Train the Trainer (FETAC Level 6)  

Course Dates: 22^nd, 29^th January & 5^th February

Member Rate: €450.00

This 3 day course, one of our more popular, is designed to equip learners with the knowledge and skills necessary to design, deliver, assess and evaluate training programmes. It is suitable for people who are working in the area of training and development or who will soon be assuming a training position within their organisation. Participants on this course will gain practical experience and recognised certification (FETAC Level 6) as trainers.

At the end of this programme successful participants will be able to:

• Understand different learning styles;
• Explain critical elements of a trainers' role;
• Understand the functions and processes of learning and training;
• Evaluate different approaches to training;
• Appreciate the importance of training on an individual, social and economic level;
• Work effectively with a range of learner groups;
• Explain the training needs analysis process and set appropriate training objectives;
• Apply the principles of training design in preparing lesson plans;
• Deliver training effectively in one-to-one and group situations, and select appropriate techniques for assessing trainee progress;
• Identify different levels of evaluation and evaluate the effectiveness of training programmes;
• Develop and implement appropriate assessment methods.

This course is ideal for Managers and/or supervisors responsible for the training and development of staff, individuals wishing to gain a professional, accredited qualification in the area of training and those who may be seeking to change direction in their professional lives and explore employment opportunities in the area of training.

So if you wish to gain a professional, accredited qualification in the area of training, BOOK TODAY!

Project Management Professional (PMBOK Version 5)

Course Dates: 28^th, 29^th & 30^th January

Member Rate: €420.00

Professional Project Management is designed to establish a detailed understanding of Project Management terms, concepts and methodologies. The hands-on approach of this course ensures trainees “learn by doing” and gain a step-by-step, real-time experience of using the tools and implementing the methodologies and support structures. In simulating real-life environments, trainees gather the detailed knowledge required to apply the training on return to their work environment. The course uses PMBOK Guide Version 5 as its reference and so helps prepare people for PMI certification.

This course is ideal for:

A) Experienced project managers who had to learn ‘on the job’ and may not be aware of the different proven tools and techniques that exist and that can make their lives easier.

B) New or prospective project managers, who are looking for guidance on the “right” way to manage their projects.

C) People who intend to get certified as a PM, and who need to complete the required training so that they can meet the certification requirements.

D) Functional Managers, who may have to manage some projects “part-time” in addition to their real jobs. Many of the PM tools and methods can also apply to line management and deliver real value.

Following this course, participants will:-

• Understand the purpose, inputs and outputs of the core processes in each of the five process groups: Initiating, Planning, Execution, Control and Closing
• Learn how to Scope a Project clearly.
• Learn about Program Governance, and how to create a Phase Gate approval system that ensures early identification of project problems.
• Learn about the 10 knowledge areas of project management (Integration, Scope, Time, Cost, Quality, Human Resources, Communications, Risk, Procurement plus Professional and Social Responsibility). Understand how each knowledge area contributes to the progression of a project from start to finish, and know how to create the key deliverables at each stage.
• Learn key project management techniques, together with how and when to use them. Examples of such tools and techniques include Budget, Risk Analysis, Scheduling, Gantt chart, Contingency and Change Control.
• Learn how to identify and analyse risks to your project.
• Learn how to apply this learning a range of industries, with particular emphasis on projects that are relevant to participants’ environment through use of case studies and working exercises based on realistic problems and real-life project scenarios.
• Understand Project Management Technical Skills and Tools such as Microsoft Project Professional, methodologies such as Work Breakdown Structures, Phase Gates, Monte Carlo Simulation Analysis and a robust Project Governance system.

Places are filling up fast on this course so don’t delay, BOOK TODAY!

E-Mail & Business Writing

Course Date: 30^th January   

Member Rate: €140.00

This course is designed to give the participants an understanding of the importance of written communication in delivering the core message of their organisation and its brand.

Specifically, it will present the techniques to create emails and documents with a clear, logical structure to organise their ideas and key points. It will have a practical focus with the participants creating and completing the exercises which demonstrate the salient points of grammar etc.

Following this course you will:

• Understand the importance of active management of the written communication process as an essential skill in getting the information from others, setting clear direction, building trust and creating and maintaining customer relationships.
• Understand that writing clearly is a professional business skill
• Have logical structure to create effective e-mails
• Realise that the content and tone of their e-mails can influence the reactions of the readers
• Know how to properly structure e-mails.
• Avoid common grammar and punctuation errors
• Practice the techniques and tips to create professional emails and create an action plan to apply them.
• Recognise that professional writing is a career skill which enhances employability.

This course is ideal for those people who are responsible for communicating in writing with internal and/or external customers or clients. BOOK TODAY!

Experts and Evaluators Wantedfor Horizon 2020

In line with the launch of the Horizon 2020 programme, the new EU research and innovation programme, the European Commission has launched a new call for independent experts. Experts are needed to evaluate proposals for EU funding and for other activities such as monitoring, programme evaluation and policy development. The European Commission appoints independent experts to assist with research and innovation assignments including the evaluation of proposals, the review of projects and the monitoring of programmes and policies. With approximately 100 published calls and 40,000 proposals expected per year, and the need to support projects throughout their lifecycle from research to innovation, the quest for excellence remains the top priority of Horizon 2020. Independent experts who registered under the Seventh Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development are invited to declare their interest in being considered for Horizon 2020 assignments and update their area of expertise in line with the new set of Horizon 2020 specialist fields. For further information, please click here.

‘Meet the Buyer: Schools Public Private Partnership (PPP) Programme’, January 31, Portlaoise Heritage Hotel

Enterprise Ireland, in conjunction with the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA) will hold a ‘Meet the Buyer’ event on January 31; targeting SMEs and micro businesses that would be interested in supply chain opportunities in the Schools Public Private Partnership (PPP) Programme. The aim of the Schools Programme is to deliver new schools in rapidly developing areas and to replace existing schools with new accommodation and provide new accommodation for schools that are an amalgamation of existing schools. The schools are to be delivered by way of Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangements. The schools are planned to be delivered by way of two bundles procured under a single Contract Notice using the negotiated procedure. Two bundles comprising ten schools have already been delivered by the NDFA, whilst a third bundle comprising eight schools is currently under construction. To register for this event, please click here.

Business Partnership Opportunities

• A Finnish company, active in waste water treatment technology, is looking for Irish trade intermediaries for novel and patented waste water treatment units. Applications vary from single house waste water treatment up to waste water treatment for multiple building. Representatives should have a strong existing sales network or otherwise have contacts to service operators active in waste water treatment. For further information, contact Eimear@corkchamber.ie and quote Ref. 20110509005.

• A Swedish company has devised a "Smart system" tool within its recruitment and Human Resources branch. The tool is a web based e-recruitment tool. The web based e-recruitment software is user-friendly and prospects can test it for free and then sign up for one year at a time. The software is available in thirteen languages and the company is now looking for agents and representatives for it. For more information, contact Eimear@corkchamber.ie and quote Ref. BOSE20131028004.

• A Maltese company with a 90 strong team of specialists focused on various sectors of the Information Technology industry. Solutions span IT security, IT infrastructure, Financial, Asset Management, Payroll and HR Solutions. The company is looking for potential partners in the banking and financial services sector for subcontracting, commercial agreements and joint cooperation for new market applications. For further information, please contact Eimear@corkchamber.ie and quote BOMT20130828001.

The report is an independent assessment of infrastructure in Ireland and you can read last year’s report here. The document informs Engineers Ireland conversations with national and regional government throughout the year.

 Light refreshments will be provided on the night.

About the presenters

Denis Healy, Chartered Engineer, manager engineering services, Port of Cork and current chair of Cork Chamber’s transport infrastructure committee will give an overview on the future of transport infrastructure in Cork;

John Bruen, commercial property manager Cork Airport will focus on the developments required to support the air access needed for the city and surrounding region’s business and tourism traffic;

Tony O’Sullivan, Chartered Engineer, senior engineer - roads, Cork City Council will present on current and future priorities for the national, secondary and urban road networks in the area;

If you would like further details then please contact Fionnuala Kilbane fkilbane@engineersireland.ie or call 086 3688898.

Once again the Irish Heart Foundation promises to stage an exciting event which is sure to get hearts pumping – the hearts of the boxers and their families and friends as they watch on. Like last year there will be 30 brave men and women taking part in 15 fights, each consisting of three 1-minute rounds. The National Charity for Heart Disease and Stroke is calling on men & women aged between 18 and 40 to sign up to participate in this event.

This year will take on a new twist with rivalries between Cork & Kerry footballers being stoked in the Ring. Kerry player Aidan O’Mahony and Cork’s Noel O’Leary attended the launch in the Rochestown Park and relish the idea of meeting in the ring. Aidan will be joined by at least 10 aspiring boxers from Kerry and we hope to match them up with equally enthusiastic men Corkonians

Head Coach Dan Lane (Rylane Boxing Club) will once again be keeping a close eye on things. He will be joined by his experienced coaching team and fitness guru Chris Cashman has promised to really put people through their paces this year.

Registration is now open on www.irishheart.ie/boxing  and a special introduction night is planned for Wednesday 15^th of January. On the night they will be given a detailed outline of training and fundraising requirements and they can secure their place in the squad. There will also be a special session form an expert Nutritionist so that aspiring boxers can get their bodies prepared for the intensive training programme.

“At the Irish Heart Foundation our slogan is fighting Heart Disease and Stroke and our big heart fighters are helping to do this – quite literally! As a national charity chiefly funded by public and corporate donations, events like this are vital to raise funds to support our National Heart and Stroke Helpline (Locall 1890 432 787), heart attack and stroke symptom awareness campaigns, health promotion programmes in Sligo schools to help reduce childhood obesity, our lifesaving resuscitation programme and our vital research projects,” explained Anne Riordan, Regional Manager with the Irish Heart Foundation.

The Irish Heart Foundation is working to reduce the biggest cause of death in our country, namely heart disease and stroke, which claims almost 10,000 lives every year. The good news is that 80 per cent of cardiovascular disease incidence is preventable and being active is important for a healthy heart. Training for the Big Heart Fight Night is guaranteed to get hearts pumping which is good for the participants and good for the Irish Heart Foundation because it also raises vital donations.

Ms Riordan continued: “Many people do not realise that not being physically active carries the same health risk as raised cholesterol, smoking and high blood pressure. Actions speak louder than words and our Big Heart Fighters are quite literally joining the fight against heart disease and stroke. This unique event is sure to set hearts pumping and raise vital funds for the Irish Heart Foundation. I was amazed last year when one of our boxers ended up losing over 2-stone during the training programme. Taking part in this event could prove to be life changing”

“These are tough times and events like this are vital to help the Irish Heart Foundation continue its work so people living with heart disease and stroke get the support they need all year round. Together we are fighting the biggest cause of death in this country and together, we help save more lives.”

Five Key Reasons Why You Should Enter a Corporate Team

1. Motivate your workforce to get fit and encourage a healthier lifestyle and workplace
2. Encourage interaction and healthy competition between branches and departments, foster team spirit and help improve productivity in the workplace
3. Help make your employees more productive: research shows that as little as five minutes of exercise in an outdoor green space provides substantial health and wellbeing benefits, helps clear the mind and reduces stress levels
4. Support good causes! Your teams can raise funds for charities and charitable work
5. Get the whole team involved. People of all abilities can run in Cork City Marathon with the full marathon, half marathon and also relay marathon. For those who really don't want to run, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved through volunteering on the day. Further information on volunteering is available here.
6. It’s great fun!