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.
Frond row left to right: Dr Terry Twomey, VP for Academic Affairs & Registrar, TUS Liz Lavery, chief executive of Longford and Westmeath Education and Training Board
Strengthening the existing relationship between both parties, this MoU represents a significant step forward in making higher education more easily accessible to all students in the wider Midlands region, in line with TUS’s stated commitment to broadening third-level participation.
Through this 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 underscored the paramount importance of forging robust alliances with regional organisations like LWETB and reaffirmed TUS’s unwavering dedication to ensuring accessibility for students from all backgrounds.
“We hold two fundamental principles in high regard at TUS: our collaborations with regional organisations and our commitment to facilitating access for all learners,” he emphasised.
“The signing of this 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.”
Frances O’Connell, VP for Student Education and Experience at TUS, also welcomed the signing of the partnership agreement.
“As VP for Student Education and Experience, I welcome the optimisation of the varied progression pathways for a diverse range of learner into TUS, which we welcome. The educational landscape in Ireland in 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 joint collaboration to explicitly facilitate the student’s journey from second level and/or further education to higher education, enabled by our TUS – LWETB partnership agreement. 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 highlighted the importance of progression avenues for their learners and how this MOU will create more opportunities for progression into TUS.
“I am delighted to sign this memorandum of understanding which reflects the strong partnership that exists between Longford and Westmeath ETB and TUS,” she said.
“This MOU 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.”