Key studies back drive to upgrade WIT to university status

THE case for re-designating Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT) as University of the South East has been further reinforced by studies conducted by FÁS and the ESRI.

Both agencies forecast employment growth in the medium-term will be greatest in occupations that require third-level qualifications and high-skill levels — with women accounting for an increasing proportion of skilled workers.

WIT governing body chairman Redmond O’Donoghue insisted: “We cannot benefit fully from the opportunities represented by the predicted growth in employment without the creation of a new regional university for the South East.