Minster Martin Cullen pictured at the launch of AOL/Waterford Institute of Technology Higher Dipolma in Management
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 Martin Cullen TD, Minister for Social and Family Affairs, this morning (Friday 2 November 2007) visited the offices of AOL Broadband at the IDA Business Park, Cork Road, Waterford where he launched a new AOL/Waterford Institute of Technology Higher Diploma in Management.
This new Diploma was developed in response to staff professional development needs identified within the AOL (America Online) company in Waterford. While the Higher Diploma has been developed in conjunction with AOL, this new two-year part time management course also accepts applications from individuals involved in other organisations/professions. The course is aimed at junior, middle or aspiring managers who are keen to acquire personal and professional development and a business management qualification.
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Speaking at the launch of the Higher Diploma in Management, Minister Cullen said: “I would firstly like to offer my congratulations to everybody who contributed to the initiative to bring this course to fruition, not least to the management and staff at the Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT) – our university-level institution - and at AOL Broadband who were deeply involved in this project from its inception to its launch here today. The Irish education market continues to change and this must be reflected in the way applicant profiles and the demand for courses is viewed.”Minister Cullen continued: “In WIT’s Strategic Plan 2007-2010, the student of the future is recognized. The higher education system has traditionally focused on the school leaver as its primary client group. However, as the knowledge economy is developing, several changes are now clear. People at different stages in their lives are entering education. These can range from a learner with a need to update and enhance professional level qualifications to people who have no formal educational background.”The Minister added: “I very much admire the way that AOL Broadband has come together with our local and very much valued education provider, agreeing a common agenda to address local industry needs, thereby allowing (AOL) firm’s workers and of course other individuals who wish to enhance their skills to benefit from this well thought-through Diploma which offers twelve modules over the course of two years.
I would like to congratulate AOL’s Executive Director Mr Alain Meric and Professor Kieran Byrne Director of WIT, for their vision and resolve. It stands to reason that their collective thinking will also assist with the building of key contacts across companies in the region and help reinforce the networking which is vital to economic activity.”Martin Cullen TD said that this new Diploma aims to prepare candidates to perform effectively at an executive level and contribute to the management of their organisation’s policies with; “clarity, consistency and capability. It is a challenging programme that will enable candidates both professionally and personally, to play a key role in the strategic management of their organisations.”
Wishing the students every success with their course of study, Martin Cullen TD concluded: “Access to education is a key consideration for all of us. We must provide learning opportunities, which encourage and promote all of our citizens’ potential for individual and collective development. For the students amongst us, who are after all, the Ireland of the future, this initiative is a vote of confidence in you and in your future. The manager’s role is becoming increasingly complex and there is greater competition to satisfy career opportunities at this level. Completion of study on this programme undoubtedly will mean that you will enjoy enhanced career opportunities. I wish you well in your studies and in your chosen careers”. |
