Growing demand for skills in the ICT sector led to the Institute of Technology Blanchardstown’s (ITB) establishment of the Learn+Work Programme in Networking Technologies. This full-time course combines academic study with blocks of paid industry work, while students are paid a bursary of €180 per week while on placement. This work experience gives learners the opportunity to apply their learning, be coached by industry experts and develop the skills to gain employment upon graduation. Following completion, students are awarded a Higher Certificate in Science in Computing and Networking Technologies. 
 
The course was designed in partnership with Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet to provide students with in-company placement, which accounts for 50pc of the course. Students like Emmet Quinn, 24 from Raheny, going onto his third year of the BSc (Honours) in Computing in Digital Forensics and Cyber Security, can make valuable connections with companies such as Fleet Connect, where Emmet has now secured permanent employment.

“The lack of fees allowed me much more time to focus on my studies and put me at a great advantage in terms of having the time to work on assignments and certifications,” said Emmet. “The certifications themselves are also beneficial to my professional development, and future job applications.”