We were thrilled to welcome Gertrud Schilcher from Augsburg, Germany along with a group of enthusiastic students to Atlantic Technological University and DonegalETB during their trip to the North West City Region 🏫📚
Their visit was filled with learning, cultural exchange, and new friendships. We at NWTEC are proud to be part of such an inspiring international collaboration! 🌟
InternationalVisitors #NWRC #DonegalETB #ATU #CulturalExchange #Education #GlobalLearning
John and Pat Hume have been honoured by Ulster University with the Magee Campus Teaching Centre being renamed after the pair.
The moment was celebrated on Friday, with a special event held in the now John and Pat Hume Building, with guest speakers and a conversation held between the Chancellor of Ulster University, Dr. Colin Davidson, and the author of ‘The Persuader,’ a biography on John Hume, Stephen Walker.
In attendance were members of the Hume family, their friends and representatives of the SDLP, the political party Hume represented and helped found in August 1970.
His son and current chair of the John and Pat Hume Foundation, John Hume junior, was ‘emotional’ about the heartfelt tribute to his parents.
He said: “It was quite an emotional moment arriving here and seeing the signage up for the first time and seeing so many old friends and faces, family and extended family here. I would like to say thank you to the vice chancellor and the university for doing this, as it was a very special moment for all of us.
“I think it is all the more special as it was the John and Pat Hume building, as they were a team, a formidable team.
“Mum and Dad had a long association with Magee Campus; a lot of it forms part of our history, it is very well known, and it forms a huge part of our city and the north of the island of Ireland.”
Last year the Hume Foundation worked in conjunction with Ulster University and the European Parliament Liaison Office UK to commemorate the work done by both John and Pat in the peace process of Northern Ireland by hosting an exhibition (He Made Hope and History Rhyme) at the Magee Campus last year to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement and Nobel Peace Prize.
Anna Huth from the European Parliament Liaison Office UK said: “He was a European of the Year, Nobel Peace Prize winner, and a friend and family member to many of you, and for us at the European Parliament, he was a member for a quarter of a century, where he worked tirelessly to broker peace and reconciliation in his native land.
“He never tired of reminding us of his quote: ‘The Peace Process in Northern Ireland has been most heavily inspired by the example of this house (European Parliament) and that the European Union is the best example of conflict resolution in the history of the world; all the regions at war must study the way in which Europe was built’.
“John Hume was a strong voice in defending European values and democracy. His actions proved that working together, Europeans can overcome antagonism and build bridges towards a better future.
“We hope everyone who passes through this wonderful building will be inspired and proud of his example and bring his message across borders of European values, peace, and democracy will flourish.”
Throughout the conversation between Mr Walker and Dr Davidson, they spoke in high regard around the work of John Hume and what made him tick.
Witnessing the finer details and providing jovial stories about their previous experiences with the man or while working on art or books about him.
Their conversation then turned to the importance of Pat Hume and how her work in the background helped John thrive in public, with both wishing to help the community of Derry, as both a son and daughter of the city.
Vice Chancellor of Ulster University, Dr. Paul Bartholomew, spoke about the honour of naming the building on the campus after the husband and wife.
He said: “I am sure you will agree they are a poignant and fitting tribute to the outstanding achievements of both John and Pat.
“Having spent much of the last year reflecting on the Belfast Good Friday Agreement and looking to the future with our 25 at 25 leadership programme it is only right that we return to the architects of change, who were instrumental in bringing about the peaceful times that we live in and all the opportunities and potential they have created.
“John and Pat Hume were champions of peace in times of trouble and turmoil; moreover, they offered leadership for peaceful change. The key focus of the foundation now is to establish their legacy and with whom we are collaborating closely. The study of peace and conflict resolution continues to form a key part of the curriculum here at Ulster University.
“We offer a special word to Michael Canavan, a centenarian who for many years championed the cause of higher education in this city, working tirelessly with John and Pat and a great many others in that regard. It is our privilege to have you here today, and we thank you for your ongoing interest in what we are doing here.
“John Hume instilled in us that difference is the essence of humanity, and at Ulster University our values focus on inclusion, integrity, collaboration, and enhancing potential.
“As teachers, John and Pat Hume sought to inform and inspire the next generation; our commitment to people, place, and partnership seeks to do the same, preparing our future leaders of industry and innovation in healthcare and commerce.
“The kind of learning spaces, both formal and social, that you find here in the Hume building and our adjoining library are key enablers of the pedagogy process, and it is a fitting legacy to both Pat and John Hume.”
A unique North-South collaboration between Atlantic Technological University (ATU) and University of Ulster (UU) has celebrated its 20th anniversary at a special event in the Mansion House, Dublin on 12 February. The Masters in Leadership and Innovation in the Public Sector, established in the wake of the Good Friday Agreement, is supported by government partners at the Office of An Taoiseach and at the Department of Finance, in Northern Ireland, and has over 250 graduates from its programme since its launch in 2005. The event in the Mansion House was attended by graduates of the programme and provided an opportunity for both universities and key institutional supporters to reflect on the achievements over the last 20 years.
Speaking at the event, ATU President Dr Orla Flynn praised the vision of those who established the programme; “By marking this milestone, we are taking time to reflect on the vision of those who established this unique programme, shortly after the Good Friday Agreement in 2003. We are delighted to be joined by so many past participants, as well as the academic teams who were involved in the formative years of the programme. In terms of impact, the programme has successfully graduated 250 participants from 60 departments and agencies across both jurisdictions, supporting civil and public servants to address shared challenges, while building cross-border relationships. I am also delighted to be joined by our partners in Ulster University, as we have a common mission to advance knowledge by providing teaching and learning of the highest standard to meet the needs of our region and beyond.”
Professor Paul Seawright, Deputy Vice Chancellor at Ulster University remarked:
“Programmes like this are successful because of the people who have created and delivered them and the academic staff who have the passion to drive and re-invent the programme year after year, keeping it up to date and industry relevant. At Ulster our strategy is based on People, Place and Partnership and this programme is the perfect embodiment of that, allowing graduates to lead transformation in the public sector using the knowledge they gain from the programme. It is a great example of how both institutions are working together to deliver for both the North West region, where we are committed to growth, and also wider – to addressing challenges faced on both sides of the border.”
In addition to academic learning, the programme provided the space and time for those in leadership roles to drive innovation and change within complex organisations, embedding a culture of transformation within their departments. Speakers at the event reflected on
significant challenges faced throughout their careers, from the economic crash to covid 19 pandemic. Speakers at the event credited the skills and toolkits developed during the programme, as the blueprint for empowering them to lead significant projects and teams through periods of change.
The event coincided with the induction of the twentieth cohort on the Masters programme. Graduates from the very first cohort attended and shared their experiences, recounting the impact the programme had on their career, the development of their professional network and the positive impact on the public sector reforms.
Funding for the North West Digital Employment Pathway Training Hub (NW DEPTH) initiative was included in a total of €46,064,915 of PEACEPLUS funding announced recently to improve equal access to inclusive and quality services in education, training and lifelong learning in Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland.
This project – supported by the PEACEPLUS Programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) – will be led by Atlantic Technological University, in partnership with Ulster University, North West Regional College, and Donegal Education and Training Board via their well-established strategic collaboration, the North West Tertiary Education Cluster (NWTEC).
The Area Based Regional Skills Development Programme, through the PEACEPLUS Delivering Socio-Economic Regeneration and Transformation theme, will develop and upskill 10,000 people to engage on key growth sectors, which will boost economic growth and create a more balanced regional economy. The NW DEPTH proposal aims to deliver a digital skills framework targeting the North West City Region (County Donegal and the Derry City and Strabane District Council Area). The NW DEPTH project will develop and deliver a portfolio of upskilling and reskilling programmes to ensure 2,000+ people advance up the qualifications’ framework via digital and cybersecurity skills courses.
The NW DEPTH project will run for a four-year period and will see close to a €10 million investment in digital skills in the North West. A target of 2,000+ participants will have access to high-quality employment-focused digital and cybersecurity tertiary education programmes free of charge. To ensure a lasting legacy, the funding also includes provision for the development of a NW Digital Strategy aimed at supporting the growth of the many innovative digital enterprises operating in this cross-border region and improving the attractiveness of the region for the establishment of new smart enterprises.
PEACEPLUS is managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) and represents a funding partnership between the European Union, the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the Government of Ireland, and the Northern Ireland Executive.
NWTEC partners recognise the strong support that this represents from the funders and the responsibility it confers on NWTEC to deliver on the transformative potential that this funding has in conjunction with other recent funding announcements, such as the Derry and Strabane Growth Deal.
Dr Orla Flynn, President of ATU, stated that “securing PEACEPLUS funding for the NW DEPTH project will empower a significant number of individuals to thrive in an increasingly digital world of employment. It will not only enrich individual lives, but this funding will also strengthen regional industries by better facilitating innovation as well as providing support for economic growth. I want to congratulate those who worked on this bid and look forward to seeing successful outcomes being achieved in the years ahead.”
Professor Paul Bartholomew, Vice-Chancellor at Ulster University said “Ulster University is delighted to be a key project partner on the North West Digital Employment Pathways Training Hub (NW DEPTH) initiative. This is a strategically important investment in the skills profile of the NW region and complements other major investment plans enabled by the Derry and Strabane City Deal and Shared Island funding. This project builds on existing collaboration and co-operation established through the North West Tertiary Education Cluster and this PEACEPLUS investment in digital skills is a further endorsement of the value placed on, and importance of, developing education and capacity to support economic and social development across the region. The overall objective of DEPTH is to develop a Digital Skills framework for individuals to support re-entering, remaining or progressing their role in the NW region workforce, which is particularly important as we work with partners across the region to expand Ulster University’s campus in Derry~Londonderry. We look forward to continuing to work with partners on the digital skills development, upskilling and reskilling provision in the region targeting 2000 participants across the four years of the project.”
SEUPB Chief Executive Gina McIntyre said: “This PEACEPLUS funding supports five area-based approaches, designed to address evidenced skills gaps, which will result in increased productivity and employment and higher levels of cross-border labour mobility. The programme and the joined-up approach will enable cross-community and cross-border collaboration between education and training-based collaborations that maximise the capacity of the programme area to address existing and emerging skills gaps, and opportunities for reskilling. Economic development in post-conflict regions is vital in underpinning peace. Investment in the economy, providing support for SMEs, research, and innovation in specific areas of need are among the key focus areas for the PEACEPLUS Delivering Socio-Economic Regeneration and Transformation theme.”
Leo Murphy, Principal and Chief Executive of the North West Regional College (NWRC) said: “We at NWRC are delighted to be involved as a partner on the NW DEPTH project. This is a validation of the excellent work of the North West Tertiary Education Cluster by building digital and cybersecurity skills sets within our NW region. The partnership with Mastercard allows the region to develop an enhanced presence on FinTech and cyber expertise at a tertiary skills level. This will allow us to build competitive advantage and lead to the potential for more inward investment and indigenous growth in this sector.”
Anne McHugh, Chief Executive of Donegal Education and Training Board expressed delight that the NWTEC will be providing this much needed digital skills training in the region. “Our cross-border region is unique and full of opportunities and promise. This funding will significantly raise the chances that its promise will be fulfilled as we continue to seek to provide opportunities which will allow the region to compete on an all-island basis. Donegal ETB plays an enormously important part in the skills development area within Co Donegal and the cross-border region and the PEACEPLUS funding will contribute to this ongoing work in a really positive way.”
Paul Hannigan, Head of College ATU Donegal and VP for Cross-border Engagement at ATU, noted: “NWTEC is a strong partnership, and through our industry engagement via the NWTEC Smart Industry Board together with our links to community groups, this consortium is committed and well placed to deliver on the full potential of this critically important PEACEPLUS support for the North West City Region.”
US Special Envoy to Northern Ireland for Economic Affairs, Joseph P Kennedy III has praised the work of ATU’s role in fostering cross-border collaboration and its significant contributions to the advancement of North-South cooperation, as envisioned in the Good Friday Agreement. Atlantic Technological University (ATU) recently conferred an Honorary Doctorate on Joseph P. Kennedy III, at a ceremony in Letterkenny.
During the event, Mr Kennedy expressed his admiration for ATU’s commitment to strengthening ties between north and south through the North West Tertiary Education Cluster (NWTEC).
Mr Kennedy praised ATU’s North-South engagement as an example of the university’s leadership in addressing shared challenges across the island of Ireland, “Graduates of this university are given the tools to do something transformative – build bridges where there once were walls, and help shape the future not just of Donegal, but of this entire island. This is what ATU is about – using education as a force for unity and progress.” The NWTEC is a strategic alliance of all four publicly funded tertiary educational providers in the North West City Region: Atlantic Technological University, Ulster University, Donegal Education and Training Board, and North West Regional College. This deep partnership provides the full range of educational services including advanced skills training, cutting-edge innovation supports for enterprise, and internationally recognised high-quality research.
NWTEC, established via the North West Strategic Growth Partnership (NWSGP), is focused on supporting the development of the North West City Region which comprises County Donegal and the Derry City and Strabane District Council area.
The mission of NWTEC in collaboration with key stakeholders is to create a Shared North West; a connected, high performing region achieved through the pursuit of the clear opportunities available via Smart Growth, Sustainable Growth, and Inclusive Growth.
Paul Hannigan, Head of College at ATU Donegal, echoed Kennedy’s sentiments, adding; “ATU has long established links with the key stakeholders across both jurisdictions and ATU’s footprint encompasses most of the border region and is therefore pursuing several important elements of North South activity. The North South Engagement Centre will better coordinate and further strengthen the University’s role on the all-island agenda and will develop strategy to enhance cross-border student pathways and address skills shortage areas.”
The University has long-established links with key stakeholders across both jurisdictions and continues to be a driving force in building sustainable, inclusive growth for the region.
Atlantic Technological University (ATU) and North West Regional College (NWRC) have collaborated to create a unique cross border pathway for learners to advance their studies in Electric Vehicle (EV) Technology. The initiative endorsed by Hyundai and launched last month, part of the North West Tertiary Education Cluster, welcomed the first cohort to the campuses last week.
The North West Tertiary Education Cluster was established in 2018 and brings together the four education partners in the North West City Region namely, Atlantic Technological University, Ulster University, North West Regional College and Donegal ETB. The aim of the cluster is to provide pathways and progression routes for students on a cross border basis and to work with industry to ensure greater economic prosperity and high value jobs for the region.
Talking about this new collaboration, ATU Donegal, Head of College, Paul Hannigan says; “I am delighted to see this pathway created for our students. There has been significant emphasis on institutional engagement activity over recent years and it’s great to see our learners benefit from the relationships that have been built in this area. The cluster plays a key role in driving the development of the North West region and this education pathway is an example of the great work that is being done”.
Dr. Catherine O’Mullan, Director of Curriculum and Academic Standards at NWRC says; “The college is delighted to work in partnership with ATU on this extremely beneficial cross-border collaboration which provides an opportunity to upskill or reskill in this cutting-edge technology. The programme is one of a number planned by the North West Tertiary Education Cluster as we continue to work to bring about real and positive change by supporting enhanced economic prosperity and social benefits to the region through education, training and skills. I wish the participants well and I hope to see them progress to a full degree at ATU when they complete the programme.”
This new collaborative programme (Level 6 ROI, Level 4 Northern Ireland equivalent) is fully funded by the Department of the Economy, Northern Ireland and provides a steppingstone for graduates to advance to the degree programme in EV Technology at ATU, a new cross-border education and training pathway developed in partnership by NWRC and ATU.
This course will allow graduates to work in an industry embarking on the rapid transition to electrified propulsion. This cross-border initiative provides opportunities for learners in the NW region to gain knowledge in this rapidly changing industry and will provide graduates with the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue their careers.
During the course, which is 15 weeks in duration, students will spend two days a week learning practical skills at NWRC’s Springtown Campus, with one day of online learning delivered by ATU. Find out more
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North West Tertiary Education Cluster welcomes the signing of the financial agreement for the very important City Deal & Inclusive Future Fund for Derry-Londonderry & Strabane which will be important for stimulating the economy in the North West City Region.
The key partners responsible for the delivery of the Derry~Londonderry and Strabane City Region City Deal, have welcomed today’s signing of the financial deal at the Guildhall, and reinforced their commitment to working collectively to deliver on the projects that will bring about growth, investment and prosperity for the region. Of the total funding, the UK Government has provided £50 million City Deal funding and £55 million via the Inclusive Future Fund, which has been match funded by the Northern Ireland Executive with contributions by Derry City and Strabane District Council and its project partners of £83 million.
The key delivery partners of the City Deal, led by Derry City and Strabane District Council, are the Ulster University, the Western Health and Social Services Trust, Clinical Translational Research and Innovation Centre (C-TRIC-Ltd) and the North West Regional College.
Among the strategic projects included in the investment package are plans to develop a new combined Cognitive Analytics and Digital Robotics Innovation Centre (CADRIC) at Ulster University; a new teaching and research accommodation at Ulster University’s School of Medicine and Personalised Medicine Centre, a teaching facility and new build extension at C-TRIC Ltd and a SMART/Digital City programme that will place the city at the leading edge of urban innovation, supporting the development of smart specialisations across a range of sectors and public service delivery.
Welcoming this important milestone, Professor Paul Bartholomew, Vice Chancellor of Ulster University said: “Ulster University, along with the Derry City and Strabane District Council, the NI Executive, the UK Government, and other delivery partners, have a relentless ambition to deliver growth, investment and prosperity for the North West region. Our shared commitment to this ambition is clearly demonstrated by the Derry-Londonderry and Strabane City Region City Deal and this is another significant milestone in our journey to ensuring that this region, and its people, see the economic and community benefits of our work. ”
Leo Murphy, Principal and Chief Executive of North West Regional College (NWRC) said: “Today’s signing of the Financial Deal at the Guildhall brings us another step forward to seeing major change in the North West with long term plans that will drive further investment in this City and District Region. At NWRC we are committed to working with our partners on City Deal which will be the largest ever investment in this region and move forward in key areas of development and innovation.
“I believe this will be a catalyst for change and bring us closer to becoming the place we need to be, as we strive to build the skills of people in our city and district.
“Proposals for the development of a replacement site for our Strabane Campus have the potential to make a significant contribution to the future socio-economic regeneration of the Strabane region. We must continue to work together to provide greater higher-level learning and career opportunities in the region.”
Michelle O’Neill thanked the Chamber for their contribution to the local economy. Great to hear about the plans for the North West and the huge potential for the future. Good to see commitment to the NWCR.
Ulster University hosted the Hume O’ Neill Peace lecture 2024 in the city of Londonderry where An Taoiseach Simon Harris spoke about putting our minds and money towards education provision in the North West City Region through North West Tertiary Education Cluster