Goal 4: Provide for Enhanced Educational Attainment and Skills Development
Responding to Economic Action Area 5: Action Plan for Jobs and Labour Market Activation, and Economic Action Area 6: Specific action to promote increased economic activity in line with regional priorities, this goal builds upon the strength of the county in the context of the existing third-level institutions, and further encourages the prospect of a fourth-level facility.
Indicative Actions
- Encourage increased research and development activity on the interface of 3rd and 4th Level Facilities Infrastructure and enterprise;
- Develop a close working relationship between the needs of employers, and the training and educational providers through innovative Enterprise Liaison Strategies, particularly encouraging meaningful dialogue between the ETB and sectoral business networks; and
- Encourage and accelerate the levels of Marketing Skills using targeted sectoral networking (Skillnets model) to complement the existing marketing interventions and supports provided by LEO Kilkenny.
Background Profile
Co. Kilkenny has significant access to higher and further education infrastructure. This represents a considerable asset to the county, and this may be further reinforced in the future with the establishment of the South East Technological University based on the integration of Waterford Institute of Technology and Carlow Institute of Technology.
Institute of Technology, Carlow
The Institute of Technology, Carlow provides a Research and Commercialisation Support Centre. This provides a supportive environment to enterprise and entrepreneurs in the south-east region, connecting them with cutting-edge research and expertise.
Waterford Institute of Technology
Waterford Institute of Technology ArcLabs is a one-stop-shop for small businesses in the south-east and beyond, which wish to access the resources that the Institute offers to industry. ArcLabs Innovation Centre provides entrepreneurs and early stage businesses with the supports and assistance needed to develop their enterprise.
NUI Maynooth: Kilkenny Campus
The Kilkenny Campus of NUI Maynooth offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses for adult students from Kilkenny and the south-east.
Kildalton Agricultural College
Teagasc Kildalton is the largest agricultural college in the country. It is a leading provider of training in Equine Studies, Machinery, Agriculture and Horticulture. Close links have been developed with the Waterford Institute of Technology. Over 500 students are currently registered on courses at Kildalton College.