Tipperary ETB’s Back to Education Initiative (BTEI) Awards took place on Thursday, 10^th November at the Army Barracks, Clonmel.

BTEI offers a return to learning for adults that is part time and flexible. Courses run all over Tipperary and offer students the opportunity to engage in learning from QQI Levels 3-5. Students can progress from the lower levels of education to courses that are employer focused and can take part on work placement to enhance their opportunities of moving into employment.

To date, 584 students have received a total of 1,288 component Awards in 2016 of which 46 students have completed a Major Award through the Back to Education Initiative Programme in South Tipperary.

Mr. Liam Ahearne (Tipperary ETB Committee Member) presented the QQI awards to students who completed the following Major Awards:

Learning for Everyday Living 3M0874; Using Information and Communication Technologies in Everyday Life 3M0877; Retail Skills 4M1998; Sports, Recreation and Exercise 5M5146; Business Administration 5M2468 and Healthcare Support 5M4339.

The students come from Clonmel, Carrick-on-Suir and Cashel. They have been attending courses over the last two years and have completed at least 6 subjects for Level 3 or 8 subjects for Level 4 and 5. Many of the students who have completed Level 5 are now working part time or full time.

Thanks to the many employers and their staff who have supported students throughout their placements. Employers who we wish to thank for supporting students receiving Major Awards today are: Blarney Woollen Mills, Dove Hill, Carrick-on-Suir; Super Macs, Dunmore Road, Waterford; The Fight Factory, Clonmel; Dunne’s Stores, Oakville; Glen Patrick Spring Water; Park Hotel, Clonmel; South Tipperary General Hospital – Diabetic Clinic; St. Luke’s Hospital, Personnel Dept.; Merck Sharpe & Dohme; St. Brigid’s Hospital, Carrick-on-Suir; South Tipperary General Hospital; Woodlands Nursing Home, Dundrum; Brothers of Charity – Residential House in Thomastown; Cluain Arainn, Tipperary Town; Brothers of Charity, Cashel & Home Instead; St. Anthony’s Unit, Clonmel; Bramleigh Lodge Nursing Home, Cashel.

Congratulations and well done to all our BTEI students who received QQI Awards this year. We wish them every success in their future careers and thank them for their participation on our courses.