Published on: Wednesday, 18 November 2015

On the 18th November 2015, Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI), the state agency responsible for maintaining the ten level National Framework of Qualifications, unveiled a new award brand identity.  The launch took place in the Aviva Stadium, Dublin and was attended by Minister for Education and Skills, Jan O'Sullivan T.D.

As part of the launch event, a number of learners were presented with commemorative certificates, by Minister Jan O'Sullivan T.D. and Dr. Padraig Walsh, which represented the ten levels at which QQI makes awards.

Recent CIT PhD recipient Ruth O’Donnell was awarded a commemorative certificate by Minister for Education Jan O’Sullivan TD in Dublin. L-R Gordon Clark (Chair QQI), Dr Ruth Hally, Minister Jan O'Sullivan TD, and Dr Padraig Walsh (CE QQI)

The launch of QQI's new brand identity is the next step in its promotion of the QQI Award and is part of a larger marketing and promotional campaign. In addition to being an awarding body, QQI promotes the enhancement of quality in Ireland's further and higher education and training system, and quality assures providers. In doing so it supports and promotes a qualifications system that benefits learners and other stakeholders.

Speaking at the launch, Minister for Education and Skills, Jan O'Sullivan, T.D., said; "The QQI award plays a pivotal role in the quality and standards of education and training. Today marks a major step in promoting a wider understanding and recognition of the QQI award and its positioning on the NFQ."

 "QQI was established in November 2012 following the amalgamation of a range of bodies.  It is making a very strong impact on learners and the new award brand will ensure that this continues to go from strength-to-strength."

Commenting on the campaign, Dr Padraig Walsh, Chief Executive, QQI, said; "Qualifications play an ever important role in modern daily life. They are increasingly necessary for individuals to access employment and further education opportunities. Today's launch of our new award brand identity is the next step in a much wider marketing campaign to highlight Ireland's further education opportunities. We are proud to have an excellent network of training and education providers in Ireland, which is committed to continuous improvement."

Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) is a state agency established by the Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Act 2012. QQI is an amalgamation of the previously operational Further Education and Training Awards Council (FETAC); the Higher Education and Training Awards Council (HETAC); the Irish Universities Quality Board (IUQB) and the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland (NQAI).

> Please click here to read a copy of Minister Jan O’Sullivan’s speech.