Background
P-TECH is an innovative model of education-industry collaboration that was first developed in 2011 in the USA by IBM and local educators. The P-TECH education initiative in Ireland was launched in Dublin’s North-East Inner City (NEIC) as a pilot programme in 2018.
This initiative is designed to tackle educational disadvantage and to provide post-primary students in the area with an enriching educational experience to develop skills, realise their potential as learners and to connect to new learning and career pathways beyond school. The model combines second-level school education with elements of third-level education and work experiences such as mentorship and internships.
NCI worked with industry partners and schools to reimagine the original P-TECH model and design a new curriculum tailored to complement the Irish education system. The Certificate in P-TECH - Future Pathway was developed as a new programme to provide NEIC school students with a range of skills and experiences that help their development, future learning, and future career. This program introduces students to new ways to develop knowledge, digital skills, and work experience.