As part of its mission to develop Ireland’s Tech Talent Pipeline, FIT (Fastrack Into Information Technology) has been guided by technical experts and stakeholders in the field of education over the past decade, researching the landscape of existing education pathway options for young adults into the Irish and global tech sector, to inform and develop industry led, cutting edge programmes of learning. In 2018, FIT became the national co-ordinator for ICT Associate Tech Apprenticeships in Software Development, Computer Networking and Cybersecurity (QQI Level 6). FIT recognised an opportunity existed to develop and provide a foundational curriculum on ICT fundamentals, particularly to DEIS secondary schools and Youth Reach Centres, targeting 15-20 years old, particularly from marginalised and disadvantaged backgrounds.
In 2020, FIT developed the Choose Tech Programme - a free, accessible, interactive online programme of learning, featuring over 80 fun, engaging interactive ‘micro-credentials’, covering a range of contemporary technology themes and specialisms, including A.I, Robotics, Cloud Computing, Manufacturing, Technology & Global Development, Cybersecurity, Ethical Hacking and Digital Ethics. The Choose Tech Programme is designed with the end user in mind. The Programme’s key strength rests in the ease of delivery by educators, irrespective of their background or knowledge of ICT accessible it is to young people. It is versatile, as it can be completed on PCs, tablets or mobile phones.
Over the past three years, FIT have been co-ordinating and embedding the Choose Tech Programme, to over 180 schools (DEIS, Non-DEIS) and Youth Reach Centres nationwide – the course has been delivered to over 6,000 learners, aged 15 yrs and over, in a variety of educational settings: Transition Year, 5th , 6th Year, through Leaving Certificate Applied, in Youth Reach education plans and now within youth work organisations.
The Choose Tech Programme is a transformative, immersive, experiential curriculum, providing young people with foundational knowledge of technology and an appreciation of further education and employment opportunities in technology. Choose Tech provides educators with Continuous Professional Development through the Choose Tech Ambassador Award Programme and our education sites, with a hallmark of recognition through the FIT Tech Ambassador Award Programme.
To find out more about how to introduce Choose Tech to your organisation and learners, please feel free to sign up to one of the Choose Tech Information Webinars: Wednesday 28th August 10am or Wednesday 18th September 12 noon - FIT CHOOSETECH LIVE WEBINAR 2024_Register NOW !!!
For more information on FIT’s Choose Tech Programme, please visit www.fit.ie/resources/choosetech and @fastrackintoit (X, LinkedIn, Facebook)
Students from St Joseph’s Secondary School Rush. St Joseph’s have been hosting the Choose Tech Programme since 2022. 292 have participated in the Programme, with 33 Choose Tech Bronze Awards achieved. The total student body have earning a collective 4,296 Choose Tech Badges.
