Image: Sumitomo Electric Lightwave Instructor Pat Stitcher assisting candidate during the course delivery.
Kerry College, in partnership with Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Sumitomo Electric Lightwave, have announced the successful completion of a two-day fibre splicing workshop as part of the Kerry College Open Week 2024. The workshop, held at the Monavalley Campus, catered to both members of the public and current learners engaged in various courses and apprenticeships.
Recognised as leaders in optical fibre technologies, AWS and Sumitomo Electric Lightwave joined forces with Kerry College to offer an immersive learning experience focusing on fibre installation and data centre fields. The workshops aimed to raise awareness about skill needs and career prospects in these dynamic and growing sectors.
Amazon Web Services (AWS) is the world’s most comprehensive and broadly adopted cloud computing provider, offering over 200 fully featured services to clients globally. Millions of customers, including start-ups, large enterprises, and government agencies are using AWS to lower costs, become more agile, and innovate faster. According to Ms. Joanne Reynolds, AWS Community Engagement Manager, “At AWS in Ireland, we are committed to working with Irish educational institutions to equip graduates with skills for today’s economy. This two-day workshop offers a unique pathway for employers to upskill their staff, as well as an option for members of the public to learn invaluable new skills. AWS is delighted to collaborate with Kerry ETB on this project, which will help to enhance the skill base in the region as well as highlighting the career opportunities available to those who enter this sector.”
The response to the workshop was overwhelmingly positive, with a capacity attendance of 35 learners. Participants were predominantly from the Kerry region, but some learners travelled from as far as Donegal to attend. Additionally, several learners enrolled from local employers, reflecting the workshop’s relevance to regional industry needs.
Throughout the two-day event, participants delved into the fundamentals of fibre optic installation, repair, and splicing. They also gained hands-on experience by practicing real-world deployment techniques, ranging from traditional hand tools to cutting-edge automated fusion splicing technology.
Kerry College Monavalley Campus Manager Mr. Con O’Sullivan noted that “We are delighted to have had the opportunity to work with AWS and Sumitomo Electric Lightwave, and collaborate with them to deliver this unique learning and development opportunity for Kerry.” Mr. O’Sullivan added that “This is a fantastic programme for those already in the industry who want to develop their skills and knowledge even further, but also for potential career changers who are interested in learning more about this exciting and growing industry.”
Upon completion of the workshop, Kerry College Monavalley Campus hosted a certificate ceremony, where Kerry ETB Board Chairperson, Cllr. Jim Finucane, awarded AWS Certificates of Completion to all successful learners. Councillor Finucane welcomed the initiative, and commended AWS, Sumitomo Electric Lightwave and Kerry College for ‘‘delivering relevant, in-demand education and training provision to meet industry needs.’ ‘
The ceremony was graced by esteemed guests, including Joanne Reynolds, Community Engagement Manager at AWS; Con O’Sullivan, Monavalley Campus Manager; Allyson Eastman, Economic and Workforce Development Manager at AWS; and Lauren Deloatch, Project Manager at Sumitomo Electric Lightwave.
This collaborative effort between Kerry College, AWS, and Sumitomo Electric Lightwave underscores a commitment to fostering talent, promoting industry-aligned education, and empowering learners with practical skills essential for future career success.
For more information about Kerry College and its collaborative initiatives, visit www.kerrycollege.ie
About Kerry College
Kerry College is Ireland’s first and only integrated provider of Further Education and Training. We offer clear routes to employment, third level and apprenticeship. With five campuses to choose from and up to 180 courses across the board, there is something for everybody.
Let’s explore the future of you and unlock your potential!
Study, learn, explore and unlock your potential at campus locations that are connected to the local communities with instructors, teachers, tutors and support staff that keep you focused, on-track and happy.
Prospective learners/students may follow their chosen Further Education and Training course at one of our five campus locations:
- Clash Road Campus– offers 50 courses for progression and employment in a variety of fields of learning. Our Clash Road Campus has a long and storied history of achievement in further education and training in County Kerry. Located on the Killarney side of Tralee town at Clash Road, just beyond the railway gates – 40 full-time courses for progression and employment are based here. The new Kerry College of Beauty is also located on this campus.
- Denny Street Campus– a new addition to Tralee Town Centre, all social care and nursing programmes are delivered here. Kerry College’s new town centre campus is located in a striking Georgian building on Denny Street – Tralee’s most elegant thoroughfare. It bears the name of Edward Denny who was granted the town by Queen Elizabeth some years after a local revolt which resulted in Tralee and its Great Castle razed to the ground. Denny Street itself was completed in 1826 on the site of the Castle.
- Listowel Campus– a key further education and training hub for North Kerry. It is home to a range of courses for progression and employment. Listowel – heritage town, market town and literary hub of North Kerry on the banks of the River Feale, has a long history dating back to the 14th century. Home to the Fitzmaurice clan, the town was built around Listowel Castle, St. John’s Church and its Market Square.
- Monavalley Campus– offers 80 courses for progression and employment. All Kerry based Phase 2 apprenticeships are run at this campus. The Monavalley Campus is known to generations of people from Kerry and beyond for its excellence in apprenticeship and skills training which goes back to the founding of AnCo in the 1960s.
- National Outdoor Education and Training Campus – Located at Cappanalea just outside Killorglin, this Kerry College campus is home to the National Centre for Outdoor Education and Training. Programmes offered here focus on personal and professional development through the medium of adventure sports where students develop their hidden talents and skills. We use adventure education and outdoor / wilderness experiences to enhance the learning outcomes.
Why Us?
- Unique
We run a range of innovative full-time and part-time programmes you won’t find anywhere else in Ireland.
- Excellence
Many of our programmes are award-winning at regional, national and international level.
- Experience
We have a strong track record in preparing students and apprentices for employment, further study or university progression.
- Big & Friendly
Although we are 4000 strong (students and apprentices), each campus feels homely and friendly. That’s why Kerry College is the perfect first step away from home. Whether it’s an apprenticeship or a course that will take you further afield – you’ll feel safe, connected and happy here.
- Tech Sector
Kerry is home to a cluster of large scale and small scale finance, science and technology companies. There’s so much innovation and endeavour.
Key Facts
Accommodation
You won’t have to worry too much about getting suitable, affordable accommodation in Kerry. It’s one of the big benefits of moving here or within the County to study.
Fees and Grants
Our courses for employment are free. If you can attend full time, you can apply for a place.
Despite not qualifying for funding or a grant, you may still get a travel payment (if you live more than 3 miles/5km away from the campus location) or an accommodation payment (if you live more than 20 miles/32km away from the campus location). Our courses for progression cost 130 euro.
At present, the travel or accommodation payment is not part of these courses. Kerry College has abolished all online application fees and is working to make Further Education & Training free for everyone in County Kerry.
Student Supports
If you are already on a qualifying DEASP payment, you can continue to receive this while on any of our courses for employment. You must complete and sign an F103 form and bring it with you on the first day of the course.
If you are attending a course for progression, you may qualify for a SUSI Grant (via www.susi.ie) or a Back to Education Allowance (via INTREO/DEASP). Enquire directly to SUSI or INTREO for further details. The NCS (National Childcare Scheme) is now in place and provides childcare supports for those on full-time education and training programmes. Full details can be found on the www.ncs.gov.ie webpage.
Transport Links
No traffic jams. No tailbacks. No rush hour. An excellent community transport network called the Kerry Flyer which operates a range of routes that all stop at our campuses.
Apply now and explore the future of you!
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