Drogheda Institute of Further Education (DIFE) has been announced as the overall winner of the “Best Provider of Further Education in Ireland” award at the Education Awards 2023 gala presentation night.
This is the third time that DIFE has won this prestigious award, which is open to all providers of further education in Ireland, recognises excellence in the provision of education in this sector.
DIFE was also shortlisted for ‘Best Industry Academic Collaboration’ for their innovative AWS Data Technician programme.
The judging panel benchmark providers against a set of criteria including innovation, partnerships and collaborations, infrastructure, teaching and learning, student experience, employment statistics and alumni relations.
Principal of DIFE, Davy McDonnell, said: “Winning this award is great recognition of the hard work and dedication of our wonderful teaching staff in DIFE.
“Our ambition is to be the leading provider of further education in Ireland and our teachers work tirelessly each year to ensure the best educational experience and outcomes for our students”.
Deputy Principal, Barbara Cooney, said: “Our experienced teachers, unrivalled range of educational courses, diverse student population and state of the art campus makes DIFE a unique environment for students to progress their education and take the next step towards their future careers.
“We are very proud to win this award for the third time as it acknowledges the collective effort of our teachers, students and staff.”
Over the last year DIFE has further progressed with many new initiatives including an Erasmus programme, development of new exciting courses, collaboration with AWS and the launch of new data technician course and the successful award of a €4.6m capital injection for tertiary education space.
The college has been hugely successful in providing varied, responsive and successful FET programmes supporting many learners in their career path.
An increasing number of students are choosing to study a one-year full time course in DIFE to enable them to upskill, gain relevant industry qualifications, work on obtaining progression scholarships, progress to further and higher education or as a pathway to direct employment/ apprenticeship.
Work placement in every course allows students to make an informed career decision and develop excellent collaboration with local employers. Applications for the full time courses starting in September 2023 are currently open, check out the college website at www.dife.ie to apply. Apply early to avoid disappointment!
