World-class professional training

Staff from the Iðunn Education Centre recently visited the National Construction Training Centre in Mount Lucas, Ireland. The trip was organised by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) and was funded by Erasmus+.

Mount Lucas was chosen because of the unique work being done there in the field of vocational and professional training, and the education centre has received various awards and certifications for its work. Mount Lucas serves the labour market and the government, catering to employees, companies, and job seekers.

Contract-based apprenticeship in scaffolding

After many years of development, the education centre succeeded in getting a two-year contract-based programme (Scaffolding Apprenticeship) recognised for certification in scaffolding. Students are on an apprenticeship contract with a company and attend special training and classes one day a week for two years. The programme is much needed and has produced excellent professionals whose role is to assemble and maintain scaffolding and, not least, ensure safety at the workplace.

A classroom on wheels, heavy machinery simulators, and world-class practical training facilities

Mount Lucas offers seven different course pathways that follow recognised standards for Nearly Zero-Energy Buildings (NZEB). The training is both on-site and online, and the facilities for practical training are outstanding. The education centre is equipped with everything needed, and a special classroom is dedicated to heavy machinery simulation. There, people can train their skills for particularly difficult tasks and varying weather conditions in heavy machinery simulators. A specially equipped truck that has been converted into a mobile classroom is particularly noteworthy.

Mount Lucas oversees the education and training for Ireland's housing plan: Housing for All, where affordability and sustainability are priorities.