One in 10 adult learners to benefit from investment

In a joint statement, Chief Executives from Ireland’s Education and Training Boards (ETBs) have welcomed the government’s multi-million euro investment in Further Education & Training Colleges in Wicklow, Kilkenny, Tipperary and Cork.

“We welcome the confidence, backed by critical investment, that this shows in Education & Training Boards as Ireland’s prime providers of Further Education and Training. Based in every town, city and county, ETBs provide high quality, inclusive and community-based learning for all,” they said today.

The multi-million euro investment announced by the Department of Further Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science included:

• Wicklow College of Further Education and Training, Bray, Co Wicklow (Kildare & Wicklow ETB)
• College of the Future in Joinersfolly, Kilkenny (Kilkenny & Carlow ETB)
• College of The Future in Clonmel (Tipperary ETB) which will be the first to host both further and higher education students in the one campus
• Cork College of FET, Bishopstown, Cork

Chief Executives Deirdre Keyes (KWETB), Eileen Curtis (KCETB), Bernadette Cullen (TETB) and Denis Leamy (CETB) added: “We know that one in 10 adults in Ireland learn through Further Education & Training (FET). We believe that FET should have, along with parity of esteem with higher education, greater parity of funding, so that Ireland Inc. has the skills it needs for future prosperity.”

Recent weeks have also seen the announcement of €8 million investment in the Green Devolved Capital Grant for the 16 Education and Training Boards to improve energy efficiency and help them to meet their climate targets for 2030. General Secretary of Education & Training Boards Ireland (ETBI), Paddy Lavelle, added: “We are delighted with the announcement of much needed investment in our FET Colleges and centres. We understand that further announcements are expected in the coming weeks. Community-based education and training is critical to meet the state’s skills shortages and attract female and male returners to the workforce. To ensure the FET sector can continue to develop and respond to the changing landscape, it requires increased investment. We will continue to raise this in the run up to the general election and the new programme for government.”