Waterford Institute of Technology is encouraging parents and CAO applicants to consider the option of studying locally. This is not only financially sensible, but will offer significant benefits should the “Three Sisters” be named one the European Capitals of Culture this July.
Waterford, Kilkenny and Wexford are working together as the “Three Sisters” to be named one the European Capitals of Culture. The Three Sisters are battling it out with Galway and Limerick.
Dr Derek O’Byrne, Registrar at WIT outlined the benefits to students who decide to continue to third level education close to home.
“A successful Three Sisters region bid for the European Capital of Culture will make Waterford city and the South East region an attractive place to be for the graduates of 2020. Many students starting at WIT in September 2016 will be the graduates of 2020. The economic benefits that a
win will bring is not just a greater appreciation for the value which creativity can bring and an increase in visitors to the three counties. We can expect improvements in investment opportunities and enterprise creation, which augurs well for employment opportunities for our future graduates,” he said.
Three Sisters 2020 Bid Director Michael Quinn gave his support to students and parents who see the value in studying locally. “We have the opportunity to imagine a new future for the region and for our children and grandchildren. This can be the place for them to realise all of their potential rather than having to move to a big city,” he said.
WIT is urging its graduates and students across Wexford, Waterford and Kilkenny to do their bit for the bid for the European Capital of Culture to help create future opportunities for themselves.
“It is very important that the Three Sisters can show the EU selection panel the level of support there is in the region for this bid. The potential a successful bid creates for graduates is clear: the budget for the 2020 Bid is €31m, and the potential spin off for the region is estimated to be €170m and it will generate a massive surge in employment in an array of sectors. Also, with over 500 events scheduled the Three Sisters region will definitely be the place to be in 2020,” Quinn said.
Prospective and current WIT students and graduates can get their friends, colleagues and family to follow the Three Sisters social media accounts.
“We have many creative and entrepreneurial students and graduates across our 70 undergraduate courses. From English and Theatre Studies to Engineering, the Internet of Things, culinary and hospitality there are many ways people with ideas and talent can contribute the Three Sisters bid.”
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