Laois remote working hub blooms into university Learning Gate
BloomHQ in Mountrath is now a designated university Learning Gate as part of a new pilot programme that will see students studying and taking classes remotely in the Laois town's facility.
The Laois hub, which is located at the old Brigidine Convent, is part of the new ‘Learning in the Hubs’ project being rolled out initially in the Midlands under a partnership between Connected Hubs and the Technology University of the Shannon (TUS).
The pilot initiative is targeted at adult TUS third-level part-time flexible students who are learning online through the Faculty of Continuing, Professional, Online and Distance Learning to complete college courses in their local remote working hub.
BloomHQ has had a number of Students studying for exams using hotdesks recently.
It will see students carry out coursework and attend classes in a group setting at BloomHQ which is par of the Connected Hubs networks set up in May 2021.
The following programmes will take place exclusively in BloomHQ and 10 other Connected Hubs and newly designated Learning Gates from September 23:
- Certificate in Business in Entrepreneurship (Level 6) – the objective being to support potential entrepreneurs, start-ups and others locally with an interest in the world of entrepreneurship;
- Bachelor of Business (Hons) (Level 8) degree programme with plans to to widen participation in third-level education through general business.
TUS says this collaboration between Connected Hubs and Technological University of the Shannon will bring third-level education to communities all over Ireland through the National Hub Network, allowing adult learners to learn in a group setting locally alongside their peers.
TUS says its Faculty of Continuing, Professional, Online and Distance Learning, delivers accredited academic programmes to students throughout Ireland. The Faculty accredited hubs as TUS Learning Gates in 2022, to support its online learners and recognise the value of leveraging the technology in hubs all over Ireland.
It's envisaged that the pilot scheme will expand to include over 300 other hubs around Ireland some of which are located in Laois.
In a social media post, BloomHQ said it was delighted to be part of this scheme.
"Having local fast broadband in a quiet space can really help students. BloomHQ has had a number of Students studying for exams using hotdesks recently. This is another wonderful step forward that will make greater access to education for those in Laois," it said.
Prof Vincent Cunnane is TUS President.
“The potential of ‘Connecting’ TUS with 319 COWORKING HUBS Nationally will lead to greater accessibility for adult learners (all learners), enabling them upskill while living locally and/or engaging in hybrid working locally/regionally, delivering on various national policy objectives," he said.
Michael Tobin, Dean of Faculty, Continuing, Professional, Online and Distance Learning, TUS.
“Learning in the Hubs is another vital expansion of what hubs offer in communities all over Ireland. Hubs can effectively deliver third-level programmes online and provide a venue and exclusive programmes, to people living locally – it is a very exciting development.”
"The two new programmes will be run exclusively through the TUS Learning Gate network Learning in the Hubs initiative. Currently, there are 11 TUS Learning Gates regionally dispersed across the counties of Longford, Westmeath, Laois, Offaly, Galway and Roscommon.
"The collaboration between TUS and Connected Hubs will enable this concept to be built nationally providing higher education opportunities online across the country, particularly in rural areas where it may not have previously been accessible. It is envisaged that all counties will have a Learning Gate by September 2023," he said.
BloomHQ is an initiative of the Mountrath Community Forum. In 2017 the Convent and its grounds were donated by the Bridgidine Sisters of Mountrath to be held in trust for the long-term benefit of the local community.
Extensive renovations have taken place and it is now used for work, business and community.