and progression routes.

There is already an established progression route from Longford College of Further Education’s (LCFE) Advanced Certificate in Business to the second year of TUS’s Higher Certificate in Business at its campus in Athlone.

The MoU will also allow for both bodies to explore the possible development of tertiary programmes with Longford and Westmeath FET providers, where students who enter such a programme would be guaranteed a place at TUS after one year.

TUS president Prof Vincent Cunnane said: “We hold two fundamental principles in high regard at TUS: our collaborations with regional organisations and our commitment to facilitating access for all learners.

“The signing of the MoU serves as a concrete affirmation of our dedication, uniting TUS and LWETB in our shared commitment to learners and the region, providing clear pathways for attainment.”

VP for Student Education and Experience at TUS, Frances O’Connell, also welcomed the signing of the agreement. “The educational landscape in Ireland is changing. We need to ensure that there are effective mechanisms for our students to enter and exit education that suit their educational needs and their lives.

“The signing of this MoU demonstrates and formalises our collaboration to facilitate the student journey from second level and/or further education to higher education. By so doing, we open doors to a world of possibilities for our students and the wider region we serve.”

LWETB chief executive Liz Lavery added that the MoU reflects the strong partnership that exists between Longford and Westmeath ETB and TUS. “It provides opportunity for both institutions to explore areas of collaboration that will benefit LWETB second level students and FET learners, enabling them to reach their potential through enhanced progression opportunities, and provide clear pathways for learners in the Midlands region.”