George Ryan's Page

My organization

FIT

Website

http://www.fit.ie

Address

7a Bellvue Industrial Estate
Glasnevin
Ireland

What we do as an organization (100-word description)

Fastrack to Information Technology (FIT) is an industry initiative with the joint aim of addressing long term unemployment while meeting the skills needs of industry. Involving major indigenous and international companies FIT is committed to the effective integration of marginalised job seekers through the acquisition of in demand technology / ICT skills.

My function in the organization

Programme Manager

What ICT or e-Skill training programs does your organization offer?

FIT has programmes of in two categoeies
(A) Training for Employment programmes run in conjunction with government agencies. These focus on ICT skills and range from general skills (e.g. IT for admin, accounts etc.) up to high-tech skills such as Cloud, Mobile Apps, Java, Games Developer, C++ etc. About 2,500 long term unemployed peole enrol in these courses each year.
(B) FIT has a range of digiotal inclusion programmes which it has developed through EU projects such as e-Cert, MY IT! and First Steps to IT. FIT is funded by government to carry out large scale digital incusion initiatives, for example in 2012 FIT digital inclusion courses will have over 10,000 participants of all ages.

What other training services does your organization provides?

FIT has developed a range of Continuous Professional Development resources for teachers in Vocational Education and Training which support them in the integration of ICTs in learning.

Other services and activities:

- Undetake innovation in VET by leading eleven Development of Innovation EU projects and participating in many more.

- FIT are experts in curriculum development in the emerging technology field.

Number of telecentres linked to my organization

150

Target groups

- Long-term unemployed people
- Peole with low levels of basic ICT skills
- People who are marginalised or are living in disadvantaged communities
- Teachers and tutors in VET who wish to pursue continuous professional development

Partners: (other NGOs)

large network of collaborators in Ireland, support from the Irish American Partnership

Partners: (private sector)

The - Board of FIT is made up of 20 leading global ICT companies

Partners: (government)

Three government departments

Other partners:

Network of 40 partners with which FIT collaborates in EU Lifelong Learning projects across fifteen member states.

How we contribute to the network

Best practices/Success stories, Training materials, Evaluation tools/methodologies, e-learning resources, Data and statistics, Research, Benchmarking tools, Resources for training instructors/teachers

How you got in touch with this social network site?

I received an online invitation from a member

My personal areas of interest or expertise

Strategic Development
Innovation
Social Entrepreneurship
Technology