Extended Campus was established as single point of contact to support enterprise or community groups in all forms of interaction with MTU
Port of Cork Visit Facilitated by MTU Extended Campus
24 May, 2024
Port of Cork Visit Facilitated by MTU Extended Campus
Background
The Logistics Associate Apprenticeship (LAA) was born of the need to address the skills shortage within the Irish Freight, Logistics, Shipping and Distribution industries. The LAA provides academic education and practical training across the Freight, Logistics, Shipping and Distribution industries. Industry-specific knowledge is delivered to apprentices, focusing on core modules that include Road, Air, International Trade and Maritime freight operations. Thus, providing a broad understanding of the logistics industry and the working relationship across the supply chain concept.
The Need
The unique structure of the LAA allows apprentices to work in their respective companies 4 days a week, gaining and developing valuable work-based skills and competencies. These are then underpinned when they attend lectures one day a week, where the “work practices” are underlined by academic theory. A key challenge is that, even though the apprentice is working in industry, they mightn’t get exposure to all areas of the supply chain. During the apprenticeship we aim to develop knowledge and understanding in all areas of the greater supply chain. However, when introducing the concept of port operations to learners, the sheer size and scale of the equipment, vessels and container yards is challenging for learners to comprehend, making it an area that is notoriously difficult to bring to life in the classroom environment.
The Solution
A key factor of creating authentic learning opportunities for learners is gaining access and collaborating with industry partners to facilitate off-site learning opportunities. MTU Extended Campus collaborated with the Port of Cork to allow MTU students access to the restricted inner workings of the port. This offered an authentic learning opportunity that supports the development of apprentices by providing real practical exposure to port operations.
This visit to the Port of Cork provided the opportunity to bring the academic literature to life and for the students to get fully immersed into the world of maritime port operations. Students and MTU staff enjoyed detailed walk-through by the Container Terminal Manager Cathal Dooley, which included a very interesting talk from the Port Customs Officers. Students gained first-hand experience of all the activities that make up the port operations. Amongst others, they were shown the many sustainability initiatives, and value-add activities while observing how automation can increase efficiency, and accuracy to improve communications and data management within the Port. This was topped off when students were given the opportunity to go up the two giant 50m ship-to-shore Liebherr cranes, named 'Mahain' and 'Binne'. Students highlighted this as “a once-in-a-lifetime experience”.
Benefits of the Engagement
This industry visit, facilitated by MTU Extended Campus, provided learners with insight to the current challenges that are faced by the Maritime Logistics sector. This practical exposure deepened learners understanding and nurtured a sense of appreciation for port operations that would not be possible to achieve in the traditional lecture environment.
This field trip would not have been possible without the input of Sean Donovan from MTU Extended Campus.
“Getting a tour of the planning office to see how vessel operations are planned prior to the ships arrivals, As well as being shown the plug-in stations of reefers on quay was interesting. The most enjoyable part for me was being given the chance to go up on the crane and see how they are operated in the loading and unloading of vessels.”
- David Slocum, Apprentice for Eucon Shipping & Transport Ltd.
“We are genuinely thrilled to hear that your recent tour of CCT proved to be a source of both enjoyment and excitement for you and the students. The depth of our discussions, delving into the significance of each segment within the supply chain and emphasizing the pivotal role of the port, provided a wealth of valuable insights and knowledge. It was a joy to witness the smiles on some faces and seeing some overcome their fear of heights and pushing themselves to go up on the cranes."
- Darren Kidney, Assistant Manager, Cork Container Terminal, Port of Cork Company
Contact us to connect your Enterprise with MTU. Email us at extended.campusCork@mtu.ie to discuss a collaboration that suit your needs!
