The IT Carlow Careers Fair took place on the college campus on Wednesday, 4th November 2009. The annual careers event was attended by 40 companies and organisations eager to talk to students about internships, employment and career Opportunities.

The event gave students the opportunity to learn about the recruitment plans of employers, as well as the chance to discuss their own continuing education and career ambitions.
Merck Sharp & Dohme was among the local companies participating in the Careers Fair.  Louise Roberts, HR Manager, paid tribute to the organisers and participants of the fair, saying,  “MSD was delighted to participate in the IT Carlow Careers Fair.  Events such as this are a wonderful opportunity for companies like ours to meet with students directly and to discuss with them MSD’s recruitment plans.  The enthusiasm and knowledge of the students in attendance was impressive.  Great credit is due to all at IT Carlow for organising such a worthwhile event.”

Also amongst the exhibitors was Enterprise Rent-A-Car, one of the largest rental car companies in the world. Leslee Mattews, HR Manager, spoke to business studies students and stated, “We enjoyed great success at the recent careers fair at IT Carlow and met some great students who were very interested and optimistic about our current and future opportunities within the organisation.  I am confident I will be speaking to some of the students again once they have graduated.”

Students were also full of praise for the event, and made the most of the opportunity to learn more about the employment options on offer by some of the nation’s top companies. Honours Degree Communications & PR student Aisling Whyte commented, “With the current economic climate, I was suprised by the number of companies at the Fair recruiting. It was comforting to know that there are job opportunities out there for graduates.“

To cater for the increasing number of students who progress directly to postgraduate study, several third level institutions and professional bodies attended the Careers Fair.  IT Carlow in particular, is now offering a new taught two year MBA programme in Business Administration. The event gave students the opportunity to develop contacts with programme providers, who gave information on application procedures, course outlines and career options so as to facilitate a more informed decision on course choice.

The Careers Fair is just one of the many services offered to students by the Careers Service.  It is an important part of the college year and continues to evolve and adapt to suit the  changing needsof students.  Careers Officer, Maria Mc Roberts, commented, “The Careers Fair is a great opportunity to meet employers face to face for careers advice and to learn about their plans for graduate recruitment.  Although students face a challenging employment market, it is important that they do not give up hope and realise that there are still opportunities for graduates.  It is highly competitive, but some major companies are still looking for well qualified, motivated students.”

In response to the present environment, the college continues to find ways to support students and to provide opportunities, such as the Careers Fair, to equip them with the skills and knowledge to face the challenges of the future.

IT Carlow, 20th November 2009 – IT Carlow has established itself as an exceptional provider of Higher Education Programmes in Ireland.  The Institute has an array of unique courses such as Aircraft Systems, Games Development, Law, Sports Rehabilitation, Communications & PR, Sports Science, Social Care and Sport & Exercise where students can specialise in areas of GAA, Soccer or Rugby.  More and more students each year choose IT Carlow to further their education and this year is no exception as over 1,500 students attended the annual Open Day on Friday 20th November 2009.

Students at the open day attended departmental tours, course talks and visited the Institutes state-of-the-art facilities including the Learning Resource Centre; TV & Radio studio; Avionics Hanger; Science Labs; Flood-lit Gaelic & Rugby pitches; Gym and Sports Hall to name a few.   There was also lively demonstrations from current students who are members of the Institutes many clubs & societies including; martial arts; hip-hop and djing.

Mary Bates, Schools Liaison Officer, commented 'There was a wonderful vibrant atmosphere around the Institute created by large groups of visiting second level students.  It was great to see students actively engaging with staff and eager for information about the wide range of courses that are available here at IT Carlow.   The entertainment provided by the Clubs & Societies brought lots of squeals and cheers from the visiting students and some of them even joined in the fun.  I am delighted to say it was a very successful day and I hope was enjoyed by all who visited the institute.'

President Dr Ruaidhri Neavyn commented, 'Students attending the open day will be making a very important decision over the next few months. We want to help them make that decision and at the same time show them the opportunities that the Institute has to offer. The open day is tailored to meet the needs of potential students and provides an insight into the transition from second to third level education.  In making the decision to attend IT Carlow, students are joining a progressive college which is committed to providing a fully-rounded student experience with excellent career opportunities.'

Demand for IT Carlow places has increased by almost 10% with our highest number of 1st preference CAO applicants at almost 3,800 and almost 17,000 total applications through the CAO.  We expect these numbers to increase next year as competition for CAO places rise.  For more information on courses at IT Carlow log onto www.itcarlow.ie or t: 059 9175000.

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“What the Market really wants”

Jennifer Adamson from Kildare who won this year’s Marketing Network Marketing Student of the Year Award has a bright future ahead.  The Marketing Network Marketing student of the year panel judged Jennifer to be Ireland’s most promising marketing student, who demonstrated best strategic and creative ability in her winning entry “What Men Really Want” which concentrated on a theoretical but detailed marketing campaign for a premium toiletry retailer.

As well as receiving a prize of €1,000 in flight vouchers, Jennifer has been offered a three month paid internship within a multi service agency to further advance her marketing skills.  “Winning the Marketing Student of Year has already opened many doors for me.  The competition gave me an opportunity to put the skills acquired throughout my degree into practice. I have just started a Masters in Creative Advertising.  On completion of my Masters I will be taking up the three month internship and gain valuable work experience which will definitely benefit me when apply for future employment,” said Jennifer.

Marketing Network MD Kieran Killeen commented, “We’re delighted to honour up and coming industry experts such as Jennifer with this year’s award.  The general level of competency displayed in this year’s entries made judging very difficult for the panel but also exemplified the brilliance and enthusiasm that is available in  the future generation of young industry experts.”

The competition offers students a great opportunity to showcase their course work to leading marketing experts. The Bachelor of Business in Marketing at IT Carlow is a very practical course and students get the opportunity to work with companies on live projects. It is imperative for a business to stay fresh and to know their customers in today’s tough climate.  Dorothy Keane, IT Carlow Programme Director of the BBS (Hons) in Marketing was delighted with Jennifer’s success on winning such a prestigious award and on behalf of all the staff at IT Carlow wishes Jennifer every success in the future.

If other companies would like to enquire about working with Marketing students of IT Carlow they can contact Dorothy Keane, Programme Director Bachelor of Business (Hons) in Marketing  IT Carlow on t: 059 9175371 or email:  dorothy.keane@itcarlow.ie

IT Carlow is the first Educational Body to be Awarded CPD Employer Standard.  IT Carlow has become the first higher educational body to be awarded the prestigious CPD Accredited Employer standard from Engineers Ireland.

READ MORE »

A STUDENT left paralysed in a mountain bike accident has invented a hi-tech braking system for wheelchairs.  Noel Joyce (29) claims his invention could change the lives of thousands of people with disabilities in Ireland and elsewhere.  Mr Joyce's design, called Ergo-Stop, uses hydraulics which require less time and effort to employ the brakes compared to the cumbersome manual systems of most wheelchairs.

He said: 'I use the brakes about 50 times a day to do various tasks other people take for granted such as having a meal or getting in and out of my car. This system will give back confidence and independence to wheelchair users.'

Mr Joyce, an artillery gunner in the Army, was training on his mountain bike in 2005 when it crashed into a tree on a steep slope and he was thrown onto rocks. His injuries left him paralysed from the chest down and he later spent more than four months in the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Dun Laoghaire.

However, the Defence Forces helped pay his fees at Carlow Institute of Technology, where he is now a third-year design student.  In a bid to improve his mobility, he used sketches and computer-aided designs to build a prototype of his braking system.  He has been using the prototype on his own wheelchair for the past three months, but he hopes to convince a manufacturer to go into production with the design.

'It has made a huge difference to my daily lifestyle and I would like other people with disabilities to get the same benefits,' he added.  The braking system has been entered into the James Dyson Award competition which promotes creative engineering.

The system can also be retro-fitted to existing manual wheelchairs.  'It is important that disabled people get back their independence in order to lead a fuller life. This invention will make independent living easier and give the user more confidence,' he said.  Mr Joyce claims the system will have a longer lifetime and be easier to maintain than manual versions.

For more information clickhere>>

IT Carlow 13, IT Tallaght 0: A try by No. 8 Wesley Wojnar 18 minutes into the second half clinched the Irish Colleges Division 2 rugby title for the Institute of Technology, Carlow for the first time on their own patch on Wednesday.

The Carlow pack dominated the match with Wojnar, Tommy Ratahi, Joe Bulmer and Darragh Kelly easily containing the Dublin challenge.  The winners (who won the competition in the mid'80s) dominated territorial possession to the extent that Tallaght only gained a foothold in the host half midway through the opening period, and even when facing the wind Carlow were more than comfortable in the zone battle.

After Matt Dempsey missed penalties in the eighth and 14th minutes the No. 15 put Carlow ahead with a 20 metres penalty for a deliberate knock-on in the 25thminute – the only score of the half.  He made it 6-0 six minutes into the second period when punishing a joining from the side from 30 metres and even then the trophy was in Carlow safekeeping; they having lost to DIT in the '08 finale.

The winning try was set by a burst by halves Erin White and Martin O'Neill on the left, with Dempsey converting.

The opening 30 minutes were dour and featureless but the winners sprang to life towards the interval with some fine progress by both halves, Ian McCarthy, Paddy Barcoe and Bulmer.

Carlow may have extended their lead when a smart break through the middle by McCarthy brought in O'Neill on his right but the out-half was adjudged to have knock-on before touching down in the 75th minute.

Tallaght made some excellent progress in the second half mainly through their man-of-the-match Mark O'Neill who put in several dazzling runs, but apart from some enthusiastic play by Brian Moran Ross Scally and Alex Dunlop they just did not have the unity or composure of the winners who dominated the scrums and loose play.

IT Carlow: (Co. Carlow unless stated) Matt Dempsey, Stuart O'Malley, (IT), Ian McCarthy (do), Paddy Barcoe, Derek Hayden, Martin O'Neill, (Waterpark), Eric White (Clonakilty), Niall Harney ( Buccs), Dan O'Byrne (Terenure), Darragh Kelly (Old Bel), Joe Bulmer, Ciaran O'Rourke (AC Pirates), Paul McEniffe (Tullamore), Tommy Ratahi, Wesley Wojnar (Greystones). Reps: Conor Finan ( Naas) for McEniffe 70; Austin Cella (Newbridge) for Kelly 78.

IT Tallaght: (St. Mary's unless stated) Craig Morrin, Kieran Traynor, Mark Sexton, Graham Coffey (Terenure), Darragh Fanning, Mark O'Neil ( T'nure), Conor Moffitt ( do), Brian Moran, Barry O'Reilly (T), Stuart Dunlop (T), Simon King ( Clondalkin), Kevin Gallivan, Ross Scally (CYM), Alex Dunlop (T). Reps: Ross Croker for Coffey inj 48; Dave Doyle for Scally inj 60; Bosco Kangurendo (Guinness) for Coffey inj 65; Ben Connery for Moran 78.

Referee: Clive Wardrop (Portarlington).

- Paul DONAGHY - Carlow People

Hot on the heels of their success in winning the Irish CIOB Student Challenge, Institute of Technology, Carlow students from the Department of the Built Environment have won 2nd place in the Grand Final of the CIOB Student Challenge at the CIOB international headquarters in Ascot in the UK on 12th March.  Fourth year Quantity Surveying students Mary O'Connell from Cork and Michael O'Leary from Cork along with third year Buildings and Services Management students, Damien D'Arcy from Tinahely and Mark Fennelly from Athy, Co. Kildare provided a magnificent performance in providing a winning solution to the challenging problem set by Student Challenge sponsors McCarthy & Stone Developments Ltd.  First place was won by a team from University College London.

Course Director, Martin O’Neill stated “Excelling at this level in the grand final of the 2009 CIOB Student Challenge is a magnificent achievement for this team of students, who have proved that they are able to remain calm and work as a team, under pressure, to present a winning solution to an involved and intricate construction problem.  The judges were very impressed with the demonstration of teamwork and the professional matter in which their findings were presented.  I'm sure that the members of this team will find that this achievement will provide a very useful addition to their CVs when seeking positions in the industry later in the year, whether here in Ireland or abroad.  All of the staff and students on our BSc (Hons) Construction courses in Institute of Technology Carlow are extremely proud of the teams achievement.”

Mary O’Connell, IT Carlow winning team member commented “After winning the CIOB Student Challenge here in Ireland we really felt the need to prove ourselves in England and do our best both for ourselves and the Institute. That fact that a small college like Carlow can go on and represent the country at such a high level is a testament to the lecturers and the institution as a whole. Particularly when one considers the level of competition that we had to face from some very long standing and established universities. We are very proud of our achievement and feel that it wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the people around us. We hope that the students coming after us will continue on this winning streak and strife to better our achievements in the years to come.”

The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) is the professional body representing managers and surveyors in construction and the Student Challenge is an annual event run to challenge undergraduate teams from universities and colleges.  The teams are required to apply their construction management skills and knowledge to a topical industry problem and provide suitable recommendations. This year's Challenge required teams to act as a development management team within a residential development firm to assess the viability of a retirement development on a number of sites.

After being provided with a project brief, the teams were given 2.5 hours to produce a report outlining their solution and a further hour to submit a PowerPoint presentation.  Later in the afternoon they were given 8 minutes to present their solution before a panel of judges.  Our team of students produced an award winning report and presented their solution in a very professional manner.

Staff and students of the Institute including the student's lecturers Anthony Dempsey, Fiona Dawson and Martin O'Neill are very proud of the team's achievement.

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Monday, March 16, 2009 - Havok launched the contest as part of the company’s ongoing commitment to showing the fun and interesting applications of Math, Physics and Computer Sciences. Offering a total prize fund of $40,000, Havok invited students, hobbyists and ambitious from the global game developer community to create an innovative playable PC game demo using the Intel sponsored no-charge PC version of Havok’s award winning software ‘Havok Physics’.

In a bid to encourage budding Irish game developers to enter, one of the prizes in the contest was only open to entries from Irish third level students. Team Awesome from IT Carlow are the winners of this prize. Three other game demos entered from the global game community will receive thousands of dollars in cash prizes. Havok and Intel will showcase the winning game demos alongside top Irish entry ‘RagCat’ at the upcoming Game Developer Conference (GDC) in San Francisco.

The five members of Team Awesome are:
•Simon Coulter, age 22, from Drogheda, Co. Louth
•Liam Rudel, age 21, from Drumshambo, Co. Leitrim
•Conor Masterson, age 21, from Tynagh, Co.Galway
•Jerome Byrne, age 21, from Naas, Co. Kildare
•Gavin Campbell, age 21, from Celbridge, Co. Kildare

Their winning entry ‘RagCat’ follows a cat left paralyzed after a car accident who uses telekinesis to get around his interactive world. Players can use RagCat’s telekinetic powers to manipulate any moveable object in the game in order to solve puzzles and allow the character to reach various destinations to score points.

A technical demo of Team Awesome entry ‘RagCat’ can be viewed at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?gl=IE&hl=en-GB&v=3VXAOLFI6lI 

Damien Marshall, IT Carlow Games Development Lecturer, is delighted that IT Carlow Games students have achieved such high recognition:  “Congratulations to Team Awesome on winning a top prize in the Havok Physics Innovation Contest for their ‘RagCat’ entry. Their achievement is all the more admirable, given that the entries were developed as part of a novel Problem Based Learning Module which required each team to manage, research and develop their entry for the Havok Physics Innovation Contest. All the students worked very hard and IT Carlow are proud of their success.”

Havok began offering the no-charge PC version of its award-winning physics and animation software products Havok Physics and Havok Animation to independent game developers in May 2008 through a special sponsorship arrangement with Intel.

Havok’s physics software is featured in over 200 triple A games available on store shelves today. With well over 90 games currently in development for release this year, use of Havok’s ubiquitous software is up 100% for the same period last year. Best-selling titles featuring Havok physics include Halo 3, Assassin’s Creed, Guitar Hero III, BioShock, World in Conflict, Half Life 2: The Orange Box and Heavenly Sword.

At the 2008 BAFTA Video Game Awards in London on Tuesday, March 10, games created using Havok’s award winning technology were chosen as the winners in six categories. 10 Havok powered titles received nominations in 12 of the 14 categories.

Recently, Havok was awarded a prestigious Game Developer Front Line Award for their industry leading middleware product Havok Physics. US based magazine Game Developer is the leading publication for the worldwide gaming industry and their annual Front Line Awards acknowledge technology companies and products which drive innovation and efficiency in creating state-of-the-art gameplay. Winning a Front Line Award is a significant accolade, as winners are chosen by their peers in the global game developer community.

Under the management of Havok’s Managing Director, David O’Meara, the company also won an Emmy award from the US National Academy of Television, Arts & Sciences at a glittering ceremony in Las Vegas last year. The company was honoured with the award for their work on pioneering physics engines which makes games more realistic than ever before.

The company uses a combination of next generation physics, animation and tools to reach new standards of realism and interactivity in gaming technology and essentially turn their customers’ creative aspirations into technical realities.

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IT Carlow, 22nd April 2009 – Two students from the Institute of Technology Carlow (ITC) were recently awarded 1st place in the 2009 Eurachem Analytical Measurement Competition (EAMC).  The team from the Department of Science and Health at ITC consisted of Liam Frayne (Analytical Science student) and Rong Shi (Biosciences student).  They successfully competed against 16 other teams of junior analysts from other Institute of Technologies and Universities across the country to take the top prize.

Eurachem is a European professional organisation which promotes excellence in analytical skills, starting at college level and encompassing industry.  The Eurachem Analytical Measurement Competition is an annual event on the higher education science calendar. The 2009 entrants competed in a four-hour laboratory-based analytical experiment on a pharmaceutical product.  Chemistry lecturers in ITC’s Department of Science & Health, Dr Brigid O’Regan and Mr Ray Benson, have been involved with the national competition for the past 10 years.   “EAMC gives students an opportunity to compete on a national level and to achieve excellence at an early stage in their career.  Competing in the competition is a valuable addition to the student CV and winning the top award is a big boost for everyone.” commented Dr O’Regan.

Liam Frayne, from Kilkenny said “It was a very worthwhile experience to have our methods put to the test and be announced overall winners. Working for the competition ensured that any incorrect habits I may have picked up in the laboratory were eliminated. This in itself will benefit me into the future.  I am delighted to be part of the winning team that brought the award back to IT Carlow.”

Rong Shi, currently studying for a BSc (Hons) in Biosciences with Biopharmaceuticals was also delighted with his achievement. “I am so glad all the effort has paid off.  Winning the overall prize made all the hard work well worth it.  The support we received from our chemistry lecturers Ray Benson and Brigid O'Regan was great.” commented Rong.

Dr David Ryan, Head of Department of Science & Health said “This award reflects the high standard of the educational programmes, lecturers and students at ITC and highlights the relevance of our programmes for graduate employment in the Analytical, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences” 
The staff and students at ITC congratulate both Liam and Rong on their achievement and wish them continued success in their careers.

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IT Carlow, 3rd April 2009 – Jason Finn, an IT Carlow Carpentry & Joinery (C&J) Apprentice put Ireland firmly on the map in 2008 by winning a silver medal in the Euroskills competition.  Jason, 20, from Cassagh, Co Wexford, has once again showcased his talent by successfully qualifying for the joinery section of the 2009 National Skills Finals to be held in Cork from the 31st March – 2nd April.

Jason has recently successfully completed phase 6 studies in IT Carlow and is currently back training for this year’s prestigious event.  He is hoping to go one step further this year in the finals after coming second last year by a very narrow margin.  Apart from the accolade of winning the final an opportunity of representing Ireland and IT Carlow in the World Skills Finals in Canada next summer is up for grabs, and after his European success this is well within his grasp.  Pascal Harte, IT Carlow C&J Lecturer is delighted with Jason’s achievements to-date, “Jason is very focused for the finals and has been training for the past 10 weeks which includes special intensive training prior to the finals.   The competition will be tough with the best apprentices from around the country competing for the title, but I expect Jason to do very well.  After his European success, winning Ireland’s first medal in 15 years, Jason will be one of the favourites for the title.  I wish him every success in the final” said Pascal.

Jason is looking forward to taking part in the 2009 National Skills Final “My hard work and training has paid off.   The support and training I received from IT Carlow C&J staff, including Pascal Harte, and my employer Gary McCarthy Carpentry in New Ross, was exceptional.  Their encouragement gives me the confidence to go out and represent the Institute in style” comments Jason.

Mike Glynn, IT Carlow’s Head of the Department of Built Environment states, “The Institute of Technology Carlow staff and students are very proud of Jason and his outstanding achievements to-date.  Jason demonstrates exceptional skills and is an extremely talented student. We wish Jason the best of luck in the final.”

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• First ever degree  course of its kind in Ireland

Issued Tuesday 3rd March 2009 - The Institute of Technology, Carlow today announced the introduction of a new Bachelor of Arts in Sport and Exercise in GAA.  The three year Level 7 degree programme is to be delivered by IT Carlow in partnership with the GAA .  It will commence in September 2009.  Those present at the launch included Mr. Nickey Brennan, President of the GAA Mr Martin Skelly, Vice-Chairman of Leinster Council GAA and Mr Brian Cody, Manager Kilkenny Senior Hurling team.

The programme providers are the School of Business and Humanities and the School of Science in IT Carlow along with the Leinster Branch of the GAA – otherwise known as ‘Comhairle Laighean’ – the ‘Leinster Council’.  The aim of the programme is to provide an academic qualification that combines Coaching, Fitness and Player Development and Club Administration with a broad based academic business or communications curriculum relevant to the development of the sport.  The programme will provide competencies and skills in such diverse areas as Player Development , Coaching and Fitness in all areas of GAA including hurling; football; camogie and ladies football.  A key element of this course will be a work placement module within the GAA environment.

Speaking at the launch, Dr. Ruaidhri Neavyn, President of the Institute of Technology, Carlow said: ‘IT Carlow is delighted to have been able to develop this programme in association with Comhairle Laighean and the GAA. This programme , we believe, represents new thinking and innovation in relation to the development of the sport as well as having the added advantage of creating a solid link with education’
Mr. Nickey Brennan, President of the GAA expressed his delight at the introduction of this course. ‘Although all codes of the GAA are recreational sports organised by volunteers, there are many opportunities for individuals to develop a career in administration and coaching roles at club, county, provincial and national level.  The GAA is committed to investment in its games and view this partnership as a key opportunity for students to participate in a unique programme that is GAA focused.  The GAA consider IT Carlow’s location as ideal as it is in the centre of a wide range of  school leavers and offers the student  the opportunity to develop as a player/coach/ administrator and remain involved with their club/county.  Graduates will also have the advantage of developing business and communications skills, which are intrinsically linked and relevant to the development of the sport’, concluded Mr. Brennan.

Mr. Seamus Howlin, Chairman Leinster Council GAA, although unable to be present commented that:
‘the Leinster Council are very pleased with the partnership developed with IT Carlow and the launch of this new programme and creates another milestone for the association in this  its 125th Anniversary year’

Potential career paths for students include; Sports Management and Development; Club Development; Coaching/Fitness; Public Relations; Business.  Subjects that will be studied include Player Development; Games Development; Exercise and Fitness; Sports Nutrition and Sports Psychology and a mandatory stream of either Communications/PR subjects or Business subjects. 

Entry to the degree course is through CAO Programme Code CW807. Applicants will be assessed on the basis of a combination of portfolio score and Leaving Certificate points. This portfolio will involve the submission of a detailed applicant profile which will provide information on the student’s playing, administrative and coaching background and standard. Applicants may be required to attend an interview as part of their assessment of their portfolio. clickhere>>


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For further information please contact
Martin Meagher,  Head of Business and Communications Department in IT Carlow: 059-9170410: E-mail: martin.meagher@itcarlow.ie


Dr Noel Richardson, School of Science in IT Carlow: 059-9170533 E-Mail: noel.richardson@itcarlow.ie

IT Carlow, 12 th March 2009 – IT Carlow, in collaboration with the Department of Finance, Department of Education & Science, Department of Social and Family Affairs and the HEA, have
successfully launched a new Labour Market Activation Initiative. The initiative was created to upskill those who have been on long term social welfare or have been recently made redundant so they can refocus their careers and hopefully reenter the jobs market better qualified with enhanced opportunities.

Approximately 100 students commenced college at the Institute of Technology Carlow, on both the Carlow and Wexford Campuses, during the month of March as part of this initiative.
Maebh Maher, IT Carlow’s Head of School of Business & Humanities commented, “IT Carlow is delighted to participate in this timely initiative. Given the present changing and challenging economic environment it goes without saying that measures which increase an individual’s employability are the
key to future economic growth. The up take for the programmes, with close to 100 students commencing courses, clearly indicates the need for such initiatives.”

Elaine Hayden from Carlow who recently commenced the Preparatory Certificate for Higher Education is delighted with the opportunity to return to education. “I jumped at the chance to return to education. Initially I was hesitant about the prospect of whether or not I would be able to adapt to college life, but this 15 week course is giving me the confidence to return to college. So far I am really enjoying the learning experience and I have applied to the Institute, through the CAO, to commence a fulltime Higher Certificate in September,” said Elaine.

Kenneth Kavanagh from Castlecomer, Co Kilkenny has also returned to education through the new initiative. Kenneth was recently made redundant and felt that returning to 3 rd level education would boost his future career opportunities. “The initiative at IT Carlow is a fantastic one. I now have the
opportunity to learn new skills and change my career. Now that I have started this certificate I can see a positive future ahead of me. I have applied to commence an Engineering Certificate in September,” commented Kenneth.

Courses available through the initiative include Higher Certificates in Electromechanical Engineering; Computing and Business Studies and a Preparatory Certificate for Higher Education. The course content is based upon developing real skills, which can be applied in practical work environments.
These courses cover a broad range of subjects that prepare students for entry to higher education on a fulltime or parttime basis. The free fees scheme applies to all of the courses.

For more information on the Labour Market Activation Initiative at the Institute of Technology Carlow log onto www.itcarlow.ie or t: 059 9170401; e: admissions@itcarlow.ie 

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IT Carlow, 5th March 2009 – A team from IT Carlow have won the 2009 Irish Student Challenge organised by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), the international professional body for managers and surveyors in construction.  Fourth year Quantity Surveying students Mary O'Connell from Kilkenny and Michael O'Leary from Cork along with third year Buildings and Services Management students Damien D’Arcy from Tinahely, Co Wicklow and Mark Fennelly from Athy, Co Kildare came out on top of the competition and will now go on to represent Ireland in the grand final of the Student Challenge at CIOB headquarters in Ascot in the UK.

The CIOB's Student Challenge required the team to apply construction management skills and knowledge to a topical construction problem.  This year's Challenge required the team to act as a project management team to manage the design and construction of a community centre and sports facility on a difficult site within both a tight schedule and a challenging budget.  Michael O’Leary, one of the finalists commented 'It was a great honour to be selected as part of the team which represented the college in the CIOB student challenge. We were under pressure to do well as we were representing the college, the lecturers, and our fellow students. The course we study here at IT Carlow gave us the advantage on the day as the topic was Quantity Surveying based and this was of great help. We are looking forward to going to England and taking on the best they have to offer.'

Course Director, Martin O’Neill stated “Winning the 2009 CIOB Student Challenge is a magnificent achievement for this team of students, who have proved that they are able to remain calm and work as a team, under pressure, to present a winning solution to an involved and intricate construction problem.  I'm sure that this achievement will provide the foundation for these Quantity Surveying students to progress to great things in their careers.  This success is a reflection of the quality of our BSc (Hons) Construction courses in Institute of Technology Carlow”.

Staff and students of the Institute including the student’s lecturers Anthony Dempsey, Fiona Dawson and Martin O'Neill are very proud of the team's achievement and wish them the best of luck in the grand final.  For more information on construction courses at the Institute log onto www.itcarlow.ie.

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IT Carlow, 30th January 2009 – Ms Mary Wallace T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Health with special responsibility for Health Promotion and Food Safety, launched a National Men’s Health Policy on Wednesday 28th January, 2009.  This Policy has been developed by the Department of Health and Children, in conjunction with the Health Service Executive and a wide group of stakeholders.  The aim of the policy is to promote optimum health and well-being for all men in Ireland while integrating a health promotion and preventative approach in the delivery of services.   Dr Noel Richardson, Centre for Men’s Health Research and Training, Institute of Technology Carlow, is co-author of the Men’s Health Policy.

In recent years, there has been a growing awareness, and indeed concern, about the burden of ill health experienced by men in Ireland.  Male life expectancy is almost five years lower than female life expectancy, and men in Ireland have higher death rates for most of the leading causes of death across the lifespan.  The burden of ill health and mortality is borne, in particular, by men from the lower socioeconomic groups.  These men are up to 6 times more likely to die from the leading causes of death than men from the highest socioeconomic group.

The policy was developed following an extensive period of research and a nationwide consultation process. The main focus of the policy is to highlight the need for a specific focus on “men” as service users with particular needs.  ‘In the present economic climate it is not be possible to provide additional resources to assist in the implementation of the recommendations and actions contained in the National Men's Health Policy.  However, the body of evidence and policy direction provided in the Policy is worth disseminating to stakeholders working in the area of men's health. The Policy aligns itself with existing policies and strategies and identifies how the men’s health agenda can be advanced through these existing policies across Government Departments and through the services provided by the Health Service Executive.’ the Minister said.

‘This National Men’s Health Policy will be a hugely important resource to all those working in the area of men’s health. It addresses the different challenges that men face in managing their health, and provides a blueprint to service providers across a number of sectors to support men to take increased responsibility for their own health. The need for an increased policy focus on men’s health is now, all the more pressing, as we face into a difficult economic climate’ commented Dr Noel Richardson.

For further information on the Centre for Men’s Health Research & Training, IT Carlow, contact  Dr Richardson at Noel.richardson@itcarlow.ie or t: 059 91704000 or log on to www.itcarlow for  a copy of the National Men’s Health Policy.

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IT Carlow, 30th January 2009 – IT Carlow, 30th January 2009 – IT Carlow is delighted to announce that the three Year BA (Hons) in Law (CW 708) currently offered by the Institute has recently been accredited by the Honorable Society of Kings Inns.   Accreditation was awarded in recognition of the quality and standard of the programme.  As a result of this accreditation graduates from IT Carlow’s Honours Law Degree will be eligible to take the entrance exams to the Honorable Society of Kings Inns immediately upon graduation and will not be first required to complete the two year Diploma in Legal Studies at Kings Inns.   This will result in considerable savings both in terms of time and finance for those graduates who will go on to train for the professional qualification of Barrister-at-Law.  Graduates of the programme will also be exempt from the Law Society of Ireland’s preliminary examinations and are eligible for entry onto the Solicitors professional training courses.

Chrystle Barry from Ballon, Co Carlow, a final year student on IT Carlow’s Law Degree was delighted with the news.  ‘It’s great news, our hard work throughout the past three years has paid off and we are now on a par with all the major universities throughout the country.  As our course is now accredited by Kings Inns, our future options look brighter and even more exciting.  Watch out for the Carlow Legal Eagles!’ said Chrystle.

Alison Kenneally, Programme Director comments ‘We are absolutely delighted that our degree programme has gained the recognition it undoubtedly deserves.  Graduates from our law degree are now on a par with all Irish university law graduates as regards eligibility for entry into both branches of the legal profession.  This accreditation is testament to the hard work, dedication and excellence of all the staff in the Institute and to also the quality of the programme on offer. Students from the surrounding areas will no longer be forced to move away to study law in the larger cities and now have the opportunity of availing of legal education on their own doorstep.’

Maebh Maher, Head of School of Business & Humanities, added ‘this accreditation is a wonderful achievement and a very valuable seal of approval for the honours law degree. It means that our graduates can be assured that their qualification is of the very highest quality and is recognised as such by the professional bodies. We expect in years to come to see IT Carlow law graduates rising to the very highest levels of the legal professions so watch this space!’

For further information on the three year BA (Hons) Law CW708 please contact Alison Kenneally, Programme Director at alison.kenneally@itcarlow.ie or at 059 9176379.

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IT Carlow, 6th February 2009 – IT Carlow is delighted to announce that the Institutes honours degree in Civil Engineering has been accredited by Engineers Ireland as meeting the educational requirements for Ordinary Membership (MIEI) of Engineers Ireland.  This means that IT Carlow’s degree is recognised worldwide under the Washington Accord allowing our Civil Engineering graduates to work as professional engineers in places such as Europe, United States and Australia.  IT Carlow’s ordinary degrees in Civil, Electronic and Mechanical Engineering have also been reaccredited as leading to Associate Membership (AMIEI).  Associate Engineer means that IT Carlow Engineering Graduates can work as Engineering Technologists worldwide under the Sydney Accord.

John Power, Director General, Engineers Ireland said ‘We are delighted with IT Carlow’s commitment to delivering a high quality engineering programme and acquiring Engineers Ireland accreditation. The benefits to the students and future Irish professional engineers are essential and it is vital that their educational qualifications are recognised internationally. By ensuring the quality of this degree, IT Carlow are also guaranteeing the quality of the graduates as this will prepare them to take their place in Ireland’s Smart Economy in the coming years. Engineers will form the back bone of Ireland’s future prosperity’.

David Denieffe, Head of School of Engineering IT Carlow comments ‘The School of Engineering is delighted with the recent accreditation of its honours degree in Civil Engineering by Engineers Ireland. This achievement signifies that graduates of this programme can work as Chartered or Professional engineers throughout the world. This underlines the quality and continued recognition of the Engineering programmes in IT Carlow. We also welcome the re-accreditation of our ordinary degree programmes which highlights the continued importance of the role of the Associate Engineer in the fields of Electronics, Mechanical and Civil Engineering’.

Ray Regan, from Carlow who received an honours degree in civil engineering is delighted with the accreditation received by IT Carlow’s Engineering Department  ‘The reason I chose a degree in civil engineering was because after weighing up all the options I felt civil engineering gave me more career options upon completion.  Fortunately my ambitions paid off as I was recently appointed Assistant Chief Fire Officer for County Kilkenny Fire and Rescue Service, this would not have been possible without the recognition which my civil engineering degree has been given by Engineers Ireland.   The course provided me with a broad education in the area of engineering, both practical and academic. Without returning to education and completing my degree I would not have been in a position to apply for the job.’

For further information on Engineering Programmes at IT Carlow log on to www.itcarlow.ie  or email: engineering@itcarlow.ie

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IT Carlow, 19th January 2009 – At this time of year students are busy preparing for mocks, orals and not to mention the main event the Leaving Certificate in June.  Careful consideration and thought needs to be given when filling out the CAO Application Form.  A new CAO section has been launched on the IT Carlow website to help students make important decisions such as which college to choose and what course to apply for.  Students, parents, teachers and Guidance Counsellors can log onto www.itcarlow.ie to avail of this useful information.  Mary Jordan, Academic Administration and Student Affairs Manager at the IT Carlow gives the following advice to students:

1. Carefully study the CAO Handbook and checklist guide before completing the application.
2. Before filling out your CAO application it is important to fully review your course options. The content of courses with almost the same name may vary significantly between different colleges. It is important therefore to read the course information in the prospectus and the website to find the course that best meets your requirements.
3. Contact IT Carlow if you require more information.
4. Optimise your career prospects by selecting courses which will lead to interesting and exciting employment opportunities. Research the type of Careers that appeal to you.
5. If you are preparing for the Leaving Certificate, there will be particular subjects that you like. (Often the subjects you perform best at). Your list of subjects will help you select broad areas for third level. Talk to your subject teachers and your guidance counsellor. Be realistic when you assess your strengths, but don’t underestimate yourself.
6. Talk to your parents and guidance counsellors and, if possible, students who are attending the courses of interest to you.
7. Get the facts: There is a lot of reliable information available about careers and courses. This information is available from: Prospectus; course leaflets or websites; Teachers ; Guidance Counsellors; Parents; Talking to people working in the career; Friends and relatives; Open Days at Colleges and Career Exhibitions.
8. List your course choices in genuine preference order. You will receive a place offer for the highest course preference to which you are entitled based on your Leaving Certificate results/points.
9. Make the most of all 20 choices on both the Honours and the Ordinary Bachelor Degree course listings but do remember to list your choices in descending order.  You will receive a place offer for the highest course preference you are entitled to, based on your Leaving Certificate points.
10. Keep a record (photocopy etc.) of your completed application.  Get a certificate of posting unless you are applying on-line www.cao.ie 

Finally IT Carlow would like to wish all students sitting the Leaving Certificate this year the best of luck. Don’t forget if you have any application, course or admission questions please feel free to contact us on: 059 9170457 or visit the website www.itcarlow.ie 

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IT Carlow, 23rd January 2009 – Last week saw the Institute of Technology Carlow Careers Service host a series of lunchtime lectures on the theme of Boosting Students Career Prospects.  The talks allowed students to see what is happening in the employment sector today and provided advice on how to prepare for their first job after college.

Recruitment specialists from some of Ireland’s top employers visited the college to speak to students about how to approach job applications and how to boost their employment prospects. Companies like Lidl Ireland and Enterprise – Rent – A – Car explained how students can get themselves noticed by employers and how to find the best career path when they complete their studies.  The talks attracted large crowds each day with students eager to see what recruiters look for in a prospective employee.

Chris Purcell, a final year student in Supply Chain Management said the talks were very informative.  “They let me see the type of information employers look for on a CV and the opportunities that are out there.  Now that I’m applying for jobs, it is great to speak with the people who decide which graduates to employ in their company.”

On Thursday, The Niall Mellon Township Trust gave a talk entitled Building more than Houses.   The talk highlighted the value of volunteering as a way of contributing to a worthy cause while also allowing the volunteer to develop as a person.  They also described the Trust’s work in building houses in South Africa and the type of work that volunteers on the programme undertake.

Tara O’ Sullivan, a Communications and Public Relations student, attended the Niall Mellon Trust talk.  “There was a lot of information about how volunteering could add to my life experience, which I think, is important when applying for jobs”
Other voluntary organisations, including Barretstown, Carlow Volunteer Centre and Leargas, also visited the college to inform students about volunteering possibilities within Ireland and overseas. 

Maria Mc Roberts, Careers Officer, in IT Carlow felt the event was a great success.  “In the present economic environment, it is important more than ever to support students and to give them every opportunity to enhance their employability. This recent initiative was to build on the very successful Careers Fair which was held last November in the Institute.  By meeting employers face to face, students are  given a real insight into what employers are looking for in graduates and how to present themselves successfully in today’s job market.”


IT Carlow continues to help students not only to achieve the best results in their studies but also to prepare them for their chosen careers when they graduate. The college is constantly building links with employers and outside organisations to ensure that its students are well prepared to meet the challenges of the changing employment environment.

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IT Carlow, 19th December 2008 – IT Carlow congratulates the first ever Law Graduates from the Institute’s Life Long Learning Centre. Patrick Keating, Niamh O’Neill, Patrick Kelly (Carlow), Brenda Gorey (Wexford), Paul Hogan (Kilkenny) and Breda McGarry (Kildare) received their awards at the recent Graduation Ceremony at IT Carlow.

These six students had completed studies through the Institute of Commercial Management for which they received exemptions and then completed two further years of evening learning, studying on the BA (Hons) Law course in IT Carlow.  Brian McQuaid, Head of Life Long Learning was delighted for the students on their significant achievement and also acknowledged the commitment and expertise of the lecturers on this programme.  Brian commented ‘The ability to receive exemptions for previous studies is an option that I hope to see people avail of in the future’.

Life Long Learning has been a feature of the Institute for over a decade and has provided opportunities for adults of all ages and backgrounds to upgrade their skills and qualifications. The programmes are continuously reviewed to ensure they are in line with current trends and market demands.  Intake numbers for Life Long Learning courses have increased every year.  Those wishing to enhance their skills to return to employment, develop their promotional prospects in work, or simply to try something new will find a course to interest them here.  Skills courses and customised programmes for industry are also available and classes are held at the main campus at IT Carlow, at the Institute’s outreach campus in Wexford and in Wicklow County Campus.

Accredited courses are offered in the areas of Business, Computing, Science, Engineering and Humanities.  These include BA (Hons) Business, BA (Hons) Early Childhood Education & Care, BA Applied Social Studies – Social Care, BA (Hons) Law and BEng Mechanical Engineering.  The following single-term courses will commence in January 2009:

- Building Energy Rating (All Dwellings)
- Computer Aided Design (CAD)
- Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC)
- CISCO Network Administrator

Courses are available at the IT Carlow campus as well as Wexford Campus and Wicklow County Campus.  For those interested in finding out more the Life Long Learning Centre can be contacted at IT Carlow on 059 9176252 and www.itcarlow.ie 

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IT Carlow Selects Team to go Through to Semi-Final of the Newstalk 106-108fm Student Enterprise Competition

IT Carlow, 5th December 2008 – Following the local final of the Newstalk 106-108fm Student Enterprise Competition held recently at IT Carlow, a team of students has been chosen to represent the college at the national semi-final of the competition. The students that make up the winning team are Melissa O’Hara from Carlow, Rowan Cuddy and Alan Cuddy from Kildare, and Liam Kehoe from Wexford, all students on the Bachelor of Business (Honours) in Management.  The competition is designed to foster a spirit of enterprise among third level students and develop their understanding of business management, with a view to cultivating early-stage entrepreneurship. Using a case study format, the competition encourages participants to research companies and, as part of a team, devise solutions to ‘real life’ business scenarios.

A record 330 teams from Ireland’s 15 IoTs and the National College of Ireland (NCI), entered the 2008 competition.  During the local final, each team received the same case study, a real-life business problem for which they had to develop a solution. The team then had to give a 30 minute presentation on their solutions to a panel of judges. The IT Carlow judging panels comprised of Meabh Maher, Head of School of Business & Humanities; Colette Lane, Director of HR Unum and Niall McDonald, CEO, Carlow Chamber of Commerce.

Maebh Maher, Head of IT Carlow’s School of Business & Humanities, commented, “The judging panel was very impressed with all four IT Carlow finalist teams who came up with innovative business solutions to address the business development needs of the company depicted in the case study. The winning team presented the most comprehensive blueprint to be followed by the business in order to survive and develop into the future. This team will fly the IT Carlow flag in Sligo in February 2009 and if they can emulate this performance they could well be the next national champions so watch this space!”

Denis O’Brien, Chairman of the Competition and of Newstalk 106-108fm, commented, “We are delighted and encouraged to see that this year’s competition has attracted a record number of entries. It demonstrates an appetite among students to develop their business knowledge as well as great ambition for success. It is excellent experience and preparation for a career in business”

The IT Carlow team will now compete in the national final in Sligo on the 8th and 9th February 2009.  The overall prize for the winning team and their coach is a study trip to the Caribbean to visit Digicel’s operations in the region. Digicel is the fasted growing wireless telecommunications operator in the Caribbean and recent entrant to the Central America market.

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BAFTA Award Winning TV Director Dearbhla Walsh Presents a Guest Lecture to IT Carlow Students

IT Carlow, 5th December 2008 – On Tuesday 2nd December 2008, award winning Irish Television Director, Dearbhla Walsh, visited the Institute and gave a very interesting talk entitled ‘How to make it to the top in TV and still be a good ‘ole gal from Tubbercurry’.  Students and staff gathered in their hundreds to attend the talk and meet with Dearbhla.   

Dearbhla Walsh, cited by the industry bible, ‘Broadcast Magazine’, as one of the Top Ten Drama directors in the UK and BATFA award winning director of ‘Shameless’, ‘Eastenders’ and ‘Little Dorrit’ explained to the audience that making it to the top is a combination of; being willing to start at the bottom, hard work, never to be embarrassed about anything you have to do, having confidence in yourself and good old fashioned luck. 

Irene McCormick, Communications Lecturer IT Carlow, who organised the event commented ‘It was a chance in a lifetime for us to hear the experiences of a creative artist who is considered pre-eminent in her own field. Dearbhla Walsh will one day win an Oscar and we will all remember that she took time to advise us in IT Carlow. Also she was very impressed by the great atmosphere in college and the industry of the students whom she met working in the Audio Visual labs’.

James Bell, BA (Hons) in Communications & PR student who attended the event said ‘The talk was brilliant.  I loved how Dearbhla was so down to earth, especially considering her achievements to-date.  She offered some great advice in relation to getting out there when you graduate and making the most out of your qualifications and experience gained in college.  My course includes a lot of practical work in the TV and Radio studio and after listening to Dearbhla I would definitely consider sending my CV to RTE, Granada and the BBC.’

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IT Carlow, 1st December 2008 – IT Carlow hosted the annual Irish Architectural Technology Educator’s Forum (IATEF) on the 21st November 2008. The Forum offered educators the opportunity to meet and discuss Architectural Technology education and the challenges facing it.  The Forum was attended by educators from:  IT Carlow, DIT, Galway/Mayo IT, Letterkenny IT, Waterford IT and Cork IT. 

The IATEF was also attended by National & Regional Committee members of the Irish Architectural Technology Graduates Network (IATGN) who joined the educators in the afternoon in discussion groups.  The forum members set out to agree, implement and maintain national standards for Architectural Technology graduates, within a climate of diminishing financial support. The staging of the event was particularly timely, in light of the dramatic changes currently being experienced in construction.  Eleanor Heylin Kelly, IT Carlow Lecturer, and organiser of the event, commented:  ‘The Forum was very well attended and the energy of the delegates guaranteed a very productive day.  Shared experiences and ideas facilitated agreement on the future development of relevant Architectural Technology courses, as we enter uncertain times.’

The Forum also incorporated discussions about the challenges facing Architectural Technology education including; the increasing demands of sustainable buildings and new legislation; the need for professional accreditation for all courses and how best to equip our graduates for future employment.   Eleanor also commented ‘Architectural Technology is an emerging profession within the architectural arena.  It is vital that we work together as educators to define the needs of future courses and establish a national standard across the Institute of Technology sector.’ 

IT Carlow offers an add-on honours degree in Architectural Technology for students who have completed the BSc in Architectural Technology.  The architectural technologist is concerned primarily with the technical aspects of building design and construction – from the initial client briefing to completion of the project.  Most qualified architectural technologists work in private practices where there is every opportunity to become a partner or director for those with the right levels of commitment, ability and determination.  For more information on Architectural Technology courses at IT Carlow log onto www.itcarlow.ie

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IT Carlow, 1st December 2008 – Monday, 8th December will see the first ever global celebration of innovation and entrepreneurship through business Incubation. To mark the event, IT Carlow will hold an open day at its Enterprise & Research Incubation Centre (ERIC) between 11.00am and 3.00pm, where members of the public are invited to view the facility and meet with staff.

The purpose of incubation Centres is to assist and nurture the development of both start-up companies and established firms wishing to create new enterprise platforms. At IT Carlow, entrepreneurs are offered accommodation space in individual incubator units and have access to the facilities and expertise at the Institute.  According to Brian Ogilvie, the Centre’s Enterprise Development Manager, ‘We provide a unique package of space, infrastructure, resources and training to support and accelerate early-stage enterprises. Companies benefit from working alongside other entrepreneurs as well as having access to networks, industry practioners and other specialists.’ 

IT Carlow encourages new and existing firms who have product or process ideas that may be suitable for development to a commercial stage and who are interested in utilising the facilities and resources of the Centre to progress their ventures to come and visit the centre next Monday.  The Enterprise & Research Incubation Centre can be contacted at 059 9176369 or see www.eric.ie for more information.

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IT Carlow, 21st November 2008 – As part of Design Week Ireland the annual ReForm 2008 conference was hosted jointly by IT Carlow and Cork IT.  Professional Designers, students and those working in the design realm, were provided with the opportunity to explore new concepts and learn how to implement sustainability principles into their daily practice.  Designers and researchers from New Zealand, Germany, Scotland, the UK and Ireland gave talks through video link to both venues.

The IT Carlow venue focused on Sustainable Product Design, Innovation and Product Services Systems.  Keynote speaker, Tim Allan, from New Zealand, has developed tools to design eco-effective products and business systems and has worked with a number of organisations, companies and universities all over the world.  Institute students and lecturers participated in workshops where pragmatic tools and skills were demonstrated. 

Adam de Eyto, IT Carlow Industrial Design Lecturer/Researcher and ReForm co-ordinator commented “The ReForm conference is now in its fourth year.  Once again local industry and IT Carlow students have benefited greatly from international expertise.  The conference allows IT Carlow to attract some of the key world experts in the area of sustainable design and innovation.  This puts the participants involved at a distinct advantage when it comes to seeking employment or developing sustainable products for the market.”

For more information on IT Carlow’s Industrial Design Hub and Research log onto www.itcarlow.ie/designhub or contact Adam de Eyto on adam.deeyto@itcarlow.ie

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IT Carlow, 21st November 2008 – To celebrate Science Week 2008 IT Carlow and the Carlow library joined forces and organised a programme of exciting events which explored all the ways that Science surrounds us in our everyday lives. It was a busy week which generated lots of interest.  Approximately 680 second and third level students attended an interactive light extravaganza exploring how energy and light are generated and used today, as well as examining the potential of new technologies for the production of clean water and energy.  In addition, almost 200 primary school students and staff from all over Carlow attended an interactive wildlife display and met, amongst other animals, a skunk, a barn owl and a Boa constrictor.  IT Carlow Scientist, Mr John Byrne, presented a talk to primary school children at libraries in county Carlow on our environment and the challenges and solutions on the horizon.

As part of the celebration of science, a bursary was presented to IT Carlow student Thomas McCarthy, who is studying for an Honours Degree in Industrial Environmental Science.  Mr Joe Connolly from Clogrennane Lime Ltd., Carlow, a graduate of the Institute, presented the award and also gave a talk on quality systems and career opportunities in industry to students of the institute.

Third and fourth year science students from IT Carlow visited Oak Park Crops Research Centre where they had the opportunity to see the biotechnology and bioenergy programmes including how molecular techniques are being used to accelerate plant breeding and to see a range of bioenergy crops, such as Miscanthus and Oil Seed Rape being grown, processed and combusted to produce energy in the engineering test facility.

Science week concluded with an exciting experiment called “The Big Fizz” where hundreds of students were on hand to watch and take part in a simultaneous experiment involving the generation of 10ft coca cola “fountains”.

Dr David Ryan, Head of Department of Science & Health, IT Carlow commented “We are delighted to have hosted yet another highly successful Science Week this year.  The wide range of activities which took place both on and off campus are a great way for Institute staff to promote science to the general public as well as the undergraduate degree programmes and research activity in the department.”

For further information on science at IT Carlow, please visit the web site at www.itcarlow.ie

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IT Carlow, 14th November 2008 – A delegation from IT Carlow recently participated in a Trade Mission to China led by An Taoiseach, Brian Cowen.  The group visited the city of Zhengzhou in central China where a very successful validation visit was conducted in conjunction with HETAC to Henan University of Finance & Economics (HUFE).  Following a successful round of negotiations with the University and the Ministry of Education, the group were able to take a few hours out of the schedule to visit the world famous Shaolin Monastery, the home of Kung Fu.

The delegation returned to Beijing to participate in the official visit of An Taoiseach and the Minister of Education, Batt O’Keefe.  This visit provided a wonderful opportunity for IT Carlow to invite its University partners from Zhengzhou, Louyang and Guilin to meet An Taoiseach and to complete Memorandum of Understanding signings in his presence.

Donal McAlister, Non-EU International Coordinator at the Institute, said that “This was a pivotal moment in the history of the Institute in terms of its International operations as it signalled the culmination of several years effort in establishing solid, long term relationships with Chinese partner Universities and ensuring that IT Carlow remains at the forefront of attracting high quality International students to study in Ireland.”

HUFE has a well established Computer Science Department which has been supplying graduates to work in the rapidly developing Chinese computer industry with great success since 1985.  However, the staff of the Department have become conscious that the demands of computer industry in China are changing.  This is happening because of increased contacts with industry in the west.  There is a widespread perception in the Chinese industry that graduates with western educational qualifications are better prepared for employment than those from Chinese institutions (at least in the early stages of employment, i.e. they ‘hit the ground running’).  There is also a growing demand for graduates fluent in English.

Nigel Whyte, Head of Department of Computing & Networking, IT Carlow said “This is a wonderful new departure for IT Carlow that will provide rich diversity and opportunity for students and staff from the Computing Departments of both Institutions. We look forward to a long and fruitful relationship with our partner university.”

Many individual students have been travelling to Western Institutes for precisely this reason for some time.  However, this path is enormously expensive by Chinese standards and only open to a tiny percentage of the population.

HUFE will deliver a two year preliminary programme and IT Carlow will deliver (through HUFE) the BSc Degree in Computer Systems Management.  This model allows sufficient time for students to reach a satisfactory level of English before they enrol on an IT Carlow programme.  Students who successfully complete the programme will be eligible to enrol on the Honours Degree programme in Carlow.

Dr David Dowling, Head of School of Science, IT Carlow, a member of the Irish delegation visiting HUFE commented “There is a lot of interest in the programme from Chinese students and we hope this will lead to further collaboration between IT Carlow and HUFE.”

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IT Carlow, 7th November 2008 – The IT Carlow Careers Fair took place on Wednesday, 5th November 2008.  Over 40 companies and organisations from around the country travelled to IT Carlow to meet with students and promote career opportunities.  The Careers Fair was a great opportunity for students to make professional contacts, promote themselves, their skills and abilities to their future employers.  Representatives from companies at the Careers Fair gave students an insight into their organisation, recruitment procedures and typical vacancies with a view to encouraging them to apply for positions at their company.

All sectors of employment were represented including the food and drinks industry, financial services, engineering and pharmaceutical industry.  Some of the organisations exhibiting included;  Unum, who have recently established a base in Carlow town; Abbott Ireland; Hewlett Packard; Prochem Engineering; Coca-Cola Bottlers Ltd; AIB; The Defence Forces; Engineers Ireland; Ericsson; Kerry Group; Glanbia; VHI and Zurich.

Unum felt that IT Carlow students were ideally suited to their requirements.  Colette Lane from Unum Ireland said  that there had been a good response from students, “Students were very interested in hearing about job opportunities in Unum and we look forward to employing IT Carlow graduates in the future.  It is our intention to build on our relationship with the college going forward which we feel would be of great benefit to both organisations and indeed to the Carlow area in general.”

Lindsay Smith from Hewlett Packard stated, “The Careers Fair allowed us to speak face to face with IT Carlow students and we were delighted to find many students who we felt would be ideally suited to work in our organisation”.  Activision Ireland, another addition to the annual careers fair, is a cutting edge computer games company.  Activision came to the college to speak to students on the computer games design course which is one of the few of its kind in the country.  Their interactive games display attracted large crowds to their stand.  Representatives of the Carlow Enterprise Board were also on-hand to give advice to students who may be interested in setting up their own business.

The IT Carlow Careers Fair is now an established and integral part of the college year and continues to evolve and adapt to suit the changing needs of the college’s students. It also an important tool in building links between the college and employers both in the region and nationally.  Maria McRoberts, Careers Officer at IT Carlow gave her views on the advantages of the fair,  “The Careers Fair is an excellent opportunity for students to consider the various employment options available and to make informed decisions about their future careers as they approach graduation”.  Maria added, “The Careers Service at IT Carlow aims to support students in the development of their careers as they move from college to professional employment. It offers a comprehensive range of expert advice on selection procedures, application processes, interview preparation and current vacancies”.

The number of recruiting companies at the IT Carlow Careers Fair demonstrates that the college is consistently providing courses that give students real options when it comes to deciding on their future careers.

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IT Carlow, 7th November 2008 – The Institute of Technology, Carlow celebrated the graduation of almost 1,000 students with Doctorate, Honours Degrees and Higher Certificates on Friday, 7th and Saturday, 8th November 2008.  It was a special day of achievement for graduates, their parents, guardians, family and friends who travelled from all over Ireland, in addition to graduates from France, Korea, China, Spain and Germany.

The Ceremony was hosted by the President of IT Carlow, Dr Ruaidhri Neavyn who presented each recipient with their award, congratulated them on their achievements and spoke about the continued development of the Institute.

In his address Dr Neavyn announced that the Institute intends to go ahead with a €10 million capital programme.  He informed those present that design teams had been selected for the following projects:

• An Institute sports stand and external dressing rooms facility (€2m)
• An extension to the Barrow Centre to house student support facilities including a medical centre, the students union and additional sport and recreation facilities. (€6m)
• The construction of phase 2 of the Engineering Technology Building (€2m)
It is envisaged that these capital projects will be completed within the next 24 months.

Dr Neavyn also pointed out that “despite the recent downturn in Ireland’s economic climate it would be reasonable to say that County Carlow is performing well, with the recent announcements of Unum and Merck, Sharp & Dohme to establish operations in the county.  Indeed it is clear that the presence of IT Carlow was pivotal in their decision to locate in Carlow.”

He went on to say that the Institute through its schools and departments has been innovative and creative and are at the forefront of academic and technological development.  In terms of new course development, 2008 saw the introduction of degree programmes in Social Studies; Architectural Technology; Software Development; Quantity Surveying; Facilities Management; Art and Sport & Exercise.  “New degree courses to be launched in 2009 in the areas of Human Resource Management; TV & Media Production; Business with Law and Computing Systems Management will provide further opportunities for students in the region,” commented Dr Neavyn.

Dr Neavyn also spoke about the ongoing topic of student fees.  “The proposed re-introduction of fees I believe would be a step in the wrong direction.  In my opinion the balancing of books and fiscal arguments should not be put ahead of the education and development of future generations who will spearhead and be at the forefront of our economic, social and cultural development.  I would urge those who are making the decisions, in these difficult times, to forego any thoughts in relation to the reintroduction of fees, but rather maintain and prioritise investment in education.”

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IT Carlow, 31st October 2008 – IT Carlow operates an Erasmus Exchange Programme with over 40 different colleges within the EU.  The Erasmus Programme is operated through the setting up of Bilateral Agreements between European educational institutes, to develop partnerships for the exchange of students and staff.  IT Carlow Marketing and Erasmus student Niamh Furlong, from Bunclody, Co. Wexford is currently on a one year exchange in Utrecht University, The Netherlands, Niamh tells her story.

‘I love travelling, and have spent every summer working abroad since I was 20.  When the opportunity arose for me to spend a year studying in Utrecht University in The Netherlands, I jumped at the chance.  I already loved The Netherlands, I had been there many times and I have a lot of friends there.  When I arrived at the University, I was very nervous but that feeling quickly disappeared.  All the international students had to meet at the International Office first and as everyone was in the same boat, it was easy to talk and make friends.  Utrecht is a beautiful city with so many things to do and as an added bonus it is only 25 minutes from Amsterdam.  There is an Erasmus Student network in Utrecht, and their sole purpose is to make International students feel at home.  There is an international night at one of the local bars every Tuesday and they organise trips to different cities in the Netherlands as well as the rest of Europe.

Although it is a difficult challenge to go to a new University on your own, I would definitely recommend it.  Living and studying in The Netherlands, you get to experience the Dutch culture, and there is no language barrier as everyone here speaks fluent English.  There is the option to learn Dutch, which I availed of.  Having this language will help me in the future if I decide to travel or work in the International Marketing industry.  In my course there are more Dutch students than International students so you really get to interact with Dutch people, which I think is one of the main points of studying in abroad.

I would urge anyone who wants to meet new people and try different things, to study abroad for a year.  I know it’s an old cliché, but it really has broadened my horizons and I have met so many people that I know I will keep in contact with for a long time. Doing an Erasmus year also gives you the added bonus of having something different on your degree, which separates you from the rest!’

Lecturer Una Grant comments, ‘The Erasmus Programme is really important and we are delighted to be able to facilitate exchanges for IT Carlow students.  The programme is mostly based in English-speaking colleges around Europe and lasts either one term or one year.  It is a fantastic programme and we are very enthusiastic about it.’

For more information on the Erasmus Programme contact your Course Director or Mary Bates, International Co-ordinator on mary.bates@itcarlow.ie or log onto www.itcarlow.ie 

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IT Carlow, 30th October 2008 – Two of IT Carlow’s elite athletes were chosen to represent Ireland recently in the Shinty/Hurling International.  Shane Kavanagh, from Myshall, a 3rd year student on the BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering, had the honour of captaining the International Senior Shinty side.  Niall Kilcoyne, from Westmeath, a 3rd year student on the BA (Hons) in Management, played on the International Under 21 Shinty team.

Both students come from a strong hurling background.  Shane is a Naomh Eoin Club man who reached the semi-final in this years hurling championship and Niall’s father was the only Westmeath hurler to win an All Star. Niall is a talented member of the Ringtown Club in Westmeath with whom he won an u21b title in 2006. He is currently on the Senior County panel where he plays in the half forward position.

In both international’s the Irish side were on top from the start and the Senior team looked to be in control of the game throughout.  However the Scots were determined and pressed ahead to secure a 1.9 to a 1.8 win. It was a bitter pill to swallow for the Irish as they were well aware that they should have won the match. Shane comments ‘It was a great honour for me to be selected as Captain and we are already looking forward to next year when we hope we can reverse the score when we travel to Scotland.’  In the u/21 match the Irish reversed the situation and won the series by 1.10 to a goal.  IT Carlow’s Niall Kilcoyne was the dominant force at mid field and says ‘It was a great opportunity to represent your country and to take part in an international series, it meant a lot to win the match and everybody took pride in the occasion’

Niall Kilcoyne is a dual player for the college Football and Hurling Teams and is captain of this year of the Sigerson Football Team.  Shane Kavanagh is a prominent member of the college’s Hurling Team.  IT Carlow’s staff and students congratulate Shane and Niall on their achievements.

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IT Carlow, 24th October 2008 – For the second time in its short history more than 100 graduates received Higher Certificates and Degrees at the recent conferring ceremony at IT Carlow’s Wexford Campus.  139 Graduates from 16 counties were conferred with degrees in Business, Early Childhood Studies, Architectural Technology, Art, and Law.

In his speech to the graduates and guests Dr Ruaidhri Neavyn, President of IT Carlow, thanked the County Manager, Mr Eddie Breen, and elected representatives for their continued support, particularly Cllr. Anna Fenlon, a member of IT Carlow’s governing body.  ‘There are now over 700 students engaged in full and part time higher education courses on Campus.  The campus through it’s operating budget and the activities on site contribute in excess of €6m to the local economy’ Dr Neavyn added.  He went on to say that the main restraint on future growth was the lack of a permanent facility to cater for the continued expansion of the Campus in the county.

Head of Campus, Declan Doyle, in complimenting the graduates said that “the Campus is attracting students from outside the county in greater numbers each year.  This reflects the growing reputation of the Wexford Campus and the commitment of the staff to developing excellent graduates capable of competing for employment with graduates from any other college.”

Connie Younger received the HETAC Student of the Year Award for the Institute as a whole, the first time that a Wexford Campus student has received this prestigious award.  Connie is a graduate of the Higher Certificate in Business.

Paul Grace received the Wexford Campus Student of the Year award.  Paul is a graduate of the BSc in Architectural Technology.  Other award winners were Suzanne Brennan and Avril Johnson, who received the Wexford County Enterprise Award presented by Dr Sean Mythen, CEO.

Both Dr Neavyn and Mr Doyle expressed their thanks to Co Wexford VEC for continuing to enable the development of the Wexford Campus School of Art and Design at its premises in Westgate, where over 80 students are studying towards an honours degree in Art.

In conclusion Dr Neavyn pointed out that all students enrolled in the Campus can now study to honours degree level and it is planned to expand this to include Masters and Doctoral level studies in the future.

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IT Carlow, 24th October 2008 – Science Student Liam Frayne, from Dunbell, Co. Kilkenny recently represented the Institute of Technology Carlow at the 50th London International Youth Science Forum (LIYSF).  Liam was nominated in his first year studying Applied Chemistry by lecturing staff in the Science and Health Department.  Liam tells his story.

‘I was looking forward to the prospect of living with over 250 participants of the Forum from almost 60 countries.  From the moment we met, we all exchanged ideas and experiences of the world, to fulfil the aim of the Science Forum: to give a greater insight into science and its application for the benefit of all mankind.  On our first day in London, we were up early to go to the flag ceremony.  The flag ceremony, coupled with a brilliant motivational speech from Sir Colin Terry left me realising that this forum was a very special and purposeful endeavour.  It outlined the exact gravity of the global warming situation.  I feel empowered that I, as one person, can make a difference.  The next day we had a truly invaluable demonstration from Dr. Cyril Isenberg, titled “The Magic of Soap Bubbles”.  I was deeply sceptical beforehand, but the demonstration was executed brilliantly.  Due to his study of bubbles, (apart from the similar properties to bilipid membrane), he physically showed a useful application of bubbles. The application being, due to bubbles occupying the smallest area possible, they could be used to find the shortest way to link multiple points.

LIYSF was a brilliant combination of science and fun, carried out in a way that accommodated and included everybody’s interest.  I would defiantly say that it is the most worthwhile experience of my life!  I got to witness facilities and equipment that I could only dream of.  I learned how Dopamine acts within us and how advanced the Hydrogen Fuel Cell technology is.

The most important lectures/discussions though, were of course on energy in the future.  We were grouped together to discuss how to make a 50 year plan towards a greener country, and also the important steps to take in sustaining the environment.  Another aspect in which this forum was actually life changing for me was the confidence it instilled in me, regarding people and socialising.

From the bottom of my heart I would like to extend a massive thank you to HETAC and IT Carlow for this amazing opportunity and also to Alexis Steberger and Dr. Claire Mulhall’.

Dr. Mulhall, Foundation Activities Manager for the RDS comments, ‘Liam was a fantastic delegate and was a credit to IT Carlow throughout the fortnight. I am sure he has a bright career in science ahead of him’.

For more information on science at IT Carlow log onto www.itcarlow.ie.

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IT Carlow, 17th October 2008 – On Friday, 17th October 2008, over 2,000 secondary school students from all over Leinster descended on IT Carlow to get a taste of what college life is like and to discover the array of honours degree programmes and state-of-the-art facilities the Institute has to offer.

Students at the open day attended departmental tours, course talks and visited the Institutes state-of-the-art facilities including the TV & Radio studio; Avionics Hanger; Science Labs; Flood-lit Gaelic & Rugby pitches; Astro Turf pitches; Gym and Sports Hall to name a few.   There was also lively demonstrations from current students who are members of the Institutes many clubs & societies including; martial arts; hip-hop and djing.

President Dr Ruaidhri Neavyn commented, ‘Students attending the open day will be making a very important decision over the next few months. We want to help them make that decision and at the same time show them the opportunities that the Institute has to offer. The open day is tailored to meet the needs of potential students and provides an insight into the transition from second to third level education.  In making the decision to attend IT Carlow, students are joining a progressive college which is committed to providing a fully-rounded student experience with excellent career opportunities’.

IT Carlow prides itself on working with industries to ensure that all programmes on offer provide graduates with the academic and practical experience which employers are looking for.  For example, the BSc (Hons) in Computer Games Development was developed with Microsoft, the makers of the X-box and includes a six-month work placement and the new BA in Applied Social Studies (Social Care) was designed with cooperation from the HSE and from voluntary agencies.

Paula Butler, IT Carlow’s Communications Officer commented ‘The open day was a great success.  There was an energetic atmosphere throughout the Institute.  It is great to see so many students excited at the prospect of going on to higher education and taking such an interest in researching the options open to them.’

IT Carlow provides students from around the country with a top-class education in a town which is vibrant and student friendly.  For more information on studying at IT Carlow call 059 9170400 or log onto www.itcarlow.ie

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IT Carlow, 15th October 2008 – Jason Finn an IT Carlow Carpentry & Joinery (C&J) Apprentice has put Ireland firmly on the map by winning a silver medal in the Euroskills 2008 competition, held recently in Rotterdam.  Jason, 20, from Cassagh, Co Wexford represented Ireland against competitors from 29 other European countries.  It is the first time in 15 years that an Irish person has taken home a medal in joinery from the competition.

Euroskills 2008 aims to create a new platform for the promotion of the skilled workforce and education in Europe.  Before representing his country in the European final Jason completed rigorous training and took part in the regional and national finals over the  before representing his country in the Euroskills competition.  Jason is delighted with his win and comments ‘I can’t believe all my hard work and training paid off.  Representing Ireland was an honour and to win a medal in Europe was far more than I expected.  The support and training I received from IT Carlow C&J staff, including Pascal Harte, and my employer Gary McCarthy Carpentry in New Ross, was exceptional.  Their encouragement gave me the confidence to go out and represent Ireland in style.’

IT Carlow Lecturer Pascal Harte worked very closely with Jason to prepare him for the European competition.  ‘Jason is a gifted student, he is the type of person that a lecturer hopes to come across once in a lifetime.  His hard work and effort has paid off and I’m sure he will be highly sought after from employers in the future.  Jason’s chances of competing in the World Skills Competition in Canada in 2009 are now very promising.’

Mike Glynn, Head of Department of Built Environment, IT Carlow commented ‘In the past two decades no Irish student has achieved at this level, making Jason’s win all the more special.  We are very proud of him and look forward to having him back for further studies in the near future.’

A formal presentation was held at IT Carlow on Wednesday 16th October where Dr Ruaidhrí Neavyn, IT Carlow President, presented Jason with an award in recognition of his achievement.   Jason’s parents Mena and Martin Finn attended the presentation along with his extended family and friends, his employer Gary McCarthy and representatives from IT Carlow’s management and lecturing staff.   ‘The Institute of Technology Carlow staff and students are very proud of Jason and his outstanding achievement.  Jason has demonstrated exceptional skills in the Regional, National and European finals.   He is an extremely talented student and deserves the recognition’ stated Dr Neavyn.

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IT Carlow, 10th October 2008 – IT Carlow is a leader in the field of research in environmental science.  Postgraduate student Olivia Odhiambo moved from Kenya to fulfil her ambition of furthering her higher education in the area of environmental science in an English speaking country.

When asked why she chose to come to IT Carlow to study Olivia commented “After completing a Bachelor of Science, majoring in zoology at the University of Nairobi, I wanted to travel to Europe or America to complete my PhD.  I researched a number of different English speaking universities and colleges and chose IT Carlow because of the excellent research in Microbiology and the advanced technologies used by the Institute.  My decision was also influenced by a fellow researcher from Kenya who was familiar with the publications of Dr David Dowling, Head of School of Science at IT Carlow.” 

Olivia’s research aims to use plants to help clear up pollutant soils from industrial waste.  'We discovered that inoculating the plants with metal resistant bacteria provided them with sufficient protection that their seeds germinated better and their growth was enhanced.  This is good news for owners of land that cannot currently be used for food plants due to heavy metal contamination. However, this technology could also have much wider implications in improving biofuel crop production nationally and internationally by simply helping farmers grow more crops for fuel per hectare.' comments researcher Olivia Odhiambo.  Recently Olivia presented her work at the Society of General Microbiology Conference held in Trinity College, Dublin.  Subsequently the Society of General Microbiology have used extracts of Olivia’s research in various publications.

David Ryan, Head of Department of Science & Health, IT Carlow and Olivia’s research supervisor comments ‘Olivia Odhiambo is a member of the Biotechnology and Molecular Environmental Science research group at the Department of Science and Health at IT Carlow.  She has been supported by research funding initially from the TSR research programme and subsequently from the Institute of Technology in Carlow which has allowed her to continue her work to PhD Level.  Olivia is examining the microbial inoculation of a key biofuel crop, oil seed rape, focusing on improved crop yields, increased biomass and protection of plants from heavy metal contaminants and her results to date have generated a large amount of international interest.” 

For more information on research at IT Carlow log onto www.itcarlow.ie/researchers. 

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IT Carlow, 10th October 2008 – The Institute of Technology’s Open Day will be held on Friday the 17th of October 2008 from 10.00am – 1.30pm.  Secondary school students, guidance counsellors, teachers, parents and mature applicants are invited to discover what IT Carlow has to offer.  The Open Day provides prospective students with the opportunity to see what college life is all about, to meet lecturers, current students and to gather as much information as they need about the courses in the areas of Business, Humanities, Computing, Science, Health, Engineering and Sport.

Over 2,000 secondary school students are expected to attend from across the region, primarily from counties in South Leinster.  An extensive programme has been organised for the day with course talks, departmental tours, plus course and admission information stands. 

President Dr Ruaidhri Neavyn said, ‘We are really looking forward to welcoming potential students to IT Carlow on Friday, 17th of October 2008.  Open Day offers a unique opportunity to learn about the exciting options that IT Carlow offers.  We are aware of the major choices facing students which will have a lasting effect on their lives and careers, and we want to help students make the best decisions possible. Our Open Day is tailored to meet the needs of potential students’.

Traditionally, the day is regarded by the students as an extremely useful information gathering exercise which also provides first hand experience of what the step up to third level will entail.  ‘The aim is to give students a feel for what awaits them when they come to IT Carlow.  At the event, students will hear about the exciting new range of degree programmes on offer’ explains Mary Bates, School Liaison Officer at IT Carlow adding that ‘Information will be provided on everything from accommodation to careers plus different financial, academic and personal supports available through the Access Programme.  Prospective students can also meet the Students Union team and learn about the non-academic side of campus life at the Clubs and Societies stand’.

For further information and a detailed programme phone Mary Bates, School Liaision Officer on 059 9170446 or you can visit: www.itcarlow.ie Email: info@itcarlow.ie .

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IT Carlow, 3rd October 2008 – The 2008-2009 Newstalk 106-108 fm Student Enterprise Competition, in association with The Irish Times, was launched recently at IT Carlow.  The competition is designed to foster a spirit of enterprise among third level students and develop their understanding of business management with a view to cultivating early-stage entrepreneurship.

Using a case study format, the competition encourages students from the Institute to research companies and, as part of a team, devise solutions to ‘real life’ business scenarios.  John Fogarty, IT Carlow competition organiser and Lecturer said, ‘The competition is a fun challenge, which students should both enjoy and benefit from. It is a chance for teams to put their wits and their business expertise against other teams.’  IT Carlow teams must submit written proposals for the first round.  The top four entries from each college will then be given a second case study on which they present their submission to their local judging committee.

Gina Noonan, Lecturer at IT Carlow and team coach for the past two years said 'Being able to say you have competed in the Student Enterprise Competition is a real plus on any student's CV - it not only sets you apart from other graduates but it also shows an employer that you have real initiative.'

Commenting on the launch of the competition, Denis O’Brien, Chairperson of Newstalk 106-108 fm said ‘Now more than ever, it is crucial that the business community across Ireland supports business students and nurtures their talent.  As our future graduates, these students will be business leaders that will drive our economy and steer it in the right direction. It is therefore essential that we mentor and support them.’

The overall prize for the winning team and its team coach is a study trip to the Caribbean where they will shadow ‘senior executives’ in the Digicel Group.

The closing date for entries is Wednesday, 15th October 2008 and entry forms must be completed through the competition website www.newstalk.ie/studententerpise.   The first case study will be available online from Thursday, 16th October 2008 and proposals must be submitted to the local co-ordinator by Tuesday, 4th November 2008.
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IT Carlow, 19th September 2008 – The DesignCORE (Design Centre of Research & Enterprise) at IT Carlow was established in 2007 to build research capacity in applied product design research in support of regional and national industry.  Following a competitive bid to Enterprise Ireland in 2008, the DesignCORE team has been awarded over €300,000 for state-of-the-art research technologies and equipment. This award builds on the 2007 investment by Enterprise Ireland of €200,000 which was used to purchase a Viper Pro SLA (Steriolithography); a state of the art rapid-prototyping machine with the capability to build high resolution 3-dimensional products using 3D CAD data. The most recent funding will be used to purchase rapid prototyping and ergonomic testing equipment which will allow DesignCORE to explore improving product design for businesses and industry.  Industries nationwide will have the opportunity to apply and to develop collaborative and mutually-beneficial research partnerships with DesignCORE. 

Adam deEyto, a key member of DesignCORE explains “The overall mission of the Centre is to establish a Design-led research centre of international standing at IT Carlow.  DesignCORE already plays a pivotal role in supporting regional and national Irish industry in the development of innovative and sustainable product and service offerings for domestic, and most importantly, export markets.  The Centre aims to further  facilitate  the growth of post graduate design research, linked to Irish industry needs, to the point where IT Carlow is recognised internationally as a centre of expertise in industry relevant design research.”  The DesignCORE has several interconnected strands of design research and is currently active at both an Irish and International level. 

Dr Patricia Mulcahy, Head of Development at the ITC comments “The recent significant investment by Enterprise Ireland in DesignCORE is a very public statement on the Government’s commitment to Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) at ITC and the South Leinster region of Ireland.  The DesignCORE team has already worked on a series of successful research projects with a range of both national and regional SMEs. This investment will undoubtedly assist them in broadening the expert support that they can provide. This is consistent with one of the Institute’s strategic priorities aimed at the further development of its network of supports for industrialists and entrepreneurs.

For more information contact the External Services Department on t: 059 9170423 or email: externalservices@itcarlow.ie

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IT Carlow, 12th September 2008 – IT Carlow’s Teaching and Learning Centre was established to foster excellence in teaching and to support the provision of a quality learning experience for all learners.  The Centre helps academic staff to continually develop and improve their knowledge and skills in the areas of teaching and learning.  IT Carlow has received €2,039,000 in funding from the Higher Education Authority as the lead institute in the Eastern Regional Alliance (ERA) Innovating Synergies for Learners Project.  The other institutes involved in the partnership are IT Blanchardstown, IT Tallaght and Dundalk IT.  The Higher Education Authority have designated this project as a priority in Education.

In the last two years the Teaching & Learning Centre has offered a comprehensive programme of professional development courses and workshops for academic staff.  Over 33 workshops and seminars took place with almost 500 participants.  ‘These campus-wide workshops and seminars brought lecturers together to share ideas across subjects and disciplines. They also helped lecturers to develop and improve their teaching skills’ notes Anne Carpenter, Coordinator of the Centre.

In order to ensure IT Carlow is at the forefront of developments in education, the centre has expanded by adding an eLearning specialist.  Damien Raftery, eLearning Development Officer, says ‘The role will help the Institute to harness the power of eLearning, integrating good teaching practices with new approaches made possible by internet and other technologies.’

The Government funding initiative is aimed at supporting collaboration, change and reform among higher education providers.   The funding has been granted for two projects:
• Consolidating Services for Increased Capacity.  This project aims to support activities which promote balanced regional, economic, and social development.
• Re-positioning Learner Assessment.  Aims to evaluate assessment strategies for the new age.

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IT Carlow, 12th September 2008 – New horizons were reached when Kilkenny won the senior and minor all Ireland Hurling Double in Croke Park.  The famous achievement took Kilkenny to the outright top of the tables in National titles won.  Three of IT Carlow’s Science & Health lecturers were part of the senior back room team and played a pivotal roll in the player’s fitness development.

Noel Richardson, lecturer on the BSc Honours Degree in Sports & Exercise Rehabilitation at IT Carlow is the Kilkenny team’s trainer.  Noel comments 'It's a privilege to work with such dedicated and talented players and with such a professional management team.'  Noel has also established the Institutes Centre for Men’s Health Research & Training and has worked with Department of Health on men’s research projects.  He has been responsible for the development of the national policy of men’s health which is due for publication this year. 

Clare Lodge also a lecturer at IT Carlow works along side her husband Robbie as the hurling teams Physiotherapists.  Clare has worked with the Kilkenny team for the past seven years. 

Roisin Young, a past graduate of IT Carlow’s BSc Honours Degree in Sports & Exercise Rehabilitation and current lecturer on the course, is the hurling teams Sports Rehabilitator.  ‘Studying at IT Carlow was a very positive experience for me, which has opened many doors.  It has given me many employment opportunities.  It’s great to be back in the college as a lecturer and my qualification has allowed me to experience pitch-side in Croke Park at the All-Ireland Hurling Final.  A day I'll never forget!  Working with the Kilkenny hurlers has been an incredible experience.  As a Sports Rehabilitator I work closely with the team doctor, physiotherapists and trainers.  The focus is always on having the players in the best possible shape on match days’ says Roisin.  Roisin is aiming to undertake a Masters at IT Carlow and study the effect of myofascial trigger point release on the strength and length of the rotator cuff muscle in the shoulder.  

The staff at IT Carlow congratulate the Kilkenny hurling teams on their fantastic achievement.

For more information on the BSc Hons Degree in Sports & Exercise Rehabilitation log on to www.itcarlow.ie
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IT Carlow, 5th September 2008 – The Institute of Technology Carlow is delighted to announce that Jason Finn from New Ross, Co Wexford, a Carpentry & Joinery student from the Institute, has won the 51st National Skills Final.  Jason will now have the honour of representing his country and IT Carlow in the Euro Skills competition which will take place in Rotterdam this month. 

Jason proudly represented IT Carlow in the Joinery Section of the National Skills Final in June of this year.  The top three competitors of the National Skills Final then travelled to Sligo for four weeks intensive training and competed for the opportunity of travel to Rotterdam for the Euro Skills 2008 competition.  Euro Skills forms an important stage on which Europe can profile itself to the world on the basis of a number of different skills.  After three days of an intensive judging process Jason came out on top and was announced the overall winner. 

Pascal Harte, IT Carlow Carpentry & Joinery (C&J) Lecturer explains “Jason has worked hard since the National Skills Final developing his drawing and setting out skills along with his practical and finishing work.  Jason’s dedication to his skill and trade has shone through.  We are all very proud of his achievements to-date.  I am sure there are many more in the pipeline with World Trades competition next year in Canada and on behalf of the C&J team of lecturers I would like to congratulate Jason and wish him every success in the European finals.”

Jason’s employer Gary McCarthy must also take credit in his success.  Gary has supported and encouraged Jason throughout his apprenticeship and his journey to the Euro Skills Final.  Gary comments “It would be an understatement to say how proud I am of Jason in excelling to the heights of achievement in Joinery.  It is a great credit to himself.  The work he does with Gary McCarthy Carpentry is very different to the technical skills he has developed in the competition.  I would like to wish him the best of luck on behalf of his work mates, family and friends in the Euro Skills competition in Rotterdam.  Go do yourself proud Gary.”

David Denieffe, IT Carlow Head of School of Engineering said “Jason is a very skilled craftsman with great potential.  The staff at IT Carlow congratulates Jason on his achievements to date and wishes him all the best in Euro Skills 2008.”
 
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IT Carlow, 5th September 2008 – This year’s contingent of mature students arrived in IT Carlow on the 5th of September.  An orientation programme was organised for mature entrants who are about to start studying as undergraduates at the Institute.  The programme provided a great opportunity for participants to find out more about what life will be like when college commences.  The students were also provided with information on the various supports and services available to them throughout their time at college.

The programme included introductions to student support services, a short course on the computing environment and demonstration of the e-learning scheme for students within the Institute. The 70 mature students who attended the course were introduced to the resources and facilities available at the Institute. It was a chance also to meet and make friends with other new mature students ‘in the same boat’.

Aisling McHugh, Access Officer organised the programme. Aisling explains “Returning to college after a break, or entering it for the first time as a mature student, can be a daunting experience. The orientation programme is intended to smooth the entrant’s path into higher education and improve confidence. The mature student brings with him or her life experiences allied with determination and focus, all of which are conducive to successful learning. We believe that the particular contribution of mature students to the academic and social environment of the Institute is a valuable and beneficial asset”.

John Hackett from Arklow, Co Wicklow said “I am very excited about returning to higher education.  When I left secondary school I worked in the computing area for 14 years.  I was employed by Thames Valley University, London as a System Analysist.  I have always aspired to obtain my qualifications so decided that now was a good time to go to College.  I have commenced the Higher Certificate in Science in Computing at IT Carlow.  My long term goal is to achieve an Honours Degree in Computing.   It is reassuring to know that there is so much back up for me at IT Carlow.  It has been 26 years since I was in the education system.  I really enjoyed the orientation programme which gave me a good insight into college life.”

Ken McGrath from New Ross, Co Wexford has also returned to education.  Ken was working on the buildings and decided due to the recent downturn in the economy to re-train.  Ken has commenced the Bachelor of Science (Honours) Degree in Software Development.  Ken comments “I was quite nervous making the decision to return to higher education.  I have a young family and it is a big commitment to undertake.  The orientation programme has reassured me that I have made the right decision to return to college. I am looking forward to the challenge.”
 
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IT Carlow, 22nd August 2008 – IT Carlow’s Lifelong Learning Centre held an information evening last week for those considering higher education for the first time or those who might be planning to enhance their qualifications in preparation for a career change.  Hundreds of prospective students, from all over Carlow and the surrounding areas, came along to avail of the opportunity to speak to qualified staff about the abundance of part-time programmes available at the Institute.

Brian McQuaid, Head of Lifelong Learning commented “The Information Evening was a great success.  Staff and lecturers from the Lifelong Learning Centre provided valuable information and answered queries in relation to all of our courses.  Our programmes this year include Business, Law and Engineering Degrees and Certificates.  We also offer fully accredited courses in Early Childhood Education & Care and Applied Social Studies. There are still a limited number of places available on some programmes, prospective students should contact the Lifelong Learning Centre as soon as possible to register. ”

All of the Institutes Lifelong Learning courses are accredited by IT Carlow or other recognised national and international providers and range from short single module special purpose awards through to honours four year degree programmes.  Brian McQuaid comments “IT Carlow’s Lifelong Learning students have been in the top percentile in their exams for the last number of years.   For example in 2007 four Lifelong Learning students finished nationally in the top 10% of the Institute of Accountancy Technicians of Ireland exams.”   

So, whether you are an individual who wishes to pursue a higher education qualification or upgrade an existing one, or a business which wishes to improve and strengthen the qualifications of staff look no further.  Call down to the Institutes Lifelong Learning Centre telephone for a prospectus on 059 9176252/251 or log onto www.itcarlow.ie/LLL.

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IT Carlow, 22nd August 2008 – The Institute of Technology Carlow in collaboration with IT Blanchardstown and IT Tallaght are conducting important research into the potential contribution of Emotional Intelligence to students and academic teaching staff.  Improving student retention is a national and institutional goal. Studies show that retention rates are significantly higher for students high in emotional intelligence.

Intelligence has long been defined and understood in terms of IQ measurement.  IQ is the measurement of a person’s ability to learn, recall, apply, think, reason and abstract.  Over the past two decades, a substantial and growing body of academic research, and studies of work environments, has identified the emergence of another distinct and separate intelligence – emotional intelligence (EI).  Emotional intelligence addresses the emotional, personal, traditional cognitive aspects of intelligence.  Emotional wellbeing is concerned with understanding oneself and dealing with environmental demands.  EI helps to predict success because it reflects how a person applies knowledge to the immediate situation.  In a way, to measure EI is to measure one’s “common sense” and ability to get along in the world.

John Sheehy, recently appointed Researcher on this project has an academic background in psychology, education, management and counselling.  John studied emotional intelligence as part of an MSc programme at Trinity College Dublin.  John explains “Throughout my studies and employment as a teacher I found it interesting that emotions seem to play a much greater role in leadership, adaptability, interpersonal and stress management skills than is commonly acknowledged.  I am very excited about this project as this kind of research has not been carried out on the Irish population before now.”

The research project will be divided into distinct phases including:
• Accreditation, training and development of staff from the Institute in EI competency coaching skills.
• The development of programme modules with learning outcomes of emotional knowledge skills and competencies.
• Delivery of these modules with students, and finally an evaluation of the deliverables of the project. 

The successful elements will then be proposed for mainstreaming and made available through programme modules for all academic programmes.

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While the majority of IT Carlow students are enjoying their summer holidays, the campus is a hive of activity in preparation for the new term which commences on the 8th of September 2008.  As part of the Institute’s ongoing commitment to improvements in its course provision and facilities, a number of new developments are well underway.

New CAO courses being offered from September 2008 include:
- BA in Applied Social Studies (Social Care) CW717
- BA in Sport & Exercise (Rugby) CW907
- BA (Hons) in Art CW038 (Wexford Campus)
- BSc (Hons) in Construction with Quantity Surveying CW438
- BSc (Hons) in Construction with Facilities Management CW448
- BSc (Hons) in Software Development CW238
For more information on these and other courses at IT Carlow log onto www.itcarlow.ie

The Institute is also involved in a range of national developmental projects, funded under the HEA SIF (Strategic Innovation Fund) and aimed at driving innovation in higher education institutions to improve teaching and learning, support institutional reform, promote access and lifelong learning, and support the development of fourth level education.  The Institute has recently commenced the work on the following three new SIF projects:
1. The Eastern Regional Alliances (ERA) of Institutes of Technology – Innovation Synergies for Learners;
2. Addressing Needs of the Knowledge Economy;
3. Work-based Learning- Progression of Apprentices.

The Institute continues to promote a range of developmental activities aimed at assisting the growth of the industrial and commercial sectors in the region and will commence work on a new three year project entitled “Wales Ireland Sustainable Enterprise” (WISE).  This is a joint project between the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) Wales and the Institute of Technology Carlow.  The aims of the WISE project are to address the overall sustainable development of SME’s and particularly those in the engineering sector. 

IT Carlow Capital development programmes currently in the pipeline include a Teaching and Research Wing (€15m); Administrative Block (€5m) and the expansion of Student Services and Sports Facilities (€7m).  Along with this there is a continuous upgrading and refurbishment plan in place for the existing buildings.  Recent additions include a new Engineering Technology Building; a state-of-the-art Radio Studio to accompany the existing TV Studio; Floodlit sand based pitches and all weather pitches.  A new high performance gymnasium is also coming on stream for September 2008 for the advancement of the professional athlete’s fitness.

For more information on any of the above log onto www.itcarlow.ie

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IT Carlow, 25th July 2008 – In response to a growing awareness, and indeed concern, about different aspects of men’s health in Ireland, IT Carlow has established a Centre for Men’s Health Research & Training.  The Research Centre is headed by Dr Noel Richardson, who has extensive experience in research and policy work in men’s health.  Noel has worked with Department of Health on men’s research projects and has been responsible for the development of the national policy of men’s health which is due for publication this year. 

The aim of the Centre is to develop innovative and multi-disciplinary research and training programmes on men’s health in the years ahead, through the development of partnerships with key stakeholders in other academic, education, service-delivery and community organisations. 

The Research Centre recently held a Men’s Health Training Programme at IT Carlow for community workers in the Carlow area.  The training was provided to workers on the ground to support the Carlow Men’s Health Project – a partnership project involving IT Carlow, Carlow County Council, HSE, CANDO, St. Catherine’s Community Services Centre, Men’s Development Network, Open Door Community Development project and WIT. Fourteen community workers from the Carlow area attended the two-day course, which focused in particular on tackling health issues that are prevalent among socially disadvantaged men and also looked at how services can be targeted more effectively at men. The wealth of experience that participants brought to the training really enhanced the outcomes that were achieved. 

The training course was run by Dr Noel Richardson, Director of the IT Carlow Centre for Men’s Health Research & Training and Lorcan Brennan from the Men’s Development Network, Waterford.  Dr Richardson commented
“There was a tremendous response to the two-day training programme. Men are often seen by health services as ‘hard work’. However, men are interested in their health and are perfectly willing to engage once they feel that services can meet their particular needs. The roll-out of men’s health training is critical in informing and supporting service providers on how they can more effectively target men.”

For more information on the Institutes Centre for Men’s Health Research & Training log onto www.itcarlow.ie and click on Research & Development or t: 059 9170597.

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IT Carlow, 1st August 2008 – IT Carlow, 1st August 2008 – People from all over Carlow and Kilkenny visited the Institute of Technology Carlow recently for County Carlow Sports Partnership and Kilkenny Recreation Sports Partnership’s latest sports initiative “Sports Ability Day”.

During the Sports Ability Day participants with disabilities, both young and old, tried out a multitude of different sports and activities including; Archery; Boccia; Chair Aerobics; New Age Kurling and Powersoccer, all of which were fully interactive.  Fully qualified instructors gave guidance on the sports, and encouraged all to participate.  The instructors and assistants involved in the day were voluntary and represented the F.A.I., Irish Archery Association, Irish Wheelchair Association, Carlow Volunteer Centre, CARA National Adapted Physical Activity Centre, Kildare Sports Partnership, Offaly Sports Partnership, Westmeath Sports Partnership, Wexford Sports Partnership, Cheshire Homes, Rehab Care and SOS Kilkenny.

In keeping with the inclusive theme of the day the participants’ families were also encouraged to take part in the activities. “The response to the day has been welcoming.  The event was open to people with a physical disability, coaches, special needs assistants, parents, youth club leaders, carers, facility managers and anyone with an interest in promoting sport and physical activity for people with a disability.  We had 40 people participating on the day and over 60 people present.  We hope that many of the participants will continue to get involved in the sports they sampled on the day” commented Jenna Doyle, Sports Inclusion Disability Officer of Carlow Sports Partnership.

The Sports Ability Day is one of a number of initiatives organised by County Carlow Sports Partnership to help increase the participation levels of people with disabilities  in sport, recreation and physical activity.  In the near future there will be further opportunities to take part in these activities, one such project involving the Institute of Technology Carlow is the pilot project “Physical Activity and Healthy Lifestyle Project” for people with disabilities (PwD).  This project will emphasise the importance of adapting a healthy lifestyle and offer a variety of physical activities to participants with a disability.  The project aims to assist PwD to familiarise themselves with good practice (warm-up, cool-down, stretches, benefits of physical activity). This project is due to commence in October 2008.

Director of Sport at the Institute, Carmel Lynch, who is a Member of the County Carlow Sports Partnership Board, comments:  ‘The Institute welcomes the opportunity to get involved in community projects and to share our excellent facilities to promote physical activity for all. The Sports Ability Day was very successful and a great buzz was created around the campus by all the participants and leaders. We look forward to further projects and to working closely with the County Carlow Sports Partnership to promote increased participation in sport & physical activity.

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IT Carlow, 1st August 2008 – Students at the Institute of Technology Carlow recently helped raise much needed funds to assist in the aid effort following the recent disastrous earthquake in south west China.  The students, all members of the Chinese Students Society, were moved by the plight of their countrymen and quickly came together to conduct a collection during the end of term events at the college. As a result of this initiative over €1,000 was raised for the Irish Red Cross and the Institute generously matched the student’s donation.

Donal McAlister, Non EU International Programme Coordinator at the Institute of Technology, Carlow, says that this fundraising initiative is “a credit to all concerned and reflects the hard working and conscientious ethic of our international student cohort in general.”

Grainne O’Kelly of the Irish Red Cross commented that almost 70,000 people died in Chinas Sichuan province as result of the earthquake with a further 374,000 injured and 15 million displaced.  She thanked the Institute’s Chinese Student Society for their efforts and “for generously supporting the role of the Irish Red Cross and helping to ease some of the pain being experienced by the people of China.”

For this and other news at IT Carlow log on to www.itcarlow.ie

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IT Carlow, 18th July 2008 – Summer is the time for fun and games and no place does it better than the IT Carlow Activity Camp 2008.  Over 50 children from Carlow, aged between 7 and 12, took part in camp activities from the 14th – 18th July. 

Activity Leaders at IT Carlow ensured that the kids were provided with an environment where they were encouraged to participate in a wide variety of exciting and stimulating activities such as athletics, uni-hoc, badminton, basketball, handball, orienteering, rounders, arts and crafts and computing.  Two new activities which went down a storm this year included mud wrestling and crab soccer.  

According to Maeve Barry, camp co-ordinator ‘The ultimate aim is to provide safe and enjoyable activities for boys and girls of all ages, providing them with a chance to take part in a diverse range of activities and make new friends. We are delighted to organise this event here at IT Carlow each year. The feedback has been great which confirms that the week makes a valuable contribution to young people’s development.  The kids were very enamoured with our new activities including ‘crab soccer’, which involves playing indoor soccer sitting down.

The demand for camp places increases each year. With excellent facilities and equipment in place, the Institute is the perfect venue to run such a programme. With capacity on this Activity Camp limited there is no doubt that early booking is a must for next year.

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IT Carlow, 11th July 2008 – The Irish contingent of students might be away but the Institute is by no means short of a student atmosphere. Over the past few years IT Carlow has made its facilities available to Spanish and French students who have travelled to Ireland to learn English during the summer period. This year is certainly no exception as over 200 French and Spanish students fill the corridors of the Institute.

The Dolmen English Language School are providing the language tuition while the Institute provides the facilities. The first group of students arrived mid June and commenced classes and activities. The eight week packed programme includes classes, sporting activities, day trips, and other social events.

Colm Geiran, Director of Studies, of the Dolmen English Language School commented, “It is hugely beneficial to have third level facilities for the English language programme that we run. There is a great atmosphere around the campus and the college is a top class venue for a quality language programme like ours. It is fantastic to use the canteen, sports facilities and Learning Resource Centre here at IT Carlow. It gives the students a sense of importance and they feel really looked after. The use of the facilities has enabled us to get accreditation from ACELS (Advisory Council for English Language Schools).

Caroline Behan, Programme Director of the Dolmen English Language School added, “A big thank you to all of the host families because without them we wouldn’t have a programme”.

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IT Carlow, 4th July 2008 – With globalisation a reality in the Irish economy today, regular upgrading of knowledge and skills is becoming more of a necessity than an option, for successful careers.  Consequently IT Carlow is seeing a huge increase in mature students returning to education to broaden their horizons and further their career prospects.  Ray Regan, from Carlow is one such student who returned to higher education at IT Carlow in September 2005 to study for an honours degree in civil engineering.

Ray was working full-time as a technician in Braun and part-time as a retained fire fighter before he commenced his degree at IT Carlow.  Ray felt he wasn’t achieving his potential at work and knew he had more to offer, particularly in the Fire Service, so he decided to apply to college.  ‘Taking the decision to return to full-time education was not an easy one.  I am married to Denise, we have three children, and giving up a full-time job was a daunting prospect.  However I was lucky enough to be able to continue my part-time job as a retained fire fighter.’ said Ray 

‘The reason I chose a degree in civil engineering was because after weighing up all the options I felt civil engineering gave me more career options upon completion.  Fortunately my ambitions paid off as I was recently appointed Acting Assistant Chief Fire Officer for County Carlow Fire and Rescue Service.  Without returning to education and completing my degree I would not have been in a position to apply for the job.  The course provided me with a broad education in the area of engineering, both practical and academic.

As a mature student returning to education I wondered how I would fit in with the younger students, but to be honest, this was never a problem.  There were many other mature students at the college and we were treated the same as everyone else.  What I do think was great was how we complement each other – being a bit mature means you can sometimes approach things with a different perspective.  Lecturers were very supportive and flexible.  They understood the pressures of studying full-time, supporting a family and working part-time and encouraged me all the way through college.

The support that I received from family, friends and colleagues at the fire station made my transition from full-time employment to college life a lot easier.  The support I also received from the student support services, the lecturers at IT Carlow and from my fellow mature students made studying at IT Carlow a pleasure.  I would highly recommend IT Carlow for anyone considering returning to education.’ comments Ray.

For more information on engineering courses at IT Carlow log onto www.itcarlow.ie or t: 059 9176253. 

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IT Carlow, 4th July 2008 – Institute of Technology Carlow are delighted to congratulate Jason Finn from New Ross, Co. Wexford a Carpentry & Joinery student from the Institute, on coming second in the National Skills final held recently in Dublin.

Jason proudly represented IT Carlow in the Joinery Section of National Skills Final in June of this year and came a very impressive second, by a small margin.   Over the intensive four day practical finals (consisting of two practical projects) Jason's knowledge, understanding and practical skills of joinery shone through.   With only a short timeframe of preparation and training before the finals, Jason's very respectable second place was just rewards for all his hard work.   The top three competitors now competed to represent Ireland.  Jason will travel to Sligo IT in August for four weeks intensive training to compete for the opportunity of representing both Ireland and IT Carlow in the Euro Skills 2008 competition in Rotterdam in September.  EuroSkills forms an important stage on which Europe can profile itself to the world on the basis of a number of different skills.

“Jason has a very good chance of achieving this coveted position in September.   Jason is a very skilled craftsman with great potential.  Representing his country and IT Carlow would be well deserved for all his efforts.   All the staff of IT Carlow and the Department of the Built Environment congratulates Jason on his achievements to date and wish him all the best in future competitions” comments Pascal Harte, IT Carlow Carpentry & Joinery Lecturer.

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IT Carlow, 4th July 2008 – IT Carlow’s Lifelong Learning Centre held a very successful information and registration evening recently. The event provided prospective students with the key information to help them make their course choice. Students were also afforded the opportunity to discuss relevant educational requirements with the Institute lecturers involved in the programmes offered.

The programme selection offered by the Lifelong Learning Centre covers a wide range including courses in Business, Computing, Science, Engineering and Humanities.  Certificate, Diploma and Degree qualifications are available across more than 60 courses.  A number of new programmes are offered this year including Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education & Care (Honours), Higher Diploma in Management and the Higher Certificate in Office Management.

Courses are proving as popular as ever and interested parties are encouraged to make contact with the Lifelong Learning Centre as soon as possible.  A full copy of the 2008/2009 Lifelong Learning Centre prospectus will be available in late July and is also available to download on the IT Carlow website homepage at www.itcarlow.ie

Further information is available from the Continuing Education office on t: 059 9176252/251.  For those who missed the information evening, it’s not too late!  An additional information evening will be held in the Institute on Tuesday 26th August from 6.00 - 8:30pm.

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IT Carlow, 20th June 2008 – Students are busy considering their options as the CAO Change of Mind deadline approaches.  IT Carlow offers a very successful Sports Scholarship scheme for elite athletes.  Now in its tenth year, the Sports Scholarship programme provides financial support for students to help towards the cost of accommodation, additional coaching and specialised training equipment.  The programme is designed to nurture and develop individual talent and maintain the Institute’s sporting tradition.  IT Carlow awarded 34 sports scholarships in the academic year 2007/2008.

IT Carlow has been at the forefront of many inter–college sporting events over the last decade and 2007/2008 was no exception with college teams contesting no less than eight All Ireland finals and bringing home the silverware in five major sports.

The first title of the year went to the Gaelic Football Club who won the Div 2 League in December, followed by the Olympic Handball team who won the Intervarsity Olympic Handball Championship.  Further success followed in March when the Women’s Volleyball team were victorious in the Volleyball Ireland College’s league and the Golf team won the Irish College’s Golf Association league.  The final triumph of the year was the success of the Women’s Gaelic Football team winning the Lynch Cup in Galway in April 2008.  This success, coupled with the Rugby, Soccer and Badminton teams reaching the All Ireland Final stages rounded off a highly successful season of sport at IT Carlow.

The Institute is proud of the impressive facilities available on campus and over the past three years the college has invested heavily in the development of state of the art sports facilities including, a large Sports Hall, Fitness Gym, Gaelic/ Rugby/ Soccer pitches and four All Weather 5 -aside pitches.  These enhanced facilities provide the ideal training ground for the elite athlete and the recreational user to enjoy and develop their sport.

Carmel Lynch, Sports Director at IT Carlow comments “Through the provision of sporting scholarships IT Carlow has established a reputation as a leader in third level colleges sport.  Outstanding performers from any sport will be considered for a scholarship.”

Applications are welcome from elite athletes who participate at international, inter-provincial, inter-county and senior club level.  Applications will be considered from students who have gained an offer of a place through the CAO system for a course at IT Carlow for entry 2008/2009.  Sport Scholarship application forms can be downloaded by visiting www.itcarlow.ie.  Closing date for applications is the 31st August 2008.

For further information please contact: Carmel Lynch Sports Director, t: 059 91 70471 e: carmel.lynch@itcarlow.ie 

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IT Carlow, 20th June 2008 – James Corcoran from Clonaslee, Co Laois recently completed his final exams for an Honours Degree in International Business.  After spending four years working as a professional sign-writer James decided to go back to college to study Business because he wanted a change in career and to give himself more career opportunities.  James tells his story.

'I was 24 when I started my course and was surprised to see so many other mature students which made me feel more comfortable.  The first two years flew by and weren’t too difficult as I received plenty of support from the lecturers and students.  I covered subjects like Management, Economics, Information Technology, Law and French.  Business Studies was ideal for me as it covered a wide range of areas relating to all businesses and after year two it allowed me to choose a more specialised area and my selection was “International Business'.

I participated in the “Erasmus Programme” where I spent a year at one of IT Carlow’s partner institutes Perigueux in the south of France near Bordeaux.  This was an amazing experience because I made so many friends from France, Germany and Spain who I am still in contact with.   I learned how to speak a foreign language, not to mention the numerous parties and travelling around Europe.

Having completed my year in Perigueux I returned to my studies at IT Carlow and I have just completed my final year.  I have already organised a placement for next year as students who hold a degree in International Business from Ireland are in high demand because of the amount of Irish businesses going global.  My placement is with IBEC, I will be placed with an Irish company abroad where I will be researching and developing potential markets for Irish companies to export to.

During my studies at IT Carlow I was involved in numerous clubs and societies.  In fourth year I was involved in the boxing club.  This year I won the National Intervarsity Boxing Championship and the British and Irish Intervarsity Boxing Championship.  Recently I received one of the Institutes Achievement Awards for my sporting achievements which I was delighted with.  I also played other sports and was involved in the “International Student Society” where I got to meet students from all over the world.

I am really looking forward to my placement with IBEC but I have to say I had a great time at IT Carlow and I will miss the college life, but most of all the friends I made.'

For more information on Business Courses at IT Carlow log onto www.itcarlow.ie or t: 059 9170409.

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IT Carlow, 13th June 2008 – The pressure of the Leaving Certificate exams are finally over.  Students can now reflect and turn their attention to their CAO application choices which they selected in January.  Choosing a college course is a very important decision to make and many students may have changed their minds since their CAO Application in January.  Mary Jordan, Head of Academic Administration and Student Affairs at IT Carlow offers the following advice to students before they use the CAO Change of Mind Facility:

> Carefully consider your current course choices
> Consult the Institute prospectus or website for full course details
> Contact IT Carlow if you require more information
> Check out the subject requirements for the courses that you have chosen
> Consider the career options available with the various course choices; look at courses which include subjects you have already studied
> Discuss your course choices with your Parents/Guidance Counsellor, if possible students who are attending the courses of interest to you
> Be aware that IT Carlow offers students a flexible course programme progressing from Higher Certificate through Ordinary Degree to Honours Degree and Higher Degree Qualifications
> List your course choices in genuine preference order. You will receive a place offer for the highest course preference to which you are entitled, based on your Leaving Certificate results/points
> Be aware that IT Carlow offer Academic and Sports Scholarships
> Review the wide range of Student Support Services available at IT Carlow

“I would also stress to students the importance of researching your course choices carefully.  It will benefit you greatly to carefully investigate all courses applied for, know what your course choice entails,” comments Mary.

For further information on the IT Carlow CAO Change of Mind Campaign log onto www.itcarlow.ie or call us on 059 9170400.  Leaving Certificate students wishing to avail of their CAO Change of Mind option can do so by logging on to the CAO website www.cao.ie by the 1st July 2008.

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IT Carlow, 13th June 2008 – Brendan Canavan, from Galway, a student on the Higher Certificate in Avionics programme and Shane Collins, from Cork, a student on Bachelor of Engineering in Aircraft Systems at IT Carlow have been awarded prestigious Air Atlanta Scholarships.

In order to win the Scholarships the students underwent a thorough selection process which involved students being ranked on their overall average mark received in their Semester 1 & the EASA exams (Irish Aviation Authority) plus a meticulous interview by Air Atlanta staff.

Aer Atlanta is one of Europe’s leading aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul organisations.  Airlines book their planes into Air Atlanta for a service just like people book cars into a garage.  However, the scale of the aircraft maintenance is much bigger.  For example, a full service on a jumbo jet will take 100 technicians to complete.  Eugene Carbery, Head of the Department of Electronic, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering said, “We are really delighted with the support that is provided by Air Atlanta which is invaluable to our students.  We look forward to continuing this relationship and developing it further.”

IT Carlow is the only third level Institute in Ireland which is licensed by the Irish Aviation Authority to provide Avionic Technicians.  Currently, IT Carlow offers a Higher Certificate in Avionics (CW526) and a Bachelor of Engineering in Aircraft Systems (CW507).  The BEng is a full-time course where participants cover all EASA (Irish Aviation Authority) modules required to obtain a B1 or B2 licence.  Such a licence will guarantee them employment as Aircraft Maintenance technicians anywhere in the world.

For further information on Avionics and courses in this area please contact: Eugene Carbery, Head of the Department of Electronic, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at IT Carlow on: 059 9176416 or email: eugene.carbery@itcarlow.ie

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IT Carlow, 6th June 2008 – A selection of the best of Ireland’s artists will exhibit their art in the Institute of Technology Carlow from Saturday 7th June until Sunday 15th June from 11.00am - 7.00pm. The exhibition is part of the overall Éigse Festival initiative to promote budding artists and entry is free.

There is a very diverse display of art at the exhibit with a total of ten artists taking part. These  are:
o Barrie Cooke
o Dorothy Cross
o Grace Weir
o Susan Tiger
o Cecily Brennan
o Nick Miller
o Neva Elliott
o John Gerrard
o Gary Phelan
o Martin Healy

The exhibition is entitled 'Singing the Real (Ireland)' and explores the combination of scientific method and art practice in Irish art today.  Observing, recording, describing, hypothesizing and analysing are the empirical dynamics that underscore the artwork in this exhibition.

The 'Open Selection & Platform 059 (Ireland) will also be exhibited at IT Carlow from June 7th until June 15th.  The exhibition is a series of concentric circles, spinning out from the artist that lives local in Carlow to a nationwide constituency, whether in a garret in Dublin or up a boreen in Mayo.  A second exhibition will showcase the work of up to six artists from the 059 telephone prefix region.  These artists were especially handpicked by Patrick T. Murphy, Director of the RHA Gallagher Gallery.

Art enthusiast and IT Carlow Registrar Brian Bennett said “It was an honour for the college to have such a magnificent collection of work on display.  From this display it is evident that there is a huge talent around and I would like to take this opportunity to wish the artists every success in their future career.”

Visitors to the exhibition will also have the opportunity to view the College's own Art Collection which is placed throughout the Institute.

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Institute of Technology Carlow are delighted to announce that Jason Finn from New Ross, Co Wexford a Carpentry & Joinery student from the institute, has successfully qualified for the National Skills final to be held in Dublin later this month. 

This year IT Carlow hosted the preliminary round of the competition for the first time in Carpentry and Joinery and during the preliminary round Jason completed a 14 hour practical examination, which demonstrated his exceptional skills completing the assigned task to the highest standard.  The finished project was forwarded to The Department of Education and Science for assessment and Jason’s success has delighted the Carpentry & Joinery (C&J) lecturing team. 

Pascal Harte, Lecturer said “Jason is developing into a very skilled craftsman and we are delighted with his achievement to date but not surprised having seen the finished project.  On behalf of the C&J team of lecturers I would like to congratulate Jason and wish him every success in the finals.”

The 51st National Skills Final will take place in DIT from June 16th to June 19th 2008.  The National Skills Competition was established in 1957 by The Department of Education and Science to showcase the best of Irish Trade talent in their chosen disciplines. The winners of each trade in the finals will be awarded a Silver Medal and will have the honour of representing their country in The World Skills Competition.

Well done also to Gary Daly from Birr, Co Offaly another C&J student from IT Carlow who competed in the preliminary round here at the Institute. 
 
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IT Carlow, 30th May 2008 – Summer is the time for fun and no place does it better than Activity Camp 2008 at IT Carlow running from the 14th – 18th July 2008.  At IT Carlow our team has devised an exciting and stimulating range of activities suitable for 7 – 12 year olds.  We provide an environment where each child is encouraged to participate in a diverse range of activities such as; athletics, badminton, basketball, football, Olympic handball, orienteering, rounders, soccer, swimming, table tennis, uni-hoc, computing, plus arts and crafts.

Activity Camp 2008 will give your child the opportunity to discover new interests, make friends and have some fun.  All activities are designed to provide both variety and challenge.  Our staff running the activity camp are suitably qualified and trained to an exceptionally high standard.  Everyone at IT Carlow is committed to making the camp experience as enjoyable as possible for all the participants.  At the Institute all of our staff adhere strictly to Health and Safety procedures and can anticipate issues before they arise.

Kick your summer into high gear and enrol your child in the IT Carlow Activity Camp 2007.  For further information please contact: Paula Hickey on t: 059 91 70440 or e: paula.hickey@itcarlow.ie

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IT Carlow, 30th May 2008 – Congratulations are in order for Liam Frayne, from Dunbell, Co Kilkenny who has been selected as one of five students to receive the RDS/HETAC scholarship to represent Ireland at the 2008 London International Youth Science Forum.  The forum will take place from 23rd July until 6th August 2008.  Liam is a first year IT Carlow student studying on the Higher Certificate in Applied Chemistry programme CW126.

Liam completed his application form and underwent a rigorous interview process to win the two week prestigious scholarship.   Liam comments 'The opportunity to travel to London and meet top scientists and get an insight into current and future scientific developments is fantastic.  It will also give me the opportunity to fine tune choosing the area in which I want to continue my studies to Honours Degree Level.'

The RDS Foundation Science and Technology programme aims to support excellence in scientific endeavour and communication, to emphasise the importance of science and technology in economic and social development and to encourage young people to see science as provoking, challenging and fun.  The Science Forum will bring together over 300 students of the sciences from almost 60 countries in the five continents.

Scholarship winners will be involved in a programme of lectures and demonstrations from leading scientists; seminars, debates and discussions on scientific topics of world concern; visits to industrial sites and research facilities; visits to academic research centres in London, Oxford and Cambridge and various social activities.  Ray Benson, IT Carlow Science Lecturer said 'It's great for Liam to meet people from all over the world and discuss the different aspects of science.  He will get the opportunity to meet some eminent scientists and the experience will be of benefit to him in his future studies and career.'

IT Carlow wishes to congratulate Liam on his achievement and wish him every success in at the 2008 London International Youth Science Forum.  If you are interested in Science courses at IT Carlow log onto the website www.itcarlow.ie to find out more.

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IT Carlow, 23rd May 2008 – The Institute's Teaching & Learning Centre recently hosted the All Ireland Society for Higher Education first south-east regional seminar.   Over 40 academics from all over Ireland representing Institutes of Technology and Universities participated. 

The purpose of the event was to identify ways of improving and developing current assessment practices.  The keynote address was given by Dr Chris Rust, Oxford Brookes University, UK a leading higher education expert.  Dr Rust is the Head of the Oxford Centre for Staff and Learning Development and has researched and published on a variety of issues including ways of diversifying assessment.  Dr Rust commented “It is important to ensure, as much as possible, that the workload expected of students is realistic, and that the assessment system is non-threatening and non anxiety provoking.”

The Teaching and Learning Centre has recently been established in IT Carlow to support the professional development of academic staff and enhance the quality of learning and teaching.   Anne Carpenter  Co-ordinator of the Teaching and Learning  Centre said “The theme of assessment was deliberately chosen for the seminar as it plays such an essential part in Higher Education; all students are assessed both formally and informally during their time at third level.  Staff try to balance the demands of developing assessments that provide informative and robust results while not placing an undue burden on students.”

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IT Carlow 23rd May 2008 – On the 29th May 2008, the end of year exhibition of work by BA (Hons) Industrial Design students will be launched. An annual event, the exhibition showcases design work undertaken by students as part of their studies through out the year. Each student exhibits work from four projects, and again this year the creativity and technical competence displayed in the work is evidence of the quality of graduate emerging from the programme.

‘The Industrial design profession is now more important than ever to the Irish economy as it supports research driven innovative design solutions for new product and service offerings” said Peter Curran, programme director for BA (Hons) Industrial Design at IT Carlow. “The Irish government, through the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment, is now supporting indigenous Irish companies in the drive to develop such innovation and industrial design is one of the core drivers in assisting companies in the development of products and services capable of competing on the global market’

Over the past five years students on the course have undertaken design projects in conjunction with companies in the region and this partnership with industry is continued this year. Exhibiting students Peter Heary and Brian Dunne have produced highly innovative and feasible product design proposals for local companies Netwatch Security Ltd. and VVVisions respectively. The projects were sponsored by County Carlow Enterprise Board. A significant number of these collaborations have been undertaken in recent years.

Other projects exhibited this year are proposed by the students themselves and represent the creative and analytical nature of industrial design in solving real life problems with design solutions that are both user focused and feasible in terms manufacturing, assembly and distribution. Design for sustainability is also an important part of all the design briefs. Exciting examples of innovative projects on display include:
• the redesign of the military boot to address issues of load carrying, moisture management and longevity.
• a device for teaching the fundamentals of music to children in the 6 to 9 age group
• a wood pellet heater for contemporary urban homes
• a total lawn care system for small urban gardens and
• a pitch side device for immediate treatment of sports injuries.
The exhibition opens on Thursday May 29th at 7.00pm and runs until Friday June 6th.

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IT Carlow, 16th May 2008 – Why not take an 18 month college course which incorporates six months in college at IT Carlow, six months work placement followed by six months back studying at IT Carlow.  The course is designed to provide graduates with the skills required to operate as a frontline Information Technology Support person in a wide range of industry and business environments.

Nigel Whyte, Head of Department of Computing and Networking comments 'Career prospects for graduates of this Higher Certificate are great, qualifying students to work in any computing department providing user support, installing local area networks, configuring software, managing user accounts on server systems, providing hardware support, user training, software development support and monitoring system and network performance.'  In the past work placement has been with companies such as Sage, Wyeth Medica, Glanbia, AIB, Teagasc, County Councils, Health Boards, ARUP and EPA.

The closing date for applications and enquiries is Friday, 6th June 2008.  Interviews will be scheduled for Monday, 16th June 2008.  If you would like further information please contact Mary Beck, Admissions Department, IT Carlow on t: 059 9176219 or log on to www.itcarlow.ie and check out the Higher Certificate in Science in Information Technology Support CW216 under the full-time courses section.

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IT Carlow, 23rd May 2008 – IT Carlow Engineering Lecturer Mark Norton recently travelled to Universidad Politecnica de Valencia (UPV) in Valencia, Spain as part of the Erasmus Programme.  The programme seeks to enhance the quality and reinforce the European dimension of higher education, by encouraging transnational co-operation between universities.  To assist this, Erasmus provides grants to higher education institutions to facilitate staff and student exchanges.

UPV is one of the premier engineering universities in Spain with a student population of over 36,000 and almost 4,000 staff.  Courses are taught through both Spanish and English.  During his visit Mark delivered technical lectures on “Low-Power Digital Integrated Circuit Design” to final year students and staff of the Telecommunicaitons Engineering Department.  Mark also delivered a lecture on the IT Carlow Experience, to students from the Industrial Engineering Department, who intend on travelling to Ireland for the next academic year.  “The visit was a great opportunity to create links between the IT Carlow and Universidad Politecnica de Valencia.  During my visit I met several lecturers who are engaged in similar work to us in terms of research and development on ASIC designs.” commented Mark.

Mark's visit was hosted by Vice-Dean of International Relations, Antonio Reig, and the International Relations Manager, Arantxa Querol.  Both of whom have visited IT Carlow previously and thoroughly enjoyed their experience.  The opportunity that Mark’s visit provided to promote the activities of IT Carlow has allowed an expansion of our present agreement with Universidad Politecnica de Valencia and should result in an increased level of student transfers between the Institutes. 

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IT Carlow, 9th May 2008 – Laura Dunne from Castledermot, Co Kildare has recently completed her final exams for an Honours Degree in Early Childhood Studies.  She began her studies in September 2004 setting out to learn all about the area of early childhood care.  Laura tells her story.

'I began my journey at IT Carlow in September 2004.  I decided to study Early Childhood Studies because I always wanted to work with children, although I wasn’t quite sure in which area exactly.  The Early Childhood Programme was a great course to choose as we covered such a broad range of subjects from sociology and psychology to creative studies and management.  This way you really get a flavour for all areas of working with children, their families and organisations involved in childcare.

In my first year at college I was awarded an academic scholarship which really encouraged me starting out.  It was great to see the hard work I had put into the Leaving Certificate pay off and being acknowledged by the Institute.  The academic scholarships are awarded to the student with the highest Leaving Certificate points on each course.

My course had a small class size of 25 students so we got the chance to get to know each other really well.  The small class size ensured we received excellent tuition and support from lecturers throughout the duration of the course.

One of the best parts of the course was the opportunity to complete work placement each year.  I had the chance to gain experience in a variety of early year settings including; community, Montessori and Steiner.  I feel that the work placement I completed will really stand to me now as a new graduate.  I have gained valuable experience in my chosen field which should give me a head start when applying for jobs.

Although the course was tough I took the opportunity to get involved in some of the clubs and societies at IT Carlow.  I joined the music society and sign language society.  I also took salsa dance classes which I thoroughly enjoyed.  In 2007 I was awarded the Clubs and Societies Award for Sign Language which was a great achievement.  Joining clubs and societies at college allow students to strike a healthy balance between academic and social life.

On graduating from the honours degree in Early Childhood Studies I have the option to work in a variety of early year's settings or become a manager in an early years setting.  I can also gain employment in a child and family organisation such as Barnardos and the Childcare Committee.  I hope at some stage to continue my studies and become a hospital play specialist.  But first I need a break from studying.  I have a job secured for the summer at Barretstown's 'Serious Fun Camp' where I will be the music activity leader and I am really looking forward to that.'

This course is now available as a three-year BA (Honours) in Early Childhood Education and Care (CW748).  For more information log onto www.itcarlow.ie or t: 059 9176233.

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IT Carlow, 9th May 2008 – IT Carlow has invested heavily in the development of state of the art sporting facilities over the past number of years.  As the academic year comes to an end the Institute sporting facilities will be available to hire by members of the local community.  Special summer rates are available to the community to hire out the 5 a-side all weather pitches and the 7 a-side all weather pitch, which may also be used for sports specific training.

On the periphery of the gaelic pitch a jogging/walking trail has been incorporated which will facilitate the recreational walker/jogger or the elite athlete.  Members of the locality are welcome to use this facility also.

If you would like to hire the Institutes sporting facilities contact the Barrow Centre Sports Office on t: 059 9170440 or email carmel.lynch@itcarlow.ie.

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IT Carlow, 25th April 2008 – As part of its Internationalisation Strategy, Institute of Technology Carlow has established cooperative linkages with a number of technology based universities in China.  These universities are keen to work with IT Carlow in the areas of Computing, Business, Industrial Design and Engineering to create linkages that will allow Chinese undergraduate students receive Bachelor Degree awards from IT Carlow.

Students engaged in these cooperative programs will transfer to IT Carlow following the satisfactory completion of the agreed courses in the Chinese university.  As part of this development academic staff from IT Carlow visit our partner universities to assist with the delivery and quality assurance of the syllabus.

One such visit has just been conducted to Guilin University of Science & Technology where students are undertaking studies in Industrial Design, Electronic Engineering and Business in preparation for entry into IT Carlow bachelor degree programmes in September 2008.

This academic delegation included Maebh Maher, Head of School of Business & Humanities, Colin Deevy, Lecturer in Industrial Design and Keith Smyth, Lecturer in Electronic Engineering.  The Delegation was accompanied by Donal McAlister, Non-EU International Programme Coordinator.  The delegation reported a very satisfactory standard among the students planning to continue their education at IT Carlow.

Maebh Maher commented 'The visit to the University in Guilin China highlighted for me the fact that the qualifications awarded by IT Carlow are held in high esteem worldwide. These groups of students are delighted to have the opportunity to come to Ireland to study in Carlow, though it will be a big sacrifice for them to study so far from home and their families. They are very excited about living and studying in Carlow and asked us a lot of interesting questions about the college and the town. I hope that they will enjoy their time with us in Carlow, make lots of Irish friends and, of course, I wish them every success in their studies here.'

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IT Carlow, 2nd May 2008 – On Friday last, the BSc in Construction in Architectural Technology Graduate Exhibition opened at the Institute. This annual display of the student's work provides an opportunity to showcase the skills and knowledge they have acquired throughout their course.  It is also an ideal opportunity for architectural practises to view the high standard and broad range of development work carried out by final year architectural students.

As part of their final year students embarked on a major project which included working on the historical Carlow Train Station. Students at the Institute surveyed the building and then drew up plans of the station along with plans for an extension of bar and restaurant facilities.  They had to explore a series of proposals for the bar and restaurant which were presented before the exhibition.  John Smith from Co Wicklow, one of the talented students who displayed their work at the exhibition commented 'My three years studying at IT Carlow have been a great experience.  We have been given the opportunity to develop to the stage where we can work on large projects and come up with our own ideas and designs.  The practical element of the course has given me the confidence to believe in my own ability and work to a very high standard.  Working on a ‘live project’ provided me with the ideal learning experience.'

According to Tony D'Arcy, Course Director, “The Architectural Technology Exhibition at IT Carlow is the high point of the year.  For the students it is the culmination of their three years hard work.  Here at the Institute we place great importance on developing key skills that will enable them to make a meaningful contribution to the design team.  Students through their studio exercises explore applied theory and detailing through various mediums, freehand sketches, model making and computer aided draughting.  The end of year exhibition provides an opportunity for students to showcase their work before they embark on a wide range of careers in both private and public industry.

More information on the BSc in Architectural Technology can be downloaded from the IT Carlow website www.itcarlow.ie or contact the School of Engineering on t: 059 91 76416.

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IT Carlow, 2nd May 2008 – SciFest 2008 a one-day festival of science, which includes a competition and exhibition of projects from second-level schools from Carlow, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois and Wicklow was hosted by IT Carlow on Wednesday last.  Over 60 entries, involving approximately 150 students and 11 schools were involved in the competition.

Students presented their projects under the following categories; Physical Sciences/Technology, Biological Sciences to an eminent panel of judges from IT Carlow and the Junior Science Support Service.  The overall winner of the competition was Adrian Shannon from Colaiste Bhride, Carnew, Co Wicklow.  Adrian's project investigated the possibility of slug control the chemical free way.  Adrian was presented his award by Mr Gerry Nolan, Education Specialist from Intel Ireland Limited.

Dr David Dowling, Head of School of Science & Health at IT Carlow commented 'The response to the competition has surpassed our expectations.  We have received great support from partners including Intel, Discover Science, Microsoft and Dell.  We hope that students enjoyed the competition and will be encouraged to further develop their projects and enter next year's BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition.'

Mr Joe Kehoe, IT Carlow Lecturer and a member of the SciFest stated 'We are delighted with the standard and quality of projects at SciFest this year.  The large number of entrants indicates that science has a bright future in the South Leinster and we are looking forward to an even bigger festival next year.  We want to thank the students and the teachers for all the work they put in and making this year such a great success.'

For more information on SciFest 2008 log onto www.scifest.ie.

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IT Carlow, 25th April 2008 – Last Thursday night was the highlight of the year for clubs and societies at IT Carlow when 21 students were honoured with achievement awards for their contribution to the sport and recreation and clubs & societies programmes at the Institute.  This year's event was held at The Tower, Dinn Ri and students and staff turned out in style to support and congratulate their team mates.

The Institute places huge importance to the ongoing development of clubs and societies and this formal event is the opportunity to acknowledge the commitment and reward the achievements of outstanding students.  The leaders of the clubs contribute to enhancing the sense of community and provide the opportunity for 1st year students to make new friends and settle into college life.

The President of the Institute, Dr Ruaidhri Neavyn presented the awards and in his address emphasised the importance of getting involved in extra curricular activities to maximise the whole higher education experience.  Carmel Lynch, Sports Director and organiser of the awards commented 'The awards ball is a great way to celebrate the end of year and acknowledge the leaders of the clubs and societies for all their hard work throughout the year.'

A feature of the occasion is the uniqueness of the award the students receive on the night.  The award is designed in-house as a result of a competition open to all 2nd year Design students.  The brief was to design an award which was abstract and expressive and represented involvement in clubs and societies.  Following a rigorous selection process the winner was selected and the Institute was proud to present such a sought after unique piece to all the worthy recipients.  The winning design was created by Shane O’Connor who comes from Dunlaoighre in Dublin.  Shane’s design was inspired by a combination of the architecture of the college and the different stages students go through to develop their club or society.

IT Carlow Clubs & Societies Awards 2008

Club                                    Award Winner
Women's Gaelic                    Bridget Gallagher
Hurling                                 Fergus Shortt
Gig                                      Aoife Gorey
Men's Basketball                   Stephen Brierly
Camogie                              Aoife Connolly
American Football                  David Perkins
Boxing                                 James Corcoran
Women's Soccer                    Keri Charlton
Men's Volleyball                     Andreas Wagner
International Society              Shauna Browne
Hockey                                 Brian Dunne
Archery                                 Orla Mitchell
Men's Soccer                          Jonathan O’Hanlon
Women's Volleyball                 Johanna Kruse
S U Award                              Aaron Hughes
Rugby                                   Mark Slye
Women's Basketball               Nora Clarke
Music                                    Conor Duffy
Men's Gaelic Football              Michael Tierney
Men's Gaelic Football              David Corbett
Overall Societies Award           Daniel Kelso

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Offered on a Part-time Basis in Kilkenny Campus
IT Carlow, 18th April 2008 – IT Carlow's Lifelong Learning Centre is pleased to announce the introduction of a new Honours Business Degree in NUI Maynooth's Kilkenny Campus.  The new part-time course is accredited by IT Carlow and facilitates those students in the Kilkenny area who wish to gain a 3rd level qualification in Business.

Prior to the Degree commencing in September 2008 IT Carlow are offering students the opportunity to attend an Introductory Business Course which will offer the following topics; Introduction to Management; The Business Environment and The Management Environment.  The course, which commenced on the 14th of April and runs for six weeks also incorporates a built-in-studies skills content to help support students if they have been away from formal learning for some time.  Those who successfully complete the course will receive recognition for the work they have done should they wish to progress onto the part-time Bachelor of Business (Honours) planned for September 2008.  Although the course has started it is still possible to join the programme and benefit from the programmes modules.

Brian McQuaid, Head of the Lifelong Centre said 'IT Carlow is delighted to be able to offer its Honours Degree in Business in the NUIM Campus in St Kierans, Kilkenny.  The course is ideal for mature students interested in returning to learning and who wish to study modern business techniques.  The introductory course just started is also an ideal way for mature students away from learning for some time to sample the subject area and to get some kind of understanding of what is involved in studying for a degree.”

Bernadette Hogan, Paulstown, Kilkenny is a student on the new Introductory Business Course commented 'It is great that it's now possible to study in Kilkenny city for a formal accredited degree in business.  I am really enjoying the course and appreciate the help and encouragement received to-date.'

For further information on the above course contact Maeve O'Byrne, Kilkenny Campus (NUI Maynooth) on t: 056 7775910 or e: kilkenny.campus@nuim.ie

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IT Carlow, 17th April 2008 – The first graduates from the cooperative degree programme established between Institute of Technology Carlow and Dong-A University, Busan, South Korea received their parchments at a recent ceremony in Dong-A University.  The five Korean graduates, Seung Kyo Jung, Tae-ho Lee, Seong Hee Lee, Soon Jae Min and Joo Eon Park were presented with their parchments by Conor Murphy the Irish Ambassador to Korea.
 
Seung Kyo and Tae-ho were awarded a Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering and Seong Hee, Soon Jae and Joo Eon were awarded a Bachelor of Engineering in Electronic Engineering.  At the ceremony, the President of Dong-A University, Dr Sim Bong-Keun, said the initial outcome of the programme indicated a high level of understanding and cooperation between the two universities which established a strong platform for further cooperation and widening of the programme.  The President further commented that the five graduates, holding degrees from IT Carlow and Dong-A University, had now secured quality employment with major companies which is another valuable outcome of the programme.
 
The graduation ceremony included a prize giving at which David Denieffe, Head of School of Engineering at IT Carlow, presented Seung Kyo Jung with the IT Carlow award for 1st place Engineering Graduate for 2007.  Seung Kyo’s achievements were also acknowledged by a further award presented by his new employers, Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering.  IT Carlow was also represented at the ceremony by Jim McEntee, External Services Manager and Donal McAlister, Non-EU International Programme Coordinator who initiated the programme between the universities.  Mr McEntee stated that 'the success of this programme is an indication of IT Carlow's drive to compete at the highest standard in the field of international education.”
 
The Institute is pleased to announce that a further 10 students from Dong-A University are participating in the 2007/2008 degree programme at IT Carlow.

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IT Carlow, 11th April 2008 – Congratulations has been well earned by the Institutes Students Union as their Road Safety Awareness Campaign came to an end last Friday.  The campaign was aimed at over 3,000 students and 400 staff at the Institute and highlighted the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol, speed, driver fatigue and dangerous driving to young students who, according to statistics, are most at risk when driving on Irish Roads.

Cormac O'Toole, the Institutes Financial Controller was present at the reconstruction of the accident said 'It's definitely true to say a picture paints a thousands words.  The presence of the fire brigade cutting victims from the reconstruction, the ambulance crew reviving one of the crash victims and the undertakers arriving with a coffin to take away the fatality was just shocking and brought home the awful reality of the tragedies compared to just cold numbers and statistics.'

One of the main features of the campaign included a reconstruction of how the Fire Service, Ambulance Service and Gardai deal with a major traffic collision.  Jonathon Doran, Carlow Fire and Rescue Service, who participated in the reconstruction of a road traffic accident (RTA) commented 'People don’t often realise the role which the Fire Service play at an accident.  When dealing with an RTA we are trained to ensure scene safety, fire cover, stabilization of the vehicle and first responder to ensure the safety of the casualty.  The Fire Service work in unison with the ambulance service which ensure the best possible care for the casualty.  The reconstruction held at IT Carlow was a great opportunity for us to show students the impact of a serious accident and the consequence of dangerous driving.'  Jonathon is also studying a BEng (Hons) in Civil Engineering at IT Carlow.

President of the Students Union Aindreas Doyle said, “Nearly every student here at college knows of someone who has lost their life tragically in a car accident. Our aim to promote safer driving and better road safety awareness among college students has definitely been achieved.  We are delighted with the positive response we received from students and staff in relation to the knowledge they have taken away from attending events throughout the campaign.”

IT Carlow, 11th April 2008 – Congratulations to John Fleming and Cathal Kenny from Bennekerry National School who were announced winners of the Carlow Regional Final in the STEPS to Engineering K’NEX Regional Challenge at the Institute on Thursday last.  The winning team will now represent Carlow at the National Final in June 2008 where they will compete for the title of Junior Engineer of Ireland 2008.  This final was one of the regional finals involving 800 primary schools across the country.

Concentration levels were high as primary schools from Carlow, Laois and Kilkenny worked together in teams of two using their imagination, creativity and skill to design and construct a digital camera using the education construction toy K’NEX.  The competition aims to encourage young people to take an interest in engineering and technology and is a joint initiative between STEPS to Engineering, Engineers Ireland and Hasbro who manufacture K’NEX.

David Denieffe, Head of the School of Engineering at IT Carlow commented, “I was very impressed by the creativity and the standard of design which was displayed by the pupils. It was a difficult task for the judges picking a winner.  I hope that this insight will encourage primary school pupils into the exciting world of Engineering. The STEPS to Engineering K’NEX Challenge helps encourage young people to consider entering the engineering profession which is crucial as Ireland pushes to become one of the world’s Top 5 economies, as targeted by Engineers Ireland & the Irish Academy of Engineering in their joint report ‘Engineering a Knowledge Island 2020.'

Gerry Gallagher, IT Carlow Civil Engineering Lecturer, who was a member of the judging panel said, “The STEPS to Engineering K’NEX initiative is a great idea, it shows children how the world of engineering can be exciting and fun. This project allows children to use their imagination and problem solving skills and will hopefully encourage them to one day consider engineering as a career.  The future looks bright for Engineering in Ireland and the South Leinster region with programmes like.'

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IT Carlow, 4th April 2008 – IT Carlow’s Computing and Networking Department are delighted to announce that ‘Carbon Buddies’, an IT Carlow team made up of computing students have been selected for the finals of the Microsoft Imagine Cup 2008 Ireland.  Entrants in the competition were required to create applications using the Microsoft platform and Microsoft tools based on the Imagine Cup competition theme to ‘Imagine a world where technology enables a sustainable environment’.  Students were encouraged to invent new and imaginative software products that will actually make a difference to the world.

The IT Carlow team members include Darren Doyle from Carlow, Ilya Biryukov from Kazakstan and led by Robert Allen from Galway, a final year student of the Honours Degree in Computer Games Development at IT Carlow.  It was Robert’s original idea to develop an application that leverages the Microsoft Live Earth Technology to empower people to reduce their carbon footprint by community based resource sharing.  The winners of the Irish finals will represent Ireland at the world finals in Paris this July where they will compete against the best software development students in the world.  Previous contestants have been snapped up by major international software companies or have gone on to set up their computer companies.

Speaking about the impressive IT Carlow team, Nigel Whyte, Head of Department of Computing and Networking commented, “I would like to congratulate the team on reaching the Imagine Cup final.  It has been a phenomenal experience for the students who have displayed boundless energy, enthusiasm and great team spirit.  We have high hopes for the students at the final.”

Liam Cronin from Microsoft Ireland said, “The quality of projects submitted by Irish teams far exceeded our expectations and that standard was reflected in the success of our teams in the world finals.  We are looking forward to building on that success in 2008 and we are delighted to have a team from IT Carlow in the Irish Imagine Cup software design final.”

For further information on the Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Computer Games Development (CW208) and other computing courses at IT Carlow log onto www.itcarlow.ie or contact the Computing and Networking Department
t: 059 9170597.

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IT Carlow, 4th April 2008 – ‘O.A. Enterprise’ an innovative transition year company from Knockbeg College, Carlow took top prize at the County Carlow Enterprise Board, Student Enterprise Awards County Final on Wednesday last at IT Carlow.  O.A. Enterprise was established by Owen Doran and Aidan Byrne with the help of their Mini Company Business Studies Teacher, John O’Sullivan.  O.A. Enterprises as part of their company sell garden benches, Christmas trees, kindling and memory sticks.  They received a cheque for €300 plus another €300 for their school.  The students will now represent Carlow in the National Student Enterprise Final in Tullamore which takes place on the 9th of May 2008. 

Michael Kelly, CEO of County Carlow Enterprise Board said, “The development of an enterprise culture starts with our young people.  The County Enterprise Boards are delighted to support the promotion of enterprise in our schools and colleges, be it Transition Year, LCA or LCVP.  I will recall this year’s Student Enterprise Awards as a day when we witnessed the creativity of our young people and an output that all involved could be proud of.”

Brian Ogilvie Enterprise Development Manager at IT Carlow, who was one of the Judges said he was amazed and encouraged by the tremendous imagination and enterprise shown by the students.  In total there was over 20 projects on display.  Secondary schools from all around the county took part including; Carlow Vocational School, CBS Carlow, Colaiste Eoin, Hacketstown, Gaelcholaiste Cheatharlach, Presentation College, Askea, Presentation De La Salle, Bagenalstown, St Leo’s College, St Mary’s College, Knockbeg and Tullow Community School. 

IT Carlow sponsored the “Technology and Innovation Award” which was won by Henry Roberts also from Knockbeg College, Carlow.  Henry’s company is a Photo Restoration called ITP.  John O’Sullivan, Mini Company Business Studies teacher in Knockbeg College was delighted with the results which were a first for Knockbeg.  He commented “All our transition year students worked hard on their projects and credit goes to Owen, Aidan and Henry on their high achievement.  Transition year co-ordinator Jarlath Bolger and I both feel the competition is a great incentive for students to put their knowledge and skills to the test.”

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IT Carlow, 29th March 2008 – The Students Union at IT Carlow is launching a new road safety awareness campaign aimed at over 3,300 students and 400 staff at the Institute. The campaign commences on Tuesday, 8th of April and continues for three days until Thursday, 10th of April 2008. Participants include; the new Garda Road Show, Road Safety Authority, Ambulance Service, Fire Service, Institute of Advanced Motorists and Headways; a charity which helps those affected by an acquired brain injury.

Amongst the various events being held during the Road Safety Campaign in IT Carlow will be a display of crashed cars around the college to graphically illustrate the damage caused during car crashes. The new Garda Road Show will include lectures and demonstrations which will focus on speed, driver fatigue, dangerous driving and driving under the influence of alcohol. These will run at various times throughout the three day event. A mock crash car will be staged in the college where members of the Gardai, the fire and ambulance service will cut the victims of the crash from the wreckage.

President of the Students Union Aindreas Doyle said, “Road Safety is a very important issue to us here at IT Carlow. Nearly every student here at college knows of someone who has lost their life tragically in a car accident. Our aim is to promote safer driving and better road safety awareness among college students. We want to highlight the dangers and risks involved with dangerous driving, speed, and driving under the influence of alcohol.”

President of IT Carlow, Dr Ruaidhri Neavyn commented, “I would like to congratulate the Students Union for taking the initiative to organise this Road Safety Campaign event. We are delighted that the Students Union will be raising awareness of road safety.”

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IT Carlow, 21st March 2008 – Three of IT Carlow’s top students from the Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering, Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering and Bachelor of Engineering in Electronic Engineering were awarded scholarships at the prestigious Academic and Sports Scholarship Awards Ceremony held at IT Carlow on the 13th of March 2008.  John Carley from Engineers Ireland South East Region presented the awards to John Bergin from Mountmellick, Co Laois, Paul Byrne from Carlow and Liam Strevens from Bray, Co Wicklow.

Speaking about the Awards, David Denieffe, Head of the School of Engineering said, “These students have excelled in their academic pursuits by achieving the highest leaving certificate points in their chosen engineering course at IT Carlow. Engineering is a fantastic career to choose with a huge range of disciplines to choose from, once qualified in your chosen area, there are even further choices and alternative career paths to take.  A career in engineering can involve working indoors or outdoors, dealing with intricate designs or supervising projects, inventing or implementing ideas.  An engineering qualification also provides valuable, portable skills that can lead to other careers.”  David added, “Partnerships with professional bodies such as Engineers Ireland South East Region demonstrates how valuable this sector is to industry and to the Irish economy.  I would like to congratulate the winners of these awards and wish them every success in their future academic career here at IT Carlow.”

Engineers Ireland is the representative voice of the engineering profession in Ireland.  With over 23,000 individual members, Engineers Ireland is one of the country’s largest professional bodies, encompassing all disciplines of engineering across industry, the public service, semi-state organisations and academic institutions.

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IT Carlow, 21st March 2008 – The Student Union Elections were held at IT Carlow on Thursday last. Election week is always an exciting time at IT Carlow with the usual mixture of flyers, banners, posters and candidates looking for votes. A record number of students voted, the highest voting turn out in twelve years with a very healthy number of competing candidates, it was the most exhilarating election for sometime.

The students union is the representative body for all students attending IT Carlow.  The day-to-day running of the students union is organised by an elected committee, selected by a cross-campus election of over 3,000 students in May.  This consists of three full time officers and six voluntary officers plus a part time administrator.

The new team consists of, Aindreas Doyle, President, Niall Forde, Deputy President/Welfare & Education Officer and Philip McDonagh Vice President, Entertainment & Publications Officer.  President Andy Doyle is a graduate of the BA Hons in Communications and Public Relations and comes from Camross, Co. Wexford.  He is also a talented football player playing for Wexford and representing the college.  Both Niall and Philip are graduates of the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Accounting.  Niall hails from Emyvale, Co Monaghan and Philip from Portarlington, Co Laois.

Commenting on his re election as President Andy Doyle said, “It is an honour and privilege to take up this position for a second year at IT Carlow.  I want to continue to ensure that every student is aware of the wealth of facilities and range of activities that take place at the Institute.  The students union is the gateway for students to a range of clubs, societies, events and volunteering opportunities.  I am really looking forward to the challenge ahead, I want to represent and support all students attending the Institute.”

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IT Carlow, 14th March 2008 – On Thursday evening the 13th of March 2008, IT Carlow was delighted to present 28 talented students with Academic Scholarships across a range of courses. These Academic Scholarships were awarded to students who achieved the highest Leaving Certificate points score in their chosen course at IT Carlow. It was a special evening of achievement with the following counties represented; Carlow, Westmeath, Tipperary, Kildare, Wexford, Laois, Wicklow, Cork and Mayo.

IT Carlow is committed to the development of sporting excellence and also awarded 32 Sports Scholarships in order to promote and foster sporting talent in the college. The Sports Scholarships were presented to students in a variety of sports including hurling, camogie, gaelic football, badminton, soccer, basketball, rugby, swimming, volleyball and boxing. There was a sports star representative from the following counties; Westmeath, Monaghan, Carlow, Donegal, Mayo, Laois, Offaly, Cork, Dublin, Clare, Cork, Kildare, Mayo and Wexford.

Attendees included scholarship winners, their guests, their coaches, principals and guidance counsellors from their second level schools, and Heads of School and Department at IT Carlow.  Mr Brian Bennett, Institute Registrar opened the ceremony congratulating students on their achievements and acknowledged the generous support provided by Microsoft Ireland, Engineers Ireland (South East Region) and the Chartered Institute of Building/Quinn Reddin.  The President of IT Carlow, Dr Ruaidhri Neavyn presented each recipient with their award, congratulated them on their achievements and spoke about the continued development of the Institute.

IT Carlow is extremely proud of its high quality academic reputation, which matches its whole hearted commitment to delivering sporting excellence. The Sports Scholarship Programme supports athletes who have the talent and dedication to combine an academic course with excellence in sport. The value of each Sports Scholarship is assessed on an individual basis.

Mary Jordan, Academic Administration and Student Affairs Manager comments, “IT Carlow is delighted to take this opportunity to acknowledge the high achievement in the Leaving Certificate of a number of students. At IT Carlow we believe that high achieving students should be encouraged and recognised for their efforts and abilities and for this reason the Institute is committed to offering a number of academic scholarships for students entering their first year.”

Carmel Lynch, Director of Sport at IT Carlow said, “The Sports Scholarships gives the elite sports person the opportunity to compete at the highest level while studying a course at the Institute. The scheme is designed to develop individual talent and maintain the Institute’s sporting tradition. We encourage all students to balance their time wisely to ensure that academic or sporting interests are not compromised. We are very proud of the achievements of our sports people at IT Carlow.”

For further information on the Academic Scholarships please contact Mary Jordan, Academic Administration and Student Affairs Manager. T: 059 91 76401.  E: mary.jordan@itcarlow.ie 


Sport Scholarship Applications for 2008/2009 will be considered from students who have applied for a course at IT Carlow through the CAO office. Sport Scholarship Forms or further information can be obtained from; Carmel Lynch, Sports Officer at IT Carlow. T: 059 91 70471.  E: carmel.lynch@itcarlow.ie
Or visit www.itcarlow.ie for further information.

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IT Carlow, 7th March 2008 – On Thursday, 11th March 2008 GAA Presidential candidates Christy Cooney, Sean Fogarty and Liam O’Neill came together for a ground – breaking debate at IT Carlow. This was as a prelude to the Ulster Bank sponsored Sigerson Cup Weekend.

The evening took a question and answer format; topical issues were discussed such as the role of volunteerism in the GAA and whether it is under threat particularly in light of the players’ grants controversy. Another ‘hot’ topic that was brought to the forefront  concerned recent decisions made in relation to the third level football competitions on whether the appeals system is too unwieldly and subject to political influence. The candidates gave their opinion on whether Croke Park should remain open for rugby and soccer internationals. The issue of player burnout was addressed and how plans will impact on games in third level.  The matter of the Cork player’s dispute was raised and the final question involved the role of women and their future in the GAA.

Speaking after the event, Cormac O’Toole said, “We were delighted to welcome all three Presidential candidates to IT Carlow and the evening was a huge success.”

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IT Carlow, 7th March 2008 – Monday, 3rd March 2008 saw a group of professional and forward-thinking entrepreneurs begin the Enterprise Platform Programme (EPP) at the Institute of Technology, Carlow.

The EPP is run in conjunction with the Institutes of Technology and funded by the Department of Education and Science under the National Development Plan. This is a one-year full-time professional training and enterprise support programme for entrepreneurs, who have an innovative business idea or technology that has the potential to be transformed into a viable commercial company.

The entrepreneurs, who receive office space at the Institute of Technology’s Enterprise & Research Incubation Centre are provided with access to a comprehensive range of resources, supports and expertise at the Institute including hands-on business advice, structured training, and an introduction to networks and other support agencies. Each participant also undergoes personal mentoring based on their business sector and the stage of their company’s development.

According to Brian Ogilvie, Enterprise Development Manager with IT Carlow, “Through the Enterprise Platform Programme, the Institute of Technology Carlow seek to activate and support the development of high potential start-up companies in the region, especially in sectors identified as having capacity to become high growth ventures. The overall mission of the programme will be to develop knowledge-based enterprises by creating an environment which supports creativity and innovation.”

For further information about the EPP or Enterprise Development at IT Carlow, please contact Brian Ogilvie at 059 9176369 or email enterprisedevelopment@itcarlow.ie or visit www.itcarlow.ie

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IT Carlow, 7th March 2008 – Three of IT Carlow’s top students from the BSc (Hons) in Computer Games Development were awarded scholarships worth €1,500 each at a prestigious awards ceremony held at the Institute on the 5th March 2008.  Academic Engagement Manager, Liam Cronin from Microsoft Ireland presented the awards to Conor O’Neill and Matthew Chalton, from Carlow and Jack Browne from Kerry.

IT Carlow provides innovative and highly regarded computing qualifications.  It is in this tradition that the Institute of Technology Carlow developed the first dedicated Computer Games Degree in Ireland in association with the Irish Gaming industry.  Liam Cronin, Microsoft Ireland comments “Education is one of the most important pillars for Ireland’s continued economic development.  It’s vital that we support the connection between the world of education and the world of business, to ensure we continue to bring new ideas and expertise, that can help drive innovation and entrepreneurship.  Our support for the IT Carlow Computer Games Degree is recognition of the importance of that link.”

The games development team at Microsoft in Dublin and Seattle, USA were involved in the development of this groundbreaking course from its inception.  As well as being the first Computer Games Degree in Ireland it is also an indication of the esteem in which it is held that it strongly supported by Microsoft and has set the standard for all such courses in Ireland.  The degree is in its fourth year of running and we expect the first graduates this year.  The course is also unique in providing work placement for its students in a computer games company as part of their third year.

Conor O’Neill, scholarship winner from Killeshin, Carlow states 'When I had found out I won the Microsoft scholarship, it came as such a shock to me.  No-one ever expects this to happen to them, but I'm really glad it did.  I am very fortunate to be doing such a well structured, thought out course, with actual input from the industry, including Microsoft.  Already we have companies from overseas scouting for talent here, I don't doubt for a second that I made the right choice joining this course.'

More information about IT Carlow’s Computer Games Development Degree can be found at www.itcarlow.ie or tel. 059 9170597.

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IT Carlow, 29th February 2008 – Kilkenny native, Verona O’Shea who finished her accountancy studies at IT Carlow in May 2007, has won a major prize from one of Ireland’s leading accountancy bodies. The Institute of Certified Public Accountants (CPA) presented the CPA Annual Merit Award to Verona for achieving the highest marks in year two of the Management Accounting Exam of the Certified Public Accountancy course at IT Carlow. Verona combined her part time studies at IT Carlow with her role as Technical Project Manager in the Innovation Centre for Glanbia Ingredients based in Kilkenny.

Lecturer, Madeleine Ronan commented, “I would like to congratulate Verona on her Award. She should be particularly proud of her achievement as her educational backround is in science. The Management Accounting Exam is a mixture of theory and real-life practical application, so it encourages students to become aware of the business environment.”

Verona said, “Studying for a professional qualification and working full time is not an easy task, however this is a course that I have always wanted to pursue. IT Carlow inspired me to continue on the road to CPA success. The facilities were second to none and I found having lecturers who were extremely approachable and vastly knowledgeable made the whole process so much easier and enjoyable.”

The Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Ireland (CPA) is a statutory accountancy body with over 5,000 members and students. CPAs are active in practice and in management of all areas of the public and private sectors. A CPA qualification offers a wide variety of high quality career opportunities to members and students in both Ireland and throughout the world. IT Carlow is a CPA approved educator. 

The Life Long Learning team is available to answer any queries you may have on the Certified Public Accountancy course. The LifeLong Learning Office contact details are as follows: Tel: 059 91 76252. Email LLLcentre@itcarlow.ie or visit www.itcarlow.ie

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IT Carlow, 29th February 2008 – ‘Beat the Blues’ Week starts at IT Carlow on Monday, 3rd of March 2008 and continues until Friday, 7th of March 2008 at IT Carlow. The ‘Beat the Blues’ Week is designed to help students deal with various pressures they face at this time of the academic year.  A highlight of the week is when expert Dr Tony Bates, Chief Executive of Headstrong, the National Centre for Youth Mental Health and columnist with the Irish Times Health Supplement will speak at the Institute on Wednesday, 5th of March 2008 at 2.15pm.

Student Counsellor, Renagh Linnane explains, “College is a really exciting time for students as they experience huge change, sometimes students face stressful times such as the period leading into exams.  We have organised a number of speakers who will identify problems that can arise for students and offer practical solutions and advice to students providing tools to cope with difficult times. There is a fun element to the week also as we hold the ‘Laughter Yoga’ on Thursday, the 6th of March 2008 at 2pm.”

The ‘Beat the Blues’ Week was set up by the IT Carlow Campus Lions Cub which was launched at the annual IT Carlow Annual Clubs and Societies Day in September 2007. The Lions Campus Club is sponsored by the Carlow Lions Club and membership is open to all registered students of the Institute.  The club has already initiated a range of projects, both on and off campus including a number of charity fundraising events.  The campus club has begun a recycling drive and has established a number of paper recycling centres across the Institute and is working on various other environmental projects.  The campus club also links to different projects being run by the Carlow Lions club such as the Lions Christmas food appeal.

Beat the Blues Week’ will also incorporate the Institute’s Annual Welfare Day.  A programme set up by the nurse at IT Carlow, Grace McKevitt.  This is an opportunity for community support agencies to visit the Institute and promote their services. These would include such useful services as MABs (Money & Budgeting Advice) and Bodywhys. A student’s social, personal, financial and emotional welfare is particularly important throughout their years at the Institute.  IT Carlow has a number of student support services in operation.  These members of staff are involved in giving support and assistance to students if they encounter difficulties or problems during their years at IT Carlow.

All of the events are open to members of the general public, admission is complementary.

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IT Carlow, 15th February 2008:  As part of the preparations for the Sigerson Cup, budding designers at IT Carlow were asked to let their creative talents flow and produce a logo for this prestigious event. The overall winner was Sean Turley, a second year student of the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Product Design Innovation (CW728) who will see his striking design used as the official Sigerson Cup logo, on all material relevant to the event.

The brief was to design a modern abstract logo to symbolise the elite football status of the Sigerson Cup and the pride of the teams involved. Carmel Lynch, who is part of the committee organising Sigerson at IT Carlow said,” A special event such as the Sigerson Cup requires an epic logo. The presentation of the concepts was brilliant and we were very impressed by the indepth thought and research process that the students undertook. It was a difficult decision to choose the winning design as the quality of the entries was excellent. In total, there was 60 designs to choose from, each student created 2 different concepts. We choose Sean’s design as visually it’s stimulating and etches itself into your memory as it’s so contemporary and fresh. It also manages to depict the pride of the Institute”.

Sean Turley, a very talented individual who originally hails from UK but moved to Rathoath, Co Meath ten years ago said, “I am delighted to have my logo chosen to represent the proud tradition of the Sigerson Cup Football Competition”. Speaking about his inspiration for the logo Sean explained, “I think the fact that I’m originally from the UK helped me with my designs as I have no preconceived idea’s about the GAA. I took the 2 basic components of the Sigerson Cup, football and goalposts and created a stylistic abstract logo which features players keenly contesting for the same ball”.

IT Carlow, 16th February 2008 – On Wednesday the 13th of February 2008, IT Carlow hosted a unique event with approximately 900 young people from around the county and the South Leinster area experiencing a day of wonder and excitement. The day kicked off with children learning the science behind a circus. Children were treated to a riveting performance with jugglers and various acts. During the second half of the day the children were moved to an educational workshop challenging them to solve a host of engineering puzzles. The final of the afternoon for the children included stepping inside the custom built mobile cinema.

Speaking after the event, David Denieffe, Head of the School of Engineering at IT Carlow commented, “The Institute of Technology Carlow was delighted to host the event as part of ‘Engineered, A Week of Wonder’. Engineers have made a huge contribution to Ireland’s prosperity. In order to keep pace with new scientific discoveries and to remain competitive in the global economy it is necessary to inspire new generations of scientists, engineers, researchers, innovators and entrepreneurs.  We hope we have inspired some engineers of tomorrow today here at IT Carlow!”.

Brendan Tynan, who teaches 5th class at Killeshin primary school said, “It was a very enjoyable and an excellent experience for the children. It was such a bonus that it was both educational and fun”.

Engineers Ireland run a series of nationwide activities designed to introduce children to engineering in a fun way. The STEPS (The Science, Technology and Engineering Programme for Schools) is managed by Engineers Ireland and is supported by the Department of Education & Science, Forfas, FAS and a number of major engineering employers. It aims to encourage primary and post-primary students to explore the world of science and engineering and raise awareness about engineering as career choice.

For further information on these events please contact the School of Engineering: 059 91 76253 or visit our website on www.itcarlow.ie

IT Carlow, 15th February 2008 – The Ulster Bank Sigerson Cup was officially launched at IT Carlow on Monday, 11th February 2008. Among the Dignitaries in attendance at the event was Nicky Brennan, President of the GAA, Peter Dunne representing Ulster Bank and Dr Ruaidhri Neavyn, President of IT Carlow. It is predicted that over 5,000 GAA players and fans will be in Carlow for the Sigerson Cup Championship weekend which takes place on the 7th & 8th of March 2008. An exciting programme of events will be built around these prestigious competitions.

Welcoming the guests to the launch on behalf of IT Carlow, Cormac O’Toole, Chairman of the Organising Committee and Financial Controller at IT Carlow said, “IT Carlow are delighted to be hosting the 2008 Sigerson Cup, one of the major sporting occasions in the intervarsity calendar. I have no doubt that Sigerson 2008 will be another landmark event in IT Carlow’s proud sporting history. On behalf of the Institute I would like to wish all the players, their mentors and their supporters a sporting and memorable weekend”.

Speaking about what the tournament means to players today, Captain of the Senior Men’s Football Team, Aindreas Doyle who is also President of the Students Union at IT Carlow said, “The Sigerson Cup is the most highly regarded Gaelic Football Tournament in Higher Education. I am proud to Captain IT Carlow. We are looking forward to being part of what is always a keenly fought competition full of talent and passion. I wish all teams the very best in all competitions and I hope that the hosting of this prestigious event by IT Carlow will act as a positive benchmark for years to come”.

As part of the Sigerson Weekend IT Carlow are delighted to announce the first ever GAA Presidential Debate where candidates; Christy Cooney: Cork, Sean Fogarty: Tipperary and Liam O’Neill: Laois will participate. This exciting debate will be held at the Institute on Thursday, 6th of March 2008. The debate will be chaired by RTE commentator Michael Lester.

Further information on The Sigerson Cup 2008, hosted by IT Carlow can be found by visiting: www.sigerson2008.com

IT Carlow, 8th February 2008: The Final of the National Student Enterprise Competition was held last week at GMIT. IT Carlow was capably represented by a team who are in fourth year of the Bachelor of Business (Honours) in International Business (CW828). The final of the competition attracted 255 entries from across Ireland and was tightly contested. The Student Enterprise Competition is designed to foster a spirit of enterprise in third level students and it gave students at IT Carlow the opportunity to research real life companies and to devise their own business plan for each company.

The Student Enterprise Competition is sponsored by the radio station Newstalk 106-108fm in association with the Irish Times and Campus.ie. The competition allows participating teams to gain practical experience by studying and analysing real-life business situations. Participants worked as a virtual management team, devised a business strategy and presented their solutions to a panel of top business people.

Commenting on IT Carlow’s performance John Fogarty, lecturer in Business at IT Carlow said, “I would like to congratulate the IT Carlow team who participated in this inaugural student enterprise competition. The students performed exceptionally well amid stiff competition and we are extremely proud of their achievements. The participants gained a true to life experience of enterprise by using case studies on real-life Irish companies. The experience gained by all of the students throughout the competition will benefit them long after they have graduated from college”.

For further information on the Bachelor of Business (Honours) in International Business (CW828) please contact Gina Noonan, Programme Director 059 91 76269. Email gina.noonan@itcarlow.ie or visit www.itcarlow.ie

IT Carlow, 8th February 2008 – More than 250 Transition and Fifth year students from Carlow town, county and beyond, attended the annual Tyndall lecture in IT Carlow on Tuesday, 5th February 2008. Award Winning Lecturer, Dr Robert Walsh, based at the Centre for Astrophysics at the University of Central Lancashire, engaged the visitors with demonstrations and explanations of ‘Living with a Star’ which focused on the sun!

Dr Walsh’s lecture explained how our closest star, the sun, which may appear tranquil and constant, is in fact a seething ball of million degree electrified gases. A stereoscopic 3D view of Earth’s nearest stellar neighbour was generated using the latest images and movies from space-based observatories. The audience listened to the sun as it rang like a bell and tried to predict the effect of space weather upon Planet Earth!.

Organiser at the Institute, Dr Loranne Vallely commented, “The lecture was both entertaining and very informative. Demonstration lectures like Dr Walsh’s have a huge role in enthusing and exciting our young people about the wonders of physics and how it is applicable to our everyday lives”.

The lecture series commemorates the 19th century Irish Scientist John Tyndall, from County Carlow, whose research has led to the discovery that light only becomes visible after bouncing off air particles, and also predicted the use of fibre optics for communications. The Institute of Physics in Ireland run this annual lecture series which is part of an ongoing outreach programme to promote the role of physics in education, health, the environment, technology and scientific literacy.

IT Carlow, 1st February 2008 – On Tuesday last, IT Carlow welcomed students from the Ursuline Convent in Waterford.  The Design Department in conjunction with the Department of Engineering at IT Carlow is acting as a ‘Formula 1 Make Centre’ for the Schools Technology Challenge.  The F1 in Schools is a global competition that challenges secondary school students nationwide to design, build and race model CO2-powered Formula 1 cars of the future.  The competition was introduced to Ireland in 2005 under the guidance of the Irish Computer Society and sponsored by Honda.

IT Carlow has been partnered with 6 secondary schools which exposes the students to 3D modelling, virtual wind tunnels, graphic design, project management, computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), sponsorship and teamwork.  Lecturers in Design at IT Carlow give the necessary assistance and guidance to secondary school students in special workshops.  The students have the opportunity to use the advanced Computer Aided Design software (CAD) and the placer miller machine at IT Carlow to create virtual 3D models of their cars.  The cars measure about 250 mm long, are made of balsa wood and can exceed speeds of 70kph.

Speaking about the dynamic project David Denieffe, Head of Engineering at IT Carlow said, “The F1 in Schools is such an innovative initiative to help develop engineering-related skills in secondary schools across the country.  We are delighted to be involved in this type of project which promotes learning in such a fun and relevant manner.  It will encourage students to study further in this exciting and rewarding field of design, engineering, science and technology.”

IT Carlow, 1st February 2008 – Since 2002, IT Carlow has co-ordinated an EU programme which supports the modernisation of higher education in the Western Balkans and Eastern Europe.  A Master of Science in Computing was developed by the School of Engineering and Department of Computing and Networking at IT Carlow which was launched in November 2005.  This is currently being implemented by the Department of Mathematics and Faculty of Computing and Electrical Engineering at the University of Prishtina, Kosovo.  As part of the programme, lecturers at IT Carlow, Austin Kinsella, Dr Chris Meudec and Anita Kelly have returned from a short study visit to the University of Prishtina.  These visits take place on a regular basis with the following objectives; assisting the University of Prishtina achieve the highest performance standards, developing the structure of the study programme, enable potential to develop industry-educational linkages in the future, provide new teaching mechanisms and methodologies.

David Denieffe, Head of the School of Engineering said, “Participating in a programme with Kosovo has tremendous advantages for all concerned.  Such benefits include the promotion of international and regional cooperation.  This programme has helped the creation of new networks of personal and professional contacts between the academic worlds of the EU and partner countries whilst also enriching intercultural awareness and sharing knowledge.” David added that, “We are delighted to be involved in this collaboration which allows students gain knowledge, professional skills and language capabilities that are becoming essential to successfully participate in the modern workforce and meet the social challenges of the 21st century.”
 
The project has been funded by Tempus which is a European Union initiative that strengthens cooperation in higher education between the European Union and partner countries.  The Tempus programme is designed to support the transition and modernisation processes in higher education.  The joint project between IT Carlow, University of La Rochelle and the University of Prishtina, Kosovo aims to

develop, modernise and disseminate new curricula, teaching methods and materials, boost a quality assurance culture, and modernise the management and governance of higher education institutions.

Speaking about his experience Austin Kinsella, a lecturer at IT Carlow said,” My colleagues and I are delighted to be involved with this collaboration with the University of Prishtina, Kosovo.  It is a worthwhile mutually beneficial experience. We are in constant contact with students in the University through our shared on line virtual learning environment.”

IT Carlow, 25th January 2008 – This year saw the first ever Irish Colleges Golf League, which was organised by CUSAI (Colleges and Universities Sports Association of Ireland) to promote student golf and increase participation in the sport.  The IT Carlow team of Conor McGorgan from Limerick, Eoin Fallon and Owen Mulcahy both from Kildare entered the three player division.  They are well on their way to the final stages of the competition winning all of their matches to-date.  On route to the final the IT Carlow team playing off handicaps of 6, 5 and 5, respectively, defeated University of Ulster, Shannon Catering College, UCC and GMIT.

The Carlow team won most of their matches well before the 18th hole, with the exception of the UCC team, where there was a sudden-death play off and Eoin Fallon managed to birdie the hole which gave Carlow the overall victory of 2-1 on the day.

“We knew the game against the Cork team was going to be our toughest match, especially playing in Little Island, a course that we were not familiar with, so we were delighted to come away with the victory at the end of the day” commented Eoin.

The final league match is scheduled for Friday next, February 1st, in Newlands Golf Club, Dublin against Tallaght IT.  A good result from this game will ensure qualification for the semi final which is fixed for Glasson Golf Club, Athlone in April.

IT Carlow, 25th January 2008 – As the CAO deadline approaches, why not consider Industrial Design as a course option.  There is a growing demand for teams of innovators and creators who can turn design ideas into functional product descriptions and models.  The Bachelor of Arts in Industrial Design (CW707) at IT Carlow is concerned with all the steps and techniques within this process, and aims to produce competent, innovative and exciting product design practitioners.  These are individuals who are able to take an idea through the design process, onto production, and then out into the market, bridging the gap between designers and the manufacturing engineers who will implement the design.

Paul Talbot, second year Industrial Design spoke about his experience of the course:

What are your overall thoughts about the course?
We work in a studio based environment which is great for creativity and we are constantly developing new product concepts.  I love the course and coming into college each day.  We work hard but it does not feel demanding because of the creativity involved.

Tell me about some of the projects that you work on
Typically, we are working on a couple of projects at the one time, either in groups or individually.  Before Christmas we had to design desktop accessories.  We had to select from a period of design, either Memphis in the 60’s, the 30’s Streamline or the Impressionist era.  We had to research, find inspiration for our ideas and create our own unique design.  We then presented the project to the client company.  We have worked on a huge range of projects which can be view on www.itcarlow.ie, under Gateway Hubs.  As the course progresses our projects are becoming more complex, but I enjoy the challenge.  IT Carlow has built up excellent industry contacts and we have a number of live projects in operation at present with these client companies.  This is fantastic experience as it’s an excellent insight into real life practices. 

What are your plans for the future?
Personally, I would like to specialise in the area of medical and furniture design.

Are you involved in any of the Clubs and Societies at IT Carlow?
I have a degree in Sign Language and Deaf Studies from Trinity College, Dublin. I run the Sign Language Club here at IT Carlow.  It’s great I have got to know a lot of other students from different courses.

For more information on Industrial Design courses at IT Carlow contact Hilary Dempsey, Course Director, at 059 9170465 or email: hilary.dempsey@itcarlow.ie  or log onto the Gateway Hub link at www.itcarlow.ie

IT Carlow, 18th January 2008 – The owner of Blitz Games, one of Europe’s premium independent video games developers, Andrew Oliver, along with his leading games programmer, Rob Thompson, arrived at IT Carlow on Thursday last to seek out IT Carlow’s best games development students for student placement and permanent positions at their studios in England.  Blitz Games design and programme games for the PS3, Xbox 306 and Nintendo Wii.

Students from 3rd and 4th year of the BSc (Hons) in Computer Games Development were put through their paces as they were individually interviewed by the team from Blitz Games.  The Institutes aspiring games developers were thrilled at the opportunity to meet with the owner of the innovative games company and showcase their games and ideas.  “It was fantastic to meet Andrew Oliver from Blitz games and discuss the technology that we learn every day in our course and how it applies to their business and the industry in general. We are privileged to be in an area of study in IT Carlow which attracts the top people in the games industry and are fortunate to be in a course which teaches us the skills that the industry needs. Our knowledge stood to us in the interview and I definitely hope to be offered a place in Blitz games.'

As part of the recruitment process twenty games development students from IT Carlow have been invited to the Blitz Games studio in Lemington Spa, England.  They will be afforded the opportunity to meet with leading programmers, animators, games designers, managers and testers within the industry and further showcase their games, ideas and skills, in the hope that they will be chosen as one of the new employees of Blitz Games.

Gerry Moloney, Lecturer on the Games Development course at IT Carlow comments “Blitz Games are one of the outstanding European Games development companies. They recognize the serious course development that IT Carlow have put into the Games Development course.  The degree was developed in conjunction with Microsoft.  Blitz Games view the course as the most outstanding in Ireland and the UK within the games programming area. They are hugely impressed with the quality and calibre of students on the course. We ourselves are privileged to be able to attract such companies as Blitz to come from abroad in order to recruit student placement candidates and graduates capable of working in their company and producing their games titles. We intend to foster our relationships with such companies for the benefit of all our students, the companies and the computer games industry.”

For more information on the BSc (Hons) Games Development Course, CW208 log onto the IT Carlow website www.itcarlow.ie

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IT Carlow, 18th January 2008 – The modern construction industry is dynamic, diverse and complex.  With the environmental issues that we face today, awareness of energy conservation has increased, especially with the introduction of energy ratings of buildings.  To keep up with this rapidly changing industry, IT Carlow has established an honours degree specialising in the area of facilities and energy management.  The BSc (Hons) in Construction with Facilities Management will commence in September 2008 (CW448).

Graduates of this new course will be able to modify the energy uses of existing buildings to reduce consumption. Students will be taught how to use building services, such as heating, ventilation and lighting, more efficiently. The graduate will be able to design low energy and passive houses, which use extremely little energy to heat the building and warm any water used within it.

Yvonne Finn, Course Director commented, “This is a cutting edge area of the construction industry that we are delighted to be involved with.  Our new degree will give students the knowledge to be able to design and construct low energy and passive housing.  Passive houses are buildings which ensure a comfortable indoor climate in summer and in winter without needing a conventional heating system.”

Graduates will also be qualified to progress to postgraduate opportunities in IT Carlow’s Postgraduate Research Programme, with which they can achieve a Higher Degree by applied research in a Built Environment related discipline.

For further information on the course contact Yvonne Finn, Course Director T: 059 91 70499. E: yvonne.finn@itcarlow.ie or visit www.itcarlow.ie

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IT Carlow, 14th January 2007 – Planning for the hosting of 3rd level top football competition the Sigerson Cup is in full swing in the Institute.  The Sigerson Cup is the most prestigious tournament in College football and is heavily contested by 3rd level teams from Cork to Belfast with the final televised live.  The finals weekend, which takes place at IT Carlow on the 7th and 8th March, consists of semi finals and finals for three divisions with twelve teams competing.  To reach the finals weekend is a major achievement for many teams with a lot of difficult games in this knockout tournament to be won to progress.

As well as the football there will be a varied programme of social and cultural events over the weekend in the Institute.  A unique feature this year is that IT Carlow, in conjunction with County GAA Development Officers, are running a seven-a-side tournament for transition year students, with the final taking place during Sigerson weekend in Carlow.

The staging of this All-Ireland of college’s football is a major coup for the Institute and would not be possible but for the large number of staff and students, together with local GAA Clubs and affiliations, helping to prepare for the biggest sporting event the Institute has ever hosted.

Following the success of the hosting of the Fitzgibbon Cup in 2007 and further investment in its state-of-the-art sporting facilities the Institute is confident of running an unforgettable, memorable and successful event at IT Carlow.

For further information contact Carmel Lynch, Director of Sport at 059 91 70471 or email carmel.lynch@itcarlow.ie or log onto www.itcarlow.ie

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IT Carlow, 4th January 2008 – At this time of year students are busy preparing for mocks, orals and not to mention the main event the Leaving Certificate in June. Careful consideration and thought needs to be given when filling out the CAO Application Form. Mary Jordan, Academic Administration and Student Affairs Manager at the IT Carlow offers the following advice to students:

1.  Carefully study the CAO Handbook and checklist guide before completing the application.

2.  Fully review your course options before filling out your CAO application. The content of courses with almost the same name may vary significantly between different colleges. It is important therefore to read the course information in the prospectus and the website to find the course that best meets your requirements.

3.  Contact IT Carlow if you require more information.

4.  Optimise your career prospects by selecting courses which will lead to interesting and exciting employment opportunities. Research the type of Careers that appeal to you.

5.  If you are preparing for the Leaving Certificate, there will be particular subjects that you like. (Often the subjects you perform best at). Your list of subjects will help you select broad areas for third level. Talk to your subject teachers and your guidance counsellor. Be realistic when you assess your strengths, but don’t underestimate yourself.

6.  Talk to your parents and guidance counsellors and, if possible, students who are attending the courses of interest to you.

7.  Get the facts: There is a lot of reliable information available about careers and courses. This information is available from: Prospectus; course leaflets or websites; Teachers ; Guidance Counsellors; Parents; Talking to people working in the career; Friends and relatives; Open Days at Colleges and Career Exhibitions.

8.  List your course choices in genuine preference order. You will receive a place offer for the highest course preference to which you are entitled based on your Leaving Certificate results/points.

9.  Make the most of all 20 choices on both the Honours and the Ordinary Bachelor Degree course listings but do remember to list your choices in descending order.

10. Investigate the range of Clubs and Societies available.

Finally IT Carlow would like to wish all students sitting the Leaving Certificate this year the best of luck. Don’t forget if you have any application, course or admission questions please feel free to contact us on T: 059 9170457 or visit the website www.itcarlow.ie

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IT Carlow, 4th January 2008 – IT Carlow is the only Institute in the country which offers a 3 year honours degree programme in Law. The Law Degree at IT Carlow is designed to give students a solid grounding in Law and the academic foundation necessary to prepare graduates for entry to the legal professions. The traditional route for a law graduate is to undertake professional training and qualify as a solicitor or barrister. A Law Degree provides not only a good foundation for a legal professional career but is regarded as desirable for many other professions. Law graduates are successful in many fields from management to accountancy, tax consultancy, journalism, politics and property management.

IT Carlow has a very active and vibrant Law Society which was set up by the talented second year Law student Castledermot native, Donna Doyle.  Speaking about the role that the Law Society plays at IT Carlow Donna said, “The Law society at IT Carlow provides a forum for discussion and debate in the broad field of law and politics and we hold various educational and social events such as the Halloween Ball. These events give students the chance to improve their presentation and debating skills which in turn increases their confidence, but most importantly the Law Society is a great place to make new friends outside the lecture theatre and enjoy the atmosphere of college life at IT Carlow.” Donna also expressed her appreciation to Carlow firm, Malcomson Law for establishing a connection with IT Carlow and supporting the Law Society.

The Humanities Department at IT Carlow is committed to achieving excellence in both teaching and research and to provide a rich, vibrant and friendly learning environment for its students. IT Carlow also provides the opportunity to develop a wide variety of transferable skills such as communications and information technology that will be highly regarded by future employers.  For further information on the Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Law (CW708) please contact Allison Kenneally, Course Director, T: 059 91 76349 E: allison.kenneally@itcarlow.ie or visit www.itcarlow.ie

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IT Carlow, 28th December 2007 – In September 2007 IT Carlow in association with Leinster Rugby and the IRFU launched its new BA in Sport & Exercise (Rugby). The aim of this programme is to develop a player centred academy for the national domestic game. Player Development and Coaching modules are delivered by Leinster Rugby and IRFU personnel. Graduates of the programme will be able to pursue careers as rugby players, coaches, managers, fitness instructors or continue their studies in the Business or Communications & PR areas.  Aidan Mulligan from Blanchardstown in Dublin is a first year student on the new Bachelor of Arts in Sport and Exercise Rugby (CW 907). Currently, resident in Carlow town, Aidan, who has been an Irish Youths player, shares his experience of college life in Carlow.

How did you decide to do the Bachelor of Arts in Sport and Exercise Rugby (CW907) at IT Carlow?
I have always had a passion for Rugby. I have been playing since I was 5 years of age. In the last year I have switched clubs and now play for Bective and IT Carlow however I grew up playing for Coolmine.  It was my coach in Coolmine who advised me about this course. It is my dream course and I love it.

Explain about the application process
This is the first year that this course have been run so I did’nt have to apply through the CAO system however for applications 2008/2009 all students have to apply through the CAO system. I downloaded the forms from the internet and applied. I was then called in for an interview and received a phone call and written confirmation that I had been accepted on the course.

What was it like starting college in September?
It was a daunting experience especially leaving Dublin and coming to live in the country! Since I arrived here at IT Carlow everyone has been so helpful there are so many student services available here at IT Carlow. I arrived from Dublin with no where to live and the Accommodations Officer helped me find a house to share. As it happens I am sharing with 3 lads who are on the same course as me. It was also daunting starting on the course as it is such a change from secondary school. From day one we were given direction and assistance in choosing which area of study that we wanted to specialise in – Public Relations and Communications or Business Management.

How is your experience of IT Carlow?
I happily recommend IT Carlow to all my friends as the friendly atmosphere, state of the art facilities and the selection of clubs and societies makes for a perfect college experience. The atmosphere of the campus community is really welcoming and there’s always someone around to ask questions.

What are your overall thoughts about your course?
To be honest, I am really impressed by the academic element of the course. Its not just about playing rugby we are here to gain a very well recognised academic qualification as well. The structure of my course is excellent. The quality of teaching is evident in that it is always well thought out and very well planned. We have a lot of fun on the course. I love the fact that we are so busy and the combination of study and exercise. On Monday morning’s for example we start off on our personal training programmes at 7.30am! Then, we are ready for lectures at 9am.

What’s been your favourite module so far on the course?
My favourite subjects are Player Development & Fitness.
My lecturers are really friendly and willing to help us outside of lecture time, in fact I am often stopped on the corridors for updates and progress on my work.

What are your plans for the future?
I am very focused on getting my Degree here at IT Carlow in Sport and Exercise (Rugby) specialising in Business Management. There are so many options when I finish this course. As far as I am concerned this is a once in a life time opportunity to be here at IT Carlow studying this course as it is so innovative. Even by the end of first year, we will be qualified to coach rugby to under 12’s, and by the time I finish I will be able to coach up to U’18’s.  I would love to make a name for myself in rugby and play to the highest level.

What do you think of Carlow Town?
I am having an amazing time here at IT Carlow. Carlow is one of the friendliest places I have ever been to and everyone looks out for one another.

The IT Carlow Senior Rugby team have qualified for the Irish Colleges Rugby Union (ICRU) quarter finals in February 2008. Of this team 6 students were selected for the Irish Colleges Leinster Squad which was the highest number from any individual college in the province.

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IT Carlow, 28th December 2007 – IT Carlow provides top class sporting facilities. A new state of the art full size flood-lit GAA pitch was developed last year. In addition to this top class GAA facility three brand new all weather flood lit 5 aside pitches for soccer have been completed this week. This latest development also comprises a larger training area suitable for all sports including hockey, rugby, soccer and gaelic etc.  On the periphery of the gaelic pitch a jogging/walking trail has been incorporated which will facilitate the recreational walker/jogger or the elite athlete.

These recent additions to the sports facilities at IT Carlow have made a significant difference to the achievements of the colleges teams.  In December, the Senior Gaelic Football team won the Higher Education Division 2 League defeating Trinity College, Dublin, and the Olympic Handball Squad won the Intervarsity Handball Championship held in UCC in November.  Individual successes were also to the fore, when for the first time two students brought home gold and silver medals from the Intervarsity Boxing Championships held in Trinity College, Dublin.

Speaking about the new developments, Carmel Lynch, Sports Officer at IT Carlow said, ”There is great demand from students for quality facilities which they can access easily and reasonably. Providing these top class sporting facilities means we can offer more activities to students resulting in greater participation. Carmel added, “The Institute actively supports the holistic development of the individual and encourages students to get involved in clubs and societies. Being involved with a club can provide the platform to develop leadership and communication skills plus the invaluable experience of working as part of a team – all skills that will benefit students in the workplace when they have finished their studies.'

Further developments which are well underway include a new flood-lit rugby/soccer pitch due to be completed in September 2008. This will be followed by additional development of the campus recreation facilities including pitch side viewing stands that will incorporate changing rooms/showers/ meeting/seminar rooms.  Currently plans are at the consultation stage to further extend the Barrow Centre sport & recreation facilities, incorporating an extended fitness gym and Students Union and Student Services facilities.

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IT Carlow, 21st December 2007 – The air was buzzing with excitement and there were Christmas Decorations everywhere. People were excitedly running around fixing, arranging and preparing. It was that time of year again. The end of the academic term meant it was time for the eagerly anticipated annual Carol Singing Day. Every department performed on stage creating the ideal Christmas atmosphere for an unforgettable morning.

The International Department at IT Carlow also held a Christmas reception in the restaurant area of the campus. This provided International students an opportunity to get together to exchange seasons greetings before heading home for the holidays. For some students, who were attending IT Carlow for just one semester it was a chance to say a final farewell to all the new friends they had made during their stay.

Another important annual event at IT Carlow is the Senior Citizens Christmas Party. Headed by the Institute’s Chaplain, Father Rory Nolan the Christmas team managed to execute the event with style and military precision. The day proved to be a great success with some folks showing off some fancy footwork and a few brave souls confiscated the microphone to lash out a tune or three.

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IT Carlow, 14th December 2007 – Paula Dowling from Naas, Co Kildare is a first year student on the Higher Certificate in Science – Physiology and Health Science course (CW106).  Currently, resident in Carlow town, Paula shares her experience of college life at IT Carlow.

How did you decide to do the Higher Certificate in Science – Health and Physiology course (CW106) at IT Carlow
When I left school I did a 1 year Health and Fitness Course (FETAC awarded level 4) with FAS which I loved. Having spent a couple of years working in different fitness centres I then travelled the world working as a Holiday representative. I realised if I was to go any further in my profession that I needed to complete further study. I always had an interest in sports injuries and wanted to study further about rehabilitation of injuries. I did a lot of research and courses that are available.

Explain about the application process
I applied to the CAO system which was a long process. The application procedure is different for mature applicants. I had an application form to fill out. The interview was quite intense and hard work but I got through it and a week later I was offered a place, I was so pleased with myself.

What was it like starting college in September?
Going back to college is daunting at first, I hadn't studied in a couple of years but the team at IT Carlow have made it so easy. There are lots of student services which help and assist you coming to college. Before the term started in September, the Access Officer organised a Mature Students Orientation Course.

How is your experience of IT Carlow?
I am very committed to course. It’s very challenging there is an awful lot to learn but I love it. I am really focused on learning as much as I can here at IT Carlow. Some of the subjects that I have studied in this semester include physical science, anatomy, exercise physiology, psychology, fitness training and quantitative methods.  There is a huge amount of practical assignments and we learn as we go along. I am delighted to have just completed my first semester exams and I am really looking forward to the Christmas break.

What are your overall thoughts about your course?
I think the Higher Certificate in Science – Physiology and Health is put together really well here at IT Carlow. We are studying really interesting subjects for the first semester. The course starts off with reasonably basic material and has quickly moved on to a more advanced level. The level of teaching is excellent and the lecturers are very friendly and approachable. If we have any problems the lecturers are always happy to help and offer advice.

What’s been your favourite module so far on the course?
What I really enjoy on the course is the practical element.

What do you do in your spare time?
When I have spare time! The course is very intense but at weekends I work in the National Aquatic Centre teaching all ages to swim which I really enjoy.

What are your plans for the future?
IT Carlow is renowned for its Health and Physiology course and it’s definitely living up to its reputation. I will have a Certificate after 2 years and I would like to apply for the BSc in (Honours) in Sports and Exercise Rehabilitation at IT Carlow (CW128).In the long term I would like to specialise in sports rehabilitation.

What do you think of Carlow town?
I am really enjoying living here in Carlow, it’s such a compact town and it has everything in close proximity. Another advantage is the college is so close to the centre of town.
For further information on the Higher Certificate in Science – Physiology and Health Science (CW106) please contact: Paula Rankin Course Director T: 059 9170533. E: paula.rankin@itcarlow.ie or visit www.itcarlow.ie

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IT Carlow, 30th November 2007 – The Computer Games Development department at IT Carlow recently hosted a panel of speakers from Popcap Games. Popcap Games is the leading provider of casual games in the world. The Dublin based studio was established in November 2005 to address international markets and develop new games.
Third and Fourth Students of the Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Computer Games Development (CW208) were given a lecture in the following topics; mobile development overview and game design, creating a reference build, porting a game to 400 handsets in 5 languages.

Ross Palmer, Director of the BSc (Honours) in Computer Games Development said, “It was really exciting to have PopCap games visit. They are just beginning their student work placement programme and have exclusively chosen IT Carlow as the base to recruit students from.”  John Halloran an Engineer at Popcap games said, “Everyone at Popcap Games was very impressed during our day out at IT Carlow. The course seems excellent and Plamen and Wayne were saying they were really impressed by the work the students were doing.”

Fourth year student Brian Thompson said, “We had a fantastic time and really enjoyed the lectures from such a pioneering company in the casual games area as Popcap Games. It was great that after the lectures the representatives from PopCap took the time out to meet each student individually to discuss our course here at IT Carlow.”

For further information on the Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Computer Games Development (CW208) please contact the Course Director, Ross Palmer. T: 059 91 70522  E: ross.palmer@itcarlow.ie or visit www.itcarlow.ie

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IT Carlow, 7th December 2007, International Day at IT Carlow during the week was an exhilarating combination of cultural expression and fun. A vibrant spectacle, International Day provided increased exposure to and an appreciation of nationalities beyond our own. Over 20 nationalities from all over the world showcased their talents and delicious international food originating from countries such as: France, Germany, Nepal, China, Zimbabwe, Latvia, Nigeria, Turkey, Finland, Vietnam, Lithuania, Ukraine, USA, Spain, Portugal, Hungary, Netherlands, Korea, Romania, Russia, Morocco, Italy and Bosnia.

Building on the success of previous years, International Day impressed students and staff with colorful stands, lively entertainment, vibrant costumes and cultural displays while live vocal and musical performances kept the crowds entertained. International Co-ordinator Mary Bates said “I am very excited by the growth of International Day which celebrates the different cultures that make up today’s student body at IT Carlow. This year once again the students put a lot of effort into showcasing their countries, cultures and traditions. The event highlights the diversity of our students and the contribution that they make to what is now a wonderful multicultural campus”.

Speaking about the event Naila Cheikaski from France, a third year student in International Business said, “I had a great day celebrating the diverse cultures that are here at IT Carlow, it is a great way of making new friends and the entertainment provided a fantastic atmosphere”. Another student in International Business from France, Anna Dormoy added, “IT Carlow has so many different nationalities and International Day was a great opportunity to make new friends. I’m really enjoying my time both here at the Institute but also Carlow town. There is a great atmosphere here at the college, very welcoming and friendly.”

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IT Carlow, 7th December 2007 – On Tuesday, IT Carlow were delighted to officially launch the Harney Nolan Perpetual Trophy. Harney Nolan Business Advisors with offices in Carlow and Bunclody will reward excellence among accountancy students at IT Carlow. The Perpetual Trophy will be awarded to the top student who has achieved the highest marks entering year 3 of the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Accounting (CW818). In addition, a second prize will be awarded to the number two student plus a Certificate of Merit.
 
Martin Meagher, Head of the Department of Business and Communications expressed his delight at the launch saying, “IT Carlow is delighted to be associated with Harney Nolan Business Advisors. We appreciate the generous sponsorship and this Perpetual Trophy will inspire our students to achieve success, it represents a first class opportunity for students to develop their skills in a way that’s exciting, motivating and challenging”. Martin added, “At IT Carlow we ensure our graduates are well placed to exploit opportunities and that their talents are recognised. The Perpetual Trophy will be a unique feature of the Accountancy course at IT Carlow. Partnerships with the business community illustrate the innovative manner in which the Business Department at IT Carlow is engaging with the business community to deliver programmes to meet their needs.”

A career in accountancy provides exciting career prospects. It’s an exciting and dynamic environment with great opportunities to learn how successful businesses develop and grow. The BA in Accounting provides generous exemptions in the exams of all of the Professional Accounting bodies, Institute of Chartered Accountants (ICA), Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMI), the Institute of Certified Public Accountants (CPA).
 
For further information on the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Accounting (CW 818) please contact Susan Brennan, Course Director T: 059 91 70 332  E: susan.brennan@itcarlow.ie or visit www.itcarlow.ie
 
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IT Carlow, 30th November 2007 –IT Carlow held a very successful Information Evening for Leaving Certificate, mature and FETAC students on Tuesday, 4th of December 2007. Organised by the IT Carlow Admissions Team, prospective students were welcomed to the campus to familiarise themselves with the crucial CAO process and to explore possible career options. The Information Evening attracted people mainly from the South East Leinster region, including Carlow, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois and Offaly.

The ground floor at IT Carlow was transformed into an exhibition area where each school was represented – Business and Humanities, Engineering, Computing and Science. Visitors ranged from the open-minded browsers who were interested in everything, to the very focused who wanted to go directly to the Business or Engineering stand – and particularly those who wanted specific information on the wide range of courses available, from accounting or legal studies, to product design or biotechnology.

The Admissions team provided information on grants and financial assistance while staff from Student Services provided information on supports available to mature students. Current students were in great demand for their advice and they willingly shared their experiences of college life and the courses they chose. Another area of concern to those in attendance was the selection and listing of course choices on the CAO on line application facility plus the offer and acceptance procedures.

Mary Jordan, Academic Administration and Student Affairs Manager commented, “We were delighted to welcome so many prospective students to IT Carlow. The evening was a great opportunity for our team here at the Institute to talk directly to potential students about course choices plus mature students who are considering the option of returning to full time education. Mature students form a vital part of the community here at IT Carlow and offer a wealth of knowledge and perceptions that enrich the learning experience for all our students.”

CAO Applications must be submitted by February 01 2008. Prospective students are encouraged to contact the Admissions Co-ordinator Annette Murphy on 059 91 70457 or email: admissions@itcarlow.ie if they would like further information on their course choices or CAO application procedures. You can also visit our website www.itcarlow.ie

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