The opening of the Training Services Department in Tipperary Education and Training Board (TETB) was an important milestone in the provision of Training in Tipperary on Friday, September 2nd. The Chairman of Tipperary ETB Cllr John Hogan, officially opened the Training Services Offices in Western Road, Clonmel.  Also present at the opening were Mr Liam Ahearn Chairman of Tipperary ETB Further Education and Training Committee, Fionuala McGeever Chief Executive, Eileen Condon Director of Further Education and Training, Matthew Ryan Training Services Manager and Training Services Staff. Mr Ahearn congratulated the Tipperary ETB board and staff on their determination and hard work in the establishment of the Training Function.

Speaking at the opening, the Tipperary ETB Board Chairman, Cllr John Hogan said that he was delighted to accept the invitation to be present to officially open the new building and expressed his thanks and best wishes to all who were part of bringing the Training function to Tipperary ETB.

Ms Fionuala McGeever (Tipperary ETB CE) thanked the Chairman for his presence and said; the Department of Education and Skills, SOLAS, Waterford Wexford ETB and Limerick Clare ETB provided excellent guidance and mentoring in the establishment of the Training Services Department.  The Tipperary ETB Board members and existing staff in both Nenagh and Clonmel were very supportive in the development of the training function and ensured adequate resources were made available to establish the department.

Mr Ahearn also congratulated the staff on the establishment of the Training Services Department in Tipperary Education & Training Board.  Tipperary ETB Training Services were the only ETB in the country to be formed from the amalgamation of functions from two other ETBs; Waterford Wexford ETB (WWETB) and Limerick Clare ETB (LCETB). The transfer involved the integration of services and training programmes from both WWETB and LCETB and the integration of staff from many areas in the ETB and the Community Training sector to create a new Training Services Office in Tipperary.

Ms Eileen Condon, Director of Further Education and Training, stated that the variety of knowledge and experience that the staff brought collectively from their previous roles was instrumental in contributing to a relatively smooth transition.   All staff demonstrated the ability to hit the ground running and work well together to establish the new Training Services Department.

The Training Services Department is now housed alongside the Tipperary ETB Administration Sub Office in Clonmel.

Matthew Ryan, the newly appointed, Training Services Manager had previously worked in the Internal Audit Unit of Cavan Monaghan ETB providing an internal audit service to four ETBs in the West & Midlands.

To date Training Services staff have liaised with Industry and Government Agencies and are working collaboratively with employers to develop programmes to meet the needs of the region. There are three Community Training Centres (CTCs), seven Local Training Initiatives (LTIs) and two Specialists Training Providers (STPs) funded by Tipperary ETB. Course offerings by Tipperary ETB Training services in the Community sector include CTCs and LTIs, with awards ranging from QQI Level 3 to Level 5 in programmes such as Hairdressing, Woodwork, Catering and Business Office Skills.

In addition, under the Contracted Training division, there is a comprehensive choice of courses available including, a one-year Certified Accountancy Pathway (ACCA) programme for learners interested in careers as Trainee Accountants.  A Manufacturing Operations programme at QQI Level 5, which includes 12 weeks’ industry work experience, consisting of modules in Cleanroom and Packaging Operations and Good Manufacturing Practice.  Further course offerings range from the Logistics & Distribution sector (Warehousing, Forklift, HGV Rigid/Artic, Delivery Driving), the Construction sector (Groundwork Skills, Technical Employability Skills) and the Hospitality and Retail sectors (Hotel Front Office, Retail Merchandising & Marketing).

The Apprenticeship function is also a very important part of Tipperary Training Services. Currently, there are 220 companies with 386 apprentices actively engaged in Apprenticeships in Tipperary. This figure is increasing monthly, with Motor and Engineering trades having the highest levels of new registrations in the county.

Tipperary ETB plans to sustain and develop new training opportunities for the people of the county. We welcome contacts from learners, community groups and employers. For more information on training programmes please contact Tipperary ETB Training Services on 052 612 1067 or email trainingservices@tipperaryetb.ie or on our website www.tipperaryetb.ie.