A course in Medical Device Technology designed and delivered by lecturers in GMIT’s School of Science is to commence in September at a location in the Connemara Gaeltacht.
In conjunction with Údarás na Gaeltachta in Connemara, the Certificate in Science in Medical Device Technology is funded by the HEA and run through the Springboard programme.
The course will provide participants with the basic skills necessary to work as an operator in the medical device sector. It will consist of 13 weeks of lectures followed by a 3 – 9 month work placement in a Gaeltacht medical device company or an industrial project based in GMIT’s laboratories.
The location where the course will be delivered has yet to be decided, pending the number of applicants from the Connemara area.
CEO of Údarás na Gaeltachta, Steve Ó Cúláin says: “We are very pleased to work with GMIT and our client companies in the medical device sector in delivering this programme in Connemara. This course is aimed at those who are currently unemployed and we are pleased to work with our client-companies in an effort to ensure those seeking employment receive the qualifications and training to give them best possible opportunities while seeking work.“
Peter Butler, Lifelong Learning Co-ordinator in GMIT Galway says: “This course was run last year in GMIT’s Dublin Road campus and proved very successful. Many of the participants gained full-time placements, which present opportunities for further employment.”
There are currently five medical device companies in the Galway Gaeltacht and they recruit on a regular basis. Údarás continues to work with the relevant agencies to ensure that those seeking employment in the Galway Gaeltacht receive opportunities to up-skill and further their education.