Gaeilge
Donegal ETB’s Further Education and Training (FET) Service presented a wide range of awards to over 140 learners at a presentation evening in the Mill Park Hotel, Donegal Town on Thursday 08 November.
Donegal ETB’s Chief Executive Anne McHugh welcomed over 175 learners and guests to the event and congratulated all of them on their wonderful achievements.
Over 140 adult learners and young people achieved certification in a range of programmes both on a full-time and a part-time basis over the last year. Many of these learners completed their courses in the Further Education and Training (FET) Centres in Ballyshannon and Donegal Town and in their local communities. These included part-time learners who received certification through the Learning for Living programme, the Back to Education Initiative (BTEI), Skills for Work and through the Community Education Support Programme in areas such as Advanced ECDL, Childcare, Horticulture, Front Office, Communications, IT, English Language and Health Service Skills. Members of the armed forces in Finner Camp were also presented with certification achieved through Donegal ETB’s Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process.
Certification was also achieved by learners from two full-time programmes. Young people on the Ballyshannon Youthreach programme were presented with a range of QQI certificates and Gaisce awards. Adults on the Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS) in Donegal Town were presented with major awards in QQI Level 5 eBusiness Award and Tourism with Business, along with certification in ECDL, MOS, City and Guilds.
A range of learners spoke about their progression routes into higher education and employment, achieved because of their FET qualifications.
Speaking at the awards, Donegal ETB Chairperson, Cllr Martin Harley said, “It’s an honour to be here tonight to present awards to so many adults and young people. I returned to education myself as an adult and I understand how daunting it is so I appreciate all the hard work you have put in. I would like to compliment all of you on your achievements.”
Many of the FET awards were co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Social Fund as part of the ESF Programme for Employability, Inclusion and Learning (PEIL) 2014-2020. Youthreach is also additionally co-funded by the Youth Employment Initiative.
Cróna Gallagher, Director of FET, Donegal ETB, stated, “It’s fantastic to see so many learners receiving awards here tonight. They have put in so much work to get their certification and I’m delighted to be able to share in their achievements. The certification they have received here tonight will now open up many more progression options to them within further education and training or the world of work.”
In 2017, over 11,000 learners completed courses in more than 120 venues across the county, making Donegal ETB the largest FET provider in the county.
