24 April 2024

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academic year 2023-2024

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issue 3

I hope this message finds you well. 2023/2024 is proving to be another record year for our FET Service. We are now enrolling more learners onto FET programmes than ever before. To ensure we can continue to manage this growth successfully we are making important changes to our management and governance structure.

Regarding the management structure, Anne Marie Keane is now responsible for QA, whilst Emma Gilchreest has assumed responsibility for Tertiary and Apprenticeship provision. These changes align with our strategic goals and will further enhance collaboration across the team. FET Integration and creating visible pathways for our FET learners remains the cornerstone of our approach, and we hope that the updated structures will support the development of these.

As we begin to plan for a new Strategic Performance Agreement with SOLAS, my intention is to collaboratively develop a three-year FET strategy that gives us a clear vision going forward. The new governance structure will support the development of our new strategy creating appropriate fora for the delivery of our long term goals.

The success of our FET Service also brings significant challenges for us all. It is not easy but we have created a FET Service to be proud of, and one that places learners at the heart of every decision we make. You are part of the most effective FET Service in the sector.

Again, thank you all for your continued effort, dedication and hard work.

Tony

Empower Growth: Amplifying Engagement with Professional Learning & Development

LOETB FET Professional Learning and Development has maintained a high level of staff engagement and active participation in internal programmes as well as continuous requests for financial support. This reflects our staffs dedication to continuously enhance and develop their skills for the benefit of their learners in the classroom. We are committed to creating an environment where FET teams can continue to learn and grow. We value your input and encourage you and your team to share any ideas or insights on how LOETB FET Professional Development can continue to improve and shape its training programme offering for staff.

Building Strong, Resilient and Positive Restorative Centre Cultures

The administrative and academic staff of LOETB Youthreach recently participated in a highly successful one-day Restorative Practice session.

SETU Carlow – Master of Arts in Teaching and Learning | Open Registration 2024

Overview

The Master of Arts in Teaching and Learning aims to provide participants with the skills, knowledge and competencies to design, teach, assess and evaluate educational programmes and to enable them to become professional, reflective practitioners. It will also equip graduates for roles in academic leadership and/or research supervision. The embedded Postgraduate Diploma comprises five mandatory modules and one elective module.

What will I be able to do when I finish this programme?

On completion of this course, students should be able to:

• Critically analyse current theories and research in teaching, learning and assessment practices and policies in higher education;

• Assess, select and evaluate the use of varied teaching and assessment strategies, including the integration of digital technologies to ensure effective teaching practices and enhance student engagement;

• Synthesise pedagogical research with discipline-based expertise to enhance models of higher education practice and the design of education programmes for diverse leaners;

• Apply the reflective practitioner model in order to identify and promote improvements to own practice, whilst demonstrating professionalism and high ethical standards;

• Demonstrate initiative and leadership skills in working with peers and other educators and the wider community in designing curricula, leading programmes and/or conducting research supervision in diverse educational settings;

• Evaluate the wider social, political and economic environment within which the teaching professional operates;

• Demonstrate reflectivity and creativity in the interpretation and application of concepts, methods and approaches to teaching, learning and assessment;

• Develop knowledge and expertise in the use of appropriate research methods in higher education and use these to research practice and contribute to knowledge;

• Design and execute an independent, critical, and reflective professional investigation which examines the relationship between theory and practice, adopting the most appropriate research methods to address and analyse the identified issues.

Entry Requirements

• Entry requirements are a Level 8-degree, minimum of Second-Class Honours, Grade 2 or equivalent. SETU Carlow operates a Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPL) scheme whereby applicants may be considered, based on relevant work and other experience, for exemptions from course modules and advanced entry.

• As critical reflection on teaching and learning practices is an integral part of this programme, applicants should be currently involved in (or envisage being involved in) an active teaching role.

• All applicants will be considered on a case-by-case basis. SETU Carlow reserves the right to require applicants to attend for an interview to determine their suitability for the programme.

Literacy Development Centre – SETU | NFQ 6-8 | 24 / 25 Academic Year

The Literacy Development Centre (LDC) is a national centre, based in SETU, which offers a suite of third level professional development programmes for adult educators, practitioners, tutors and managers working in the adult literacy, adult education, community education and the wider further education and training (FET) sector.

Programmes available:

• Level 6 Certificate in Teaching Essential Literacies
  
• Level 6 Certificate in Adult Literacy Studies (30 credits Minor Award)
  
• Level 6 Higher Cert in Arts in Adult and Further Education
  
• Level 6 Higher Cert in Arts in Literacy Development
  
• Level 7 Bachelor of Arts in Adult and Further Education
  
• Level 8 Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Teaching in Adult and Further Education
  
• Single Module Applicant (a single level 6 module for PPD purposes)
  

All modules will still be offered over two weekends, with the two Fridays (Day 1 and 3) delivered face to face in SETU Waterford, College Street Campus. Online deliver will occur on Saturdays (Day 2 and 4) for every module.

If you or a team member are interested in applying for any of the programs mentioned above, please get in touch with Caitriona at fetpd@loetb.ie to discuss the application process. 

Opportunity Alert: Funding Available for PhD Studies (NFQ Level 10)

The LOETB FET Professional Development procedure aims to provide staff with access to learning opportunities that improve their skills, update competencies, explore modern teaching methods, and foster collaboration with colleagues.

We are excited to share that LOETB FET staff members are now eligible to apply for assistance for a PhD (NFQ Level 10) or doctoral program. Upon successful application, they will receive a financial contribution of up to €500.00 per academic semester/period.

Upcoming training opportunities

The Creative Project Showcase event took place on 29 February in Midlands Skills Centre. This event provided students with a platform to present their creative projects. It was a delightful day enjoyed by everyone involved.

Congratulations to the engineering students from Tullamore Further Education and Training Centre who were crowned overall winners of the LOETB FET Creative Project.

The learners of the project, entitled "Shining a Light on Learning", spoke about how the lamp signifies the core LOETB values of Care, Respect, Equality and Community, each of which are represented on the fins fixed to the front of the lamp. These fins can spin and this represents the values encapsulated together with the light and brightness shining through signifying the bright future possible for all of our students.

Click on the video to view the highlights from the Creative Project Showcase Event

Runner’s Up!

Mountmellick FETC

-Mountmellick

Many thanks to Banagher, Birr and Clara FET Centres who have completed the self-evaluation in the first quarter of 2024. The findings are invaluable to the FET service to continue to provide an excellent service to the community and to help improve the service.

The following centres and services will be completing the Self Evaluation over the coming months;

A working group will be been formed to review the Work Experience modules at QQI Level 4 and Level 5 over the coming weeks. A survey was sent to all staff involved in delivering these modules to gather feedback in relation to negatives and positives with the modules. There will also be a competency workbook developed to enhance the learning experience for the learner for both QQI levels. Many thanks to all who have volunteered to work on this.

A survey was circulated to capture the learner voice across the service during ETB week and the results are very encouraging and positive.

98% of respondents would recommend LOETB based on their experience

73% would give LOETB 5 stars

‘Extremely helpful and excellent teachers’

‘Great facilities’

Edenderry FETC are completing the Integrated FET Centre model review. This review consists of capturing the learner voice and the teacher/ tutor perspective in relation to the provision that is offered and ensuring that progression pathways are clear and easily navigable.

Edenderry FETC offers programmes from Community Education, the Literacy Service at QQI Level 1, 2 and 3, BTEI programmes at QQI Level 4, YouthReach provision, PLC’s and Contract Training provision.

LOETB Reaches New Heights

We are thrilled to extend our congratulations to Louise O’ Sullivan from the Enterprise Support team, for her incredible achievement in reaching Everest base camp! Louise has demonstrated tremendous resilience and determination throughout her journey. Louise brought along her LOETB hat, which she proudly wore to keep warm and represent the team during her adventure.

Welcome aboard!

We're excited to announce the newest addition to our team, Fionnuala Kavanagh. We wish you every success in your new role.

1,000th Learner Leading Remote Teams

On the 19th of April we celebrated the 1,000th learner on the Leading Remote Teams programme with Grow Remote. The Leading Remote Teams and Remote Work Ready programmes were developed in collaboration with LOETB, SOLAS, Grow Remote and IDA in 2020. As a result, individuals have been able to harness their talents regardless of their physical location, thereby supporting local economies and fostering community growth.

The partnership approach between Grow Remote and LOETB has not just helped participants grow personally and professionally, but has also set the stage for sustainable and inclusive economic practices in our local communities.

Family Carers Ireland

On the 26th of February the Caring with Confidence programme was launched in partnership with John Dune, CEO Family Carers Ireland. The programme creates a pathway for carers by connecting Family Carers Ireland’s flagship Caring with Confidence course to the QQI Level 4 Introduction to Healthcare module.

The course, delivered through a number of linked workshops, has been designed to provide carers with basic information and guidance.

St. Andrew’s Graduation

Evelyn Dunne, Chairperson of LOETB, presented the certificates to the recent graduates of the Construction Skills programme, Retrofit Assistant and Cleaning Skills programme at St. Andrew’s, Dublin Port who graduated Friday, 19 April.

Restorative Practice Workshop

We held a Restorative Practice Workshop for all Youthreach Managers and staff in LOETB on Monday 11 March. The workshop was facilitated by Michelle Stowe and focused on dealing with challenging behaviour.

The workshop was both enjoyable and informative with particular emphasis on developing strategies and language to build relationships and enhance effective teaching and learning.

Regional Clusters

An Operational Managers meeting of Centre and Service Managers was held in Midlands Skills Centre on 6 February. Following this meeting, it was proposed to establish four regional clusters as follows:

Tullamore/Clara Region

Tullamore FET Centre, Midlands Skills Centre, Community Training Centre, Clara FET Centre, National Learning Network, Adult Literacy, ESOL, Community Education, Guidance, Quality Assurance, Training Services and Apprenticeships.

Edenderry/Portarlington Region

Edenderry FET Centre, Portarlington FET Centre, ACORN, LTI Edenderry, Mount Lucas National Construction Centre, Adult Literacy, ESOL, Community Education, Guidance, Quality Assurance, Training Services and Apprenticeships.

Portlaoise/Abbeyleix Region

Portlaoise FET Centre, Portlaoise Institute, Mountmellick FET Centre, Abbeyleix FET Centre, National Learning Network, LTI, Adult Literacy, ESOL, Community Education, Guidance, Quality Assurance, Training Services and Apprenticeships.

Banagher/Birr Region

Banagher FET Centre, Birr FET Centre, Birr OEC, Adult Literacy, ESOL, Community Education, Guidance, Quality Assurance, Training Services and Apprenticeships.

Birr FET

Congratulations to Enda Kennedy who has taken up the role as FET Manager. I wish Enda every success in his new role.

I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank Eileen Kenna Quinn for all her hard work and dedication in establishing a fantastic FET Centre in Birr. Eileen is moving to an ESOL position on the Inclusion Team and I wish her every success in her new role.

Offaly Adult Guidance and Information Hub Relocation

Offaly Guidance and Information Hub are relocating to the old Ulster Bank building on High Street, Tullamore. The building is currently being renovated and the Information Hub is expected to be open in the summer.

The LOETB Reach Fund 2024

The LOETB Reach Fund 2024 has been very successful again with over 23 applications received from Community Groups and Agencies across Laois and Offaly. The Reach fund, formerly Mitigating against Educational Disadvantage Fund (MAEDF), is designed to increase the capacity of ETB’s and community education providers to address the decline in participation of disadvantaged learners particularly those on literacy and basic skills programmes at levels 1-3.

This fund places a strong focus on community education and support as a tool to continue to help and engage learners. We look forward to working with all of the successful applicants to provide socially inclusive programmes to their service users.

The Individual Learner Fund will discontinue in 2024, however, learners who require access to laptops in order to complete their course will be directed to the laptop loan scheme.

Ireland Reads Campaign

Facilitating and empowering learners through Creative Learning Campaigns for All - inspiring Champions of Adult Literacy.

This was an Adult Literacy Service and Adult Literacy for Life (ALL) Initiative to support the Ireland Reads campaign, in conjunction with the Laois and Offaly Library Services and Healthy Ireland.

The campaign had three strands:

• A writing competition

• Tutors showcasing BorrowBox, the online digital library app

• Class visits to the library

For the writing competition, students were tasked to create an entry based on inspiration from something they had read either in class or outside. The initiative promoted and encouraged both reading and writing, and we received a vast number of entries. This initiative showcased the creativity of our students and also the work of their tutors in facilitating and empowering them.

As a result, four students received recognition for their work with a prize-giving event in Portlaoise Library. Our winning student was David, who is autistic and nonverbal and had worked on his piece over a considerable length of time with his fantastic tutor, Dairína. His words left both us and the judges inspired.

Both David and his family’s response to winning captivated our hearts. Quote from David “Past memories of never being successful have all faded because of this achievement.”

Our second winner was Cathy. She is, again, an inspiring champion for adult literacy, having returned to education at 68 to learn to read and write. Cathy is a testament to the value of lifelong learning and that it is never too late. She is now student ambassador for LOETB and speaks of her time joining the service with her one-to-one tutor, Seamus, and her incredible ally in her current tutor, Hazel. Cathy noted, How proud she was of herself and that she had never won anything in her life, so how important this was to her and how she hopes to write a book of short stories.

Showing in just a few short years the impact returning to education has had on her life. We are so proud to be apart of her journey.

Our next winner was Natalia, who is a student from Paula’s ESOL class. She wrote a fabulous piece and showcased how much her English language has developed in the last few months, and again, she is a very deserving winner and a credit to her tutor and herself for the work she has completed in such a short space of time.

Matus was the final winner, showing amazing talent, creativity, and flair for short story writing. Matus was unable to join us on the day due to work but was thrilled to have won and to receive acknowledgment for his hard work.

Out on the town

Our inclusion team out on the town and happened across our now Taoiseach Simon Harris while canvassing with Nina Carberry in Portlaoise. The team were delighted to have a quick chat and wish Simon well on his new chapter. Along with wishing Nina well on her campaign.

Stay tuned to see what our team get up to next…..

Changes on the QA Team

I am delighted to have returned to my original QA role, having had responsibility since July 2021 for Pathways, and subsequently the Tertiary project. I enjoyed both roles immensely, in particular getting to engaging with FET Centre staff and management, but my heart belongs to QA!

Due to staff changes on the QA team, roles and responsibilities have been re-assigned. Each FET Centre/Service now has a designated QA support for all queries (including Moodle), as set out in the table below. If you haven’t already met or been in contact with your designated QA person, you will meet them before the end of this academic year, or early in the next academic year!

Certification

It’s that time of year again – assessments, deadlines, corrections, internal verification and external authenticators! You are probably very aware of when your own deadline is for having everything finished, but if not, contact your manager. We appreciate that this can be a very hectic time of year so if you require any support or have any concerns in relation to your portfolios in the coming weeks or months, please do not hesitate to make contact with your designated QA contact person, or with myself. We are here to help!

Youthreach Exploring FET and HE Pathways

In the current academic year, a group of Youthreach learners explored progression options in TUS Athlone and LOETB FET. They took part in a tour of TUS Athlone and Tullamore FET Centre to explore progressions options available under the guidance of Theresa Ryan and Enda McDonnell.

The Guidance team offers a range of learning experiences assisting students to develop self-management skills aimed at leading to effective choices and decisions about their lives. Areas explored through guidance include interest exploration, career searches and supporting learners to take the necessary steps to achieve their goals.

Promoting Female Participation

Apprenticeship Services has continued to promote female participation in apprenticeship by creating awareness of the full range of opportunities available through the apprenticeship route. A range of video testimonials featuring female craft apprentices were developed and released on Laois and Offaly ETB social media platforms. Senior Training Advisors have also visited numerous all-girls schools in the region delivering apprenticeship information sessions as part of the National Apprenticeship Office Facts, Faces, Futures campaign and discussing the range of 70+ apprenticeships currently on offer to students. Two female craft apprentices Plumber Ailbhe Lacey and Electrician Saoirse Memery recently celebrated their apprenticeship graduation and both continue to work in their chosen trade.

Training Expansion Continues

Apprenticeship provision within the region is buoyant and has been growing substantially on a yearly basis. There are currently over 200 apprentices across four sites attending Phase 2 apprenticeship training in the electrical and plumbing trades. This training is based in the Midland Skills Centre, Kilcruttin Training Centre, METAC Training Centre and the ESB Networks Training Centre Portlaoise. LOETB are contributing significantly in tackling national craft training delays for apprentices by increasing phase 2 capacity with accelerated training delivery at a regional level.

Photo: Phase 2 Electrical Apprentices, Noah Gilroy and Ben McDonald, based at the Midlands Skills Training Centre, Tullamore.

Tullamore FETC leading provider of Post Leaving Cert. Courses in Offaly

On Tuesday, February 27, Tullamore Further Education and Training Centre (FETC) unveiled its latest Post Leaving Cert. (PLC) Course Prospectus, bringing the PLC programme provision to 35 full-time courses. This makes Tullamore FETC the leading PLC provider in Co. Offaly.

The launch introduced an array of 16 new exciting courses, designed to cater to both Post Leaving Cert. students seeking progressive pathways and mature learners aiming to reskill or upskill. All courses present avenues for advancement either towards university or directly into the workplace.

In recent years, 94% of successful students have been offered their first CAO choice and they brought with them valuable skills to university.

Tullamore FETC expanded the already hugely successful Science, Business, Computer, and Nursing Departments, as well as added new courses in the areas of Tourism, Arts, Cookery, and Art Portfolio, all certified QQI Level 5 or 6. The highlight of the day was the official opening of the new state-of-the-art science laboratory completed in September. This offers students a modern lab facility in which to complete skills for the diverse range of science courses on offer at the centre. The lab was opened by Iain Murray, an esteemed lecturer at TUS and an alumnus of LOETB.

Iain told those in attendance, ‘The new laboratory will give students a dedicated safe space to develop and enhance the key technical and transferable skills, essential for further education and employment opportunities in the biopharm industry. Students who already have those skills when they come to university, tend to do exceptionally well.’

Speaking at the opening of the new science lab. Rory Duffy, Science teacher with Tullamore FETC reflected on the journey from modest beginnings to the present, and the impact the new laboratory will have on student's educational journey.

‘From a small plastic box in the back of my car fifteen years ago, we have travelled a great distance. We managed to make it work in those early days of the course and the likes of Iain are a testament to that simple approach. Now that we have the fabulous new facilities we can stretch further and reach deeper. Each student is on their own personal journey. No matter how we measure the distance they travel there is always some distance covered.

Whether it is someone who has just got five hundred points in their Leaving Cert. and wants to try out Science or someone who hasn't been in school for many years but wants to return to education, each is on a journey. This new lab will make the travelling easier and hopefully, the distance covered greater.

‘This day begins a new and exciting time for Tullamore FETC’ said Principal Irene Togher.

‘This is a chance for students in Offaly to have a range of quality PLC courses right on their doorstep. It has been proven that those completing a PLC award are more likely to succeed and stay in third-level education. The skills learned at PLC level are invaluable to further progression and to the workplace. We have excellent links with universities and so many of our students progress to TUS, SETU and Maynooth, among others. We also have a track record with employers seeking skilled employees and this is going to expand so much more now.’

The event saw the gathering of guests comprising of career guidance counsellors, school principals from across Offaly and Laois, FET centre managers, and local interest groups, all keen to learn about the innovative PLC programmes offered at Tullamore FETC.

For more information, visit www.tullamorefetc.ie or view our prospectus below

New Manager in LOETB Birr

LOETB Birr is delighted to welcome of Enda Kennedy as our new Centre Manager. With a rich background in management and fresh from completing his MA in Education Teaching and Learning at South East Technological University, Enda brings a wealth of experience to his new role. Many of you may already know Enda from his leadership of the "Sports and Adventure" course since its inception. Enda expressed his enthusiasm for his new role, stating;

Today marks a significant transition for our centre as we bid farewell to Eileen, our esteemed centre manager, who has steered us with exceptional leadership and dedication.

Eileen's contributions have been instrumental in the growth and success of our centre, embodying the principles of inclusivity and accessibility that are the cornerstone of our mission. Under her guidance, we've witnessed remarkable progress, and her impact will undoubtedly be felt for years to come.

As I step into the role of centre manager, I am filled with a certain amount of trepidation, excitement, and a deep sense of responsibility. Building upon Eileen's legacy, I, along with our excellent staff will continue to be committed to fostering an environment where everyone, regardless of background or circumstance, feels welcome and empowered to pursue their educational aspirations.

At LOETB Birr our commitment to inclusivity and integration remains unwavering. Together, we will continue to strive for excellence, ensuring that our centre remains a beacon of opportunity for all.

“FET is for everyone”.

Our out-going manager, Eileen Kenna Quinn (who coincidentally also completed the MA in Teaching and Learning with Enda) is sad to be leaving Birr, which has been her "baby" for the past four years, but is very happy to hand over to the very capable hands of Enda. Eileen wishes Enda and Birr staff the very best and hopes to see the Birr Campus grow from strength to strength. The communities of Birr and surrounding areas have benefited so much already from the centre, it is exciting to see where it goes from here.

Eileen is returning closer to home, and is going to manage ESOL provision across Laois and Offaly, and looks forward to her return visits to Birr in the coming months to ensure the already successful ESOL provision in the Birr area continues.

Photo Credits: New Manager in LOETB Birr

Eileen Kenna Quinn, out-going Manager with Enda Kennedy, in-coming Manager at their MA in Education Teaching and Learning at South East Technological University graduation recently.

New OTC/MCA Course

LOETB Birr partners with LCETB in exciting collaboration

LOETB Birr has announced an exciting collaboration with LCETB for their Retail with Pharmacy students. Under this new partnership, the Retail with Pharmacy students will complete the additional Irish Pharmaceutical Union (IPU) Medical and Counter Assistant in LCETB's Mulgrave Street Campus on Friday's from December 2023 to April 2024. This additional qualification will allow successful students to dispense over the counter medicines and products in a pharmaceutical setting.

Eileen Kenna Quinn, LOETB Birr, Centre Manager said

We are very excited to have made this link with LCETB, Mulgrave Street. In a research report carried out last year with local pharmacies in Birr I learned the importance of Customer Service and Over The Counter skills. Through collaboration with LCETB we now have 6 students attending the Friday course. The students take a very early bus from Birr on Friday mornings to attend and we applaud their determination to attain this additional qualification along with their Retail with Pharmacy QQI Level 5 Award. A big thank you to John McFadden, Birr, Theresa Ryan, Guidance and Arlene and Rose from LCETB for making it happen.

Top: Leah Quigley and Mikayla Buckley, LOETB Birr Students

Middle: Leanne Lowry and Louise Donaldson, LOETB Birr Students

Front: John McFadden, Retail and Pharmacy Assistant Teacher, LOETB Birr, Aisling Kinsella, LOETB Birr Student, Eileen Kenna Quinn, Centre Manager, LOETB Birr, Arlene Douglas, Director of Adult Education LCFE, Mulgrave Street and Rose Doyle, Assistant Director of Adult Education, LCFE, Mulgrave Street.

While LOETB Birr, Retail with Pharmacy Assistant Teacher, John McFadden added

“Between 10,000 and 25,000 people ask for advice in pharmacies each day, this additional course will give our students the knowledge to deal with specific product questions from nutritional to child health, while being aware of when to refer to the pharmacist. We already have seen the benefits of the course with one student securing OTC work experience during the Easter holidays, due to participating on the course

Arlene Douglas, Director of Adult Education LCETB, Mulgrave Street Campus, observed "Great to see the excitement of the LOETB Birr Students joining with Limerick and Clare Learners to study on the very popular Medical Counter Assistant (Irish Pharmacy Union) Course at Mulgrave Street Campus Limerick".

Events and Workshops in LOETB Birr

The Retail and Event Management Students at LOETB Birr have curated an array of distinctive events this academic year, collaborating with various community organisations. These events included:

• The Christmas Pop Up Shop in partnership with Vincent's Banagher
• Tea and Coffee with the Elves hosted onsite at Pullough Community Shop to support Jacinta's Smile
• A health check-up event in collaboration with Breast Cancer Ireland
• Canva for Digital Marketing workshop with Cipher for local businesses and community groups
• A session on Offaly Domestic Violence awareness
• An introduction to first aid facilitated by Birr First Responders
• and a joyous pre-Easter Break Happiness event

John McFadden, Retail and Event Management Teacher added “While education is essential to give the students the model and map to understand and plan events, hands on experience gives the students the opportunity to fully experience the operational aspect of applying the theory. And as demonstrated by the students, that theory can be used for planning an array of events from Pop-Up shops or a first aid workshops”.

Photo Credits: Vincent’s Pop-Up Shop Event

Leah Quigley, Melissa Dunne, John McFadden (Event Management and Retail Teacher), Katie McEvoy, Yvonne Hynes (Vincent’s Banagher Manager), Mikayla Buckley, Leanne Lowry, Louise Donaldson and Finley Wrafter.

Photo Credits: Tea and Coffee with the Elves at Pullough Community Shop

Mrs Claus (Veronica Alexander), Finley Wrafter (Organiser – Event Management Student),Roy, and Melissa Dunne (Organiser – Event Management Student)

Photo Credits: Breast Cancer Ireland

Louise Donaldson (Organiser – Event Management Student and Patricia Flynn (Breast Cancer Ireland)

Photo Credits: Canva for Digital Marketing Workshop

Cian Strolla, Cipher Digital Developments, Director and John McFadden, Marketing & Event Teacher with some of the participants in LOETB Birr

Photo Credits: Domestic Violence Awareness Event

Mena Taylor, Organiser – Event Management Student with Christina and Emily from Offaly Domestic Violence Support Services.

Photo Credits: World Happiness Day Event

Some of the participants including Evan Kelly (Organiser – Event Management Student).

Photo Credits: Birr Community Responder Group – First Aid Event

Some of the participants including Katie McEvoy (Organiser – Event Management Student).

Dr. Niamh Shaw in LOETB Birr

Recently, the History group had the privilege of studying with Dr. Niamh Shaw over a six-week period. Dr. Shaw, renowned for her expertise as an engineer, scientist, writer, and performer, holds the distinction of being voted one of Ireland’s foremost science communicators and STEAM specialists (integrating science, technology, engineering, arts, and maths). Niamh is deeply passionate about breaking down barriers that people have about science and other technical subjects. She has received funding to work with a number of adult groups in the Laois and Offaly catchment area to help them re-engage with science and their curiosity through a series of co-created workshops and talks. We have been very lucky in Birr to have made this link and look forward to working with Niamh into the future. Throughout the workshops, the students have embarked on field trips to Birr Castle Science Centre, witnessed the Space X Starship IFT3 Launch, and delved into in-depth discussions surrounding our planet, climate change, and space.

Picture Credits: Dr Niamh Shaw in LOETB Birr

The New Poly-tunnel facility for LOETB Birr Students at Birr Castle

A great example of excellence in education is when students are given the opportunity to apply the skills they are learning in a practical way. This is exactly what the Horticulture students in LOETB Birr experience on a daily basis in their facility in Birr Castle. This year, they applied a series of techniques when erecting the new poly-tunnel in the castle, including planning, measuring, adding rebar, screeding, and levelling the concrete, all aspects of core course modules including the Hard Landscaping Component.

Picture Credits: The New Poly-tunnel facilty for LOETB Birr Students at Birr Castle

Sean Berrill Horticulture teacher (showing off his selfie-taking skills!) and Eileen Kenna Quinn, LOETB Birr Centre Manager with Michelle Shanahan, FET Manager Pathways in Birr Castle Demesne.

Healthcare Banagher

Banagher has been providing healthcare for the past four years. The state-of-the-art, custom-built medical facilities at LOETB Banager are outfitted with all industry-standard equipment. We are happy that our training here has produced so many skilled healthcare assistants for the community.

Tutor :Mary Fagan

Our Healthcare programme is nearing completion; we have two more modules left to finish and have already completed six. The students are now working on the palliative care module and need to finish their work experience and care support module.

Student: Tom Lewis

I was always interested in healthcare, I looked after my father for five years after he suffered a stroke. My life changed when I found myself caring for my father on a fulltime basis and that led me to exploring a QQI level 5 award and ultimately a career in healthcare. Banagher is a very well run and organised complex. The lead tutor Mary is very kind and approachable as are all the staff at LOETB Banagher. When I finish my QQI level five there are two career paths I would like to explore, the main one is to become a paramedic the other is working in the community.

Welding and Fabrication

The Welding and fabrication course in Banagher is now in its second year and its fourth rotation. At LOETB Banagher we combine the very latest in welding technology with the instructors of the highest caliber. The students are ready for work in the welding industry and their services are in high demand.

Tutor: James Doonan

The welding and fabrication course here in Banagher FET centre runs over 6 months. We have four welding procedures, MMA, MIG, aluminum and stainless steel. We also have modules for health and safety and fabrication. The course qualifies the participants to get jobs in the industry and that’s what we prepare them all to do.

Student: Mxolisi Chill

I've always been interested in welding. I moved to Ireland from Zimbabwe, and finishing this course will help me get ready for the workforce, which is something I want to do in the future to help Ireland.

Pre-Apprenticeship programme

This is our first Pre-apprenticeship course here in Banagher. The pre-apprenticeship course allows learners to try out many different trades to determine which one best suits them. It also gives the participants the skills they need to be useful to the employer on a building site.

Tutor: Pat Horan

The pre apprenticeship course is nine months long and it encompasses nine modules. We currently are five modules in and we are currently completing the painting and decorating module. This course aims to give the learner a taste of many different trades and lets them go on to do an apprenticeship let it be a carpenter, painter or electrician, they get a small feel for every trade.

Student: Brian Hutchinson

I was a student in Banagher Youthreach before I joined the pre-apprenticeship programme. I always knew I wanted to work with my hands. I got the chance to try a lot of different trades, tiling, painting, concreting and bricklaying. While I was on the pre apprenticeship programme I got in touch with the Irish Traveller Movement and had the opportunity to apply for a bursary. I was lucky enough to meet the criteria for the bursary. I used the bursary to buy the tools I needed to work as an apprentice, it pushed me on and made me work that bit harder to achieve my dreams.

April Training Opportunities with Skills to Advance

Skills to Advance have a range of courses aimed at enhancing skills and knowledge across various sectors.

Here's what's on offer this month:

• Welding Courses: Mig, Tig, and Agri Welding sessions in Banagher and Tullamore.
  

• DIY Artificial Insemination and Bovine Scanning Theory at Midlands Skills Centre, with practical training sessions on a farm.
  

• Renewable Energy: Solar PV, Domestic Heat Pump, and Micro Gen courses are currently on offer at the Metac Taining facility, Mountrath.
  

• Support for Dementia Carers: Our Dementia Family Carers programme provides essential support and guidance.
  

• Lean Programmes: Several Lean programmes are available, designed to streamline processes and boost efficiency.
  

New Renewable Course:

We're launching a new Renewable course at Metac, focusing on eco-friendly solutions.

OFTEC Oil Course

Learn to install and convert oil burners to HVO (Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil) with our specialised training, aimed at reducing carbon emissions by 90%.

Information Evening at Gallen Community School

On 17 April, Skills to Advance, in collaboration with Gallen Community School, hosted an Information Evening dedicated to showcasing programmes aimed at equipping individuals with the necessary skills to thrive in a sustainable West Offaly. The event was a pivotal opportunity for attendees to explore various pathways towards personal and professional growth, aligned with the region's sustainability goals.

The evening catered to a diverse audience, including:

• Farming families seeking to enhance income generation through skill enhancement.
• Individuals contemplating a career transition.
• Those in search of flexible employment options conducive to family life.
• Small and medium enterprises looking to elevate their workforce through upskilling initiatives.
• Interested in setting up a small or medium enterprise
• Individuals interested in Retrofitting and its significance in sustainable development.
• Those curious about the suitability of Apprenticeships for their career aspirations.
• Participants eager to contribute to climate change mitigation through skills training.
• Individuals aspiring for green careers aimed at combating climate change.
• Supporters of a sustainable future for West Offaly, keen to align their skills and knowledge with the region's environmental objectives.

The event served as a platform for knowledge exchange and networking, fostering a community committed to driving positive change in West Offaly.

It underscored the importance of collective action in building a resilient and sustainable future for generations to come.

Happy retirement!

Congratulations to Ann Denmead on her retirement from Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board. Ann will be greatly missed by her colleagues. We would like to wish Ann a very happy retirement and express a heartfelt gratitude for her dedicated 43 years of service.

Staff Circulars

To ensure that you have access to important updates and information from our Human Resources department, we have compiled a series of HR circulars for your reference.

We encourage you to take a moment to review these circulars, as they contain valuable information relevant to your role and our organisation as a whole.

Simply click on the links provided below to access each circular directly:

Staff Induction_Handout_HR-Payroll-IT

Sick Leave Teachers

Annual Allowance for Staff Comprehended by Circular 0008 2014

Circular 0063-2015 Sick Leave Scheme ETBs

circular letter 29 2023 - brief absences for staff members other than teachers and snas

cl0043_2020 Scheme for Leave of Absence following Assault for staff other than Teachers_SNA

CL0061-2021 Study & Exam Leave Non-Teaching

cl0071_2017 - Flexi system

I would like to extend a warm welcome to our new colleagues joining LOETB.

On behalf of the LOETB HR Department, this section serves to inform new staff, and as a reminder to existing staff of our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).

Our EAP is a confidential resource available to all staff members. Whether you're facing personal or professional challenges, the EAP team is here to assist you. Available 24/7, 365 days of the year, support is available to you, your spouse, civil partner or dependent.

Please see access details below, which are also available on the LOETB website.

Don't hesitate to reach out for guidance and support; your well-being is a top priority for us.

The LOETB HR Department announced the launch of a new Digital Series aimed at supporting the health and well-being of our employees. This digital series is available to all staff members. To access these invaluable resources, all you need to do is download or open your EAP app (please see access details above or visit www.loetb.ie/employee-assistance-programme-).

Once there, you will find a dedicated section featuring Health Series in the main navigation.

Should you have any questions or need assistance accessing the resources, please don't hesitate to reach out to Spectrum.Life.

Irish Language Compliance: Submission for 2023

Our submission for Irish language compliance for the year 2023 was completed before the deadline of 29 March. We appreciate the efforts of those who contributed to this task. Unfortunately, we did not reach the compliance standard for this reporting period, however, we can see improvements in our obligation and we are confident we will meet compliance going forward.

It's important to remain committed to our ongoing obligations. As a reminder, we are required to ensure that at least 20% of our annual advertising is in the Irish language. It is vital to record this advertising accurately in the required spreadsheets.

Each centre/service/department are required to record their advertising on their designated spreadsheet, as given to you by your Manager, and also keep a copy of every Irish advertisement on file.

To ensure effective management of our compliance efforts, the Communications team will conduct a review of each centre/service/departments compliance sheet in June 2024.

Embracing Sustainability: Imperative for today’s world

As part of the upcoming Green Skills Campaign, an article was published in the Education Magazine highlighting LOETB’s response to climate change. Green skills are the key to thriving in emerging industries and job sectors centred on sustainability, offering pathways to exciting career opportunities in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, circular economy, and more. <<< Click here to read the article >>>

FET open days - May 2024

Promotion of the upcoming FET Centre Open Days is underway, with local adverts in circulation, complemented by a radio advertisement airing across Midlands 103.

To ensure everyone can easily access the details of each centre’s Open Day, we've launched an interactive map feature on our website. This feature allow people to simply navigate to the map, and click on the relevant town. A window will appear with details about the centre’s open day in that location.

To view this map click on the graphic >>>

Spotlight on LOETB

The Communications team have commissioned an article in The Offaly Life magazine written by a local journalist. This glossy magazine is a reflection of the area, from its landscape and history to its people and places. It celebrates the past, present and looks forward to the future. This feature will showcase the range of services and opportunities provided by LOETB.

To accompany the article, we created this visual representation which serves to underscore the diverse pathways available through LOETB, illustrating how we support individuals at various points in their educational and professional journeys.

It's a fantastic opportunity to highlight LOETB’s mission of providing accessible and inclusive education and training opportunities for all.

The Communications team would like to invite all centres/services/schools and administrative offices to host your own Rise & Shine for Childline Breakfast between the 13 and 19 May. We will be setting up a LOETB donation page which we will share with all closer to the event, along with more details.

All funds raised from the Childline Breakfast will go directly towards Childline’s 24/hr listening service.

Childline receive calls and webtexts from on average 2,000 children and teenagers every week. Childline support their needs and listen to any issues they are facing.

We will be in touch closer to the event with further details.

Managers, we are delighted to see all the new staff joining your teams, alongside several existing staff members transitioning to different sections within our organisation. With these changes underway, I kindly request each of you to revisit our FET mailing list to verify that all your staff members are accurately included.

Please note that this mailing list serves, not only for our newsletter, but also plays a crucial role for FET PD and may be required for other purposes in the future. To enhance our internal communications and ensure that all the fantastic work that is done across FET does not remain a well-kept secret within our own organisation, we would really appreciate if you could keep the mailing list current and accurate.

Thank you to each and every one of you for your hard work and contribution to the third issue of the FET Newsletter 2024. We look forward to the final publication for 2024 in the next quarter.