Connect with us
EV Technology Programme on display EV Technology Programme on display

Education

TUS Coonagh Campus puts trailblazing EV Technology Programme on display

Published

2 months ago

on

Shane Barrett, Graduate of Electrical Vehicle Technology Certyificate at TUS , chats with Minister Marian Harkin, Minister of State at the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science and other graduates of the EV technology programme. Pic Arthur Ellis

TUS Coonagh Campus put the EV Technology 10-week flexible learning programme on full display showing the power of the initiative

Seamus Hoyne, Dean of Flexible and Work-Based Learning at TUS, said, “The benefits of this flexible learning programme are immense, as it directly addresses a critical industry need for advanced electric-vehicle maintenance.”

Minister Marian Harkin visited the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) Coonagh Campus in Limerick to see first-hand the provision of the innovative EV Technology 10-week flexible learning programme. The initiative is delivered by TUS in collaboration with the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) and Shannon Chamber Skillnet.

As the only accredited Level 7 EV Technology course of its kind in the country, the 10-week programme provides critical upskilling for mechanics and engineers transitioning from traditional internal combustion engines to high-voltage electric vehicle systems. The programme has seen over 160 motor technicians from across the country upskill in EV technology since its inception in 2023.  

While on the campus tour, Minister Harkin took the opportunity to speak directly with a number of past graduates who have successfully completed the training.  


advertisement
advertisement


advertisement
advertisement


advertisement
advertisement


advertisement
advertisement

Welcoming the Minister to the campus, Seamus Hoyne, Dean of Flexible and Work-Based Learning at TUS, said, “We are delighted to welcome Minister Harkin to our Coonagh campus today and to introduce her to the dedicated team behind this course, as well as the past students who have brought these skills back to their workplaces.

TUS lecturers Darragh Donnelly and Sean Conway with Alan Kelly, Shannon Chamber Skillnet (centre) and students (from left): Tiernan Beresford (Cork Engine Centre), Thomas Dowling (Drivalia), Mark McNulty (Transdev Ireland), Samantha Hayes (Des Hughes Motors), Chris Sexton (TUS), Tristan Fitzpatrick (Dennehy Motor Group) at the Electric Vehicle Technology course at TUS, Coonagh Campus, Limerick. Photograph by Eamon Ward

“The benefits of this flexible learning programme are immense, as it directly addresses a critical industry need for advanced electric-vehicle maintenance.”

James McPhillips Engineering Apprenticeship Coordinator at TUS commented: “It was great for our team to welcome back graduates of our EV Technology course, to hear how they have since used their EV skills across the various fields of the automotive and transport repair sector. Through the partnership between TUS, CILT and Shannon Chamber, the programme provides a practical and flexible pathway for technicians and transport professionals to develop specialist skills in EV technology while continuing to balance work and personal commitments.”

During the visit, the Minister received a tour of the Coonagh Campus, which officially opened in April 2024. The campus has quickly become a hub for advanced technical education in the Midwest, hosting highly sought-after programmes in electrical and precision engineering, as well as other STEM disciplines.

Related Topics:

Richard is a presenter, producer, songwriter and actor. He was named the Limerick Person of the Year (2011) and won an online award at the Metro Éireann Media and Multicultural Awards (2011) for promoting multi-culturalism online. Richard says that the ilovelimerick.com concept is very much a community driven project that aims to document life in Limerick. So, that in 20 years time people can look back and remember the events that were making the headlines.