Further and Higher Education

The Meath Office for Further and Higher Education, established in response to an identified need for greater opportunities for further and higher education in County Meath, has developed a number of unique initiatives.

Meath Initiative for Lifelong Learning (MILL)

MILL aims to provide relevant third level courses to those wishing to study in County Meath.  Supported by the FÁS ‘One Step Up’ Programme, MILL offers those in employment with the opportunity to obtain a formal qualification.  Businesses can also benefit by developing their management and technical skills.  In June 2008, the first students graduated with a NUIM Certificate in Economics and Finance.  Further courses are offered in personnel practice, marketing and tourism in conjunction with Dundalk Institute of Technology, Blanchardstown Institute of Technology and Fáilte Ireland.

Meath Education and Training Database – www.metd.ie

www.metd.ie offers a wide range of information on educational and training opportunities available in Meath. Information on courses such as ECDL, bookkeeping, language skills and hobbies is available in a free and easy to use way. With over 35 course providers regularly updating over 500 course options, this facility is a welcome resource to those wishing to learn close to home.

Meath Working Group on Further and Higher Education

This Group aims to widen opportunities for learning in County Meath. The following organisations and institutions are represented on the Group:

• Meath County Enterprise Board,
• National University of Ireland Maynooth,
• Dundalk Institute of Technology,
• Trinity College Dublin,
• Dublin City University,
• Open University,
• University of Ulster,
• Institute of Technology Blanchardstown,
• Co. Meath VEC.

The establishment of other Working Groups to focus on specific areas such as community education is being examined.

Online Irish Programme 

Developed by NUI Maynooth in conjunction with Meath County Council, the FREE Online Irish Programme, based on the Leaving Certificate syllabus, is currently available at all Meath County Council library branches.  This initiative is available not only to those undertaking the Leaving Certificate exams, but also to anyone wishing to refresh their Irish language skills. See www.meath.ie/LocalAuthorities/Libraries for details on your nearest library branch.

For further information on these initiatives or any other aspect of the work being undertaken by the Meath Office for Further & Higher Education, please contact us.