The North West is at the centre of a new venture allowing technology students grow and develop their knowledge of electric vehicle technology.
The Donegal ATU campus in Letterkenny and North West Regional College have come together to create what they’re calling a unique cross border pathway for learners to advance their studies. The initiative, which is endorsed by Hyundai, is part of the North West Tertiary Education Cluster, which also involves Donegal ETB and Ulster University.
Paul Hannigan is the Head of College at the ATU campus in Letterkenny…………..
Release in full –
Atlantic Technological University (ATU) and North West Regional College (NWRC) have
collaborated to create a unique cross border pathway for learners to advance their studies in
Electric Vehicle (EV) Technology. 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. Find out more
Photo Caption:
Lecturers, Alan Mitchell and Brendan Corry, pictured with Graham Smith, Jason Armstrong,
Michael Porter, Dominic Taitt, Colm McMonagle, Sean Smith, Jordan Mclaughlin and
Nathan Wilson.
