Computer giant Hewlett-Packard (HP) has been awarded a €3m contract to supply secondary schools across Ireland with up to 4,000 high-end workstation PCs and laptops for CAD applications.
Under the Leaving Certificate technology subjects’ requirements specified by T4 – the Technology Subjects Support Service established by the Department of Education and Science – the PCs and laptops will all come fully equipped with high-end graphics cards, high memory, Microsoft Learning Suite and Symantec Antivirus.
T4 is working on behalf of the Department of Education and Science to modernise the technology curriculum and ensure secondary-school students become proficient in using IT practically as part of their education.
HP’s workstation PCs and laptops will be used to facilitate the use of powerful design tools such as SolidWorks by students in the classroom as an integral part of their day-to-day learning experience and final Leaving Cert grade.
“This is fantastic news for Irish second-level students, as it ensures they will get the best technology available to work with in the classroom. We are delighted that HP Ireland has come on board to support the scheme, and we look forward to working closely with them to ensure the scheme is rolled out successfully,” said Paddy Keays, national co-ordinator for T4.
HP Ireland is now accepting orders from schools through their fulfilment partner BT Ireland. Workstation PCs can be purchased at €760 including VAT and delivery, with laptops available at €850 also including VAT and delivery.
“Developed and specialist technology skills are at the vanguard of efforts to ensure Irish students are fully equipped to take advantage of the digital age,” said Martin Cullen, head of PSG at HP Ireland.
“Ensuring access to the best-in-class technology is essential in engaging students in these specialist areas and in maximising their future contribution to the knowledge economy,” Cullen added.
By John Kennedy
Martin Cullen, HP Ireland, and the Minister for Education and Science, Batt O’Keeffe TD, pictured at Christ King Girls Secondary School, Cork city