A new €10 million cross-border education programme to address regional skills challenges will be officially launched at Dundalk Institute of Technology (DKIT) today.
The SECBA project is a collaboration between higher and further education bodies and industry in the South East region of Northern Ireland and border counties of the Republic of Ireland.
It will focus on equipping the workforce with skills to address the immediate needs of businesses in the region and mitigate employment risks due to technological advancements.
DKIT said that the project will directly address regional skills challenges through strategic cross-border partnerships with Dundalk Institute of Technology, Southern Regional College Newry, Monaghan Institute, Cavan Institute and Workplus.
It said the education programme has been designed to "transform the region", by "strategically bridging the gap between educational outputs and industry's evolving needs".
Up to 185 SECBA cert programmes are expected to be delivered across the area, with almost 2,500 participants expected to complete training and certification through the programme.
SECBA is a three year project that will run until October 2028 and is supported by €10 million from PEACEPLUS, a cross border funding programme designed to support peace and prosperity in Northern Ireland and the border region.
DKIT also said that more than 3,000 participants are expected to be recruited across the project.
Speaking about the programme, local TD and Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Further and Higher Education Erin McGreehan said the project represents the best of what cross-border collaboration can achieve.
She said the initiative was expected to "significantly boost employability, encourage innovation and stimulate sectoral growth, strengthening cross-border employment opportunities".
Northern Ireland's Minister for Economy Dr Caoimhe Archibald is due to make a video address at the launch, saying the focus would be on software development, biopharmaceuticals and business/sports.
President of DKIT Dr Diarmuid O'Callaghan said he was delighted to collaborate to help protect businesses and upskill employees in the region.
