ATU and NWRC collaborate to provide cross border opportunities in dynamic changing industry

The initiative endorsed by Hyundai and launched last month, part of the North West Tertiary Education Cluster, welcomed the first cohort to the campuses last week. 

The North West Tertiary Education Cluster was established in 2018 and brings together the four education partners in the North West City Region namely, Atlantic Technological University, Ulster University, North West Regional College and Donegal ETB. The aim of the cluster is to provide pathways and progression routes for students on a cross border basis and to work with industry to ensure greater economic prosperity and high value jobs for the region. 

Talking about this new collaboration, ATU Donegal, Head of College, Paul Hannigan says; “I am delighted to see this pathway created for our students. There has been significant emphasis on institutional engagement activity over recent years and it’s great to see our learners benefit from the relationships that have been built in this area. The cluster plays a key role in driving the development of the North West region and this education pathway is an example of the great work that is being done”.

Dr. Catherine O’Mullan, Director of Curriculum and Academic Standards at NWRC says; “The college is delighted to work in partnership with ATU on this extremely beneficial cross-border collaboration which provides an opportunity to upskill or reskill in this cutting-edge technology. The programme is one of a number planned by the North West Tertiary Education Cluster as we continue to work to bring about real and positive change by supporting enhanced economic prosperity and social benefits to the region through education, training and skills. I wish the participants well and I hope to see them progress to a full degree at ATU when they complete the programme.” 

This new collaborative programme (Level 6 ROI, Level 4 Northern Ireland equivalent) is fully funded by the Department of the Economy, Northern Ireland and provides a steppingstone for graduates to advance to the degree programme in EV Technology at ATU, a new cross-border education and training pathway developed in partnership by NWRC and ATU. 

This course will allow graduates to work in an industry embarking on the rapid transition to electrified propulsion. This cross-border initiative provides opportunities for learners in the NW region to gain knowledge in this rapidly changing industry and will provide graduates with the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue their careers. 

During the course, which is 15 weeks in duration, students will spend two days a week learning practical skills at NWRC’s Springtown Campus, with one day of online learning delivered by ATU.