SOLAS – fuelling Ireland’s future
The landscape of Further Education and Training (FET) has changed considerably. Firstly, when VECs were established as “Education and Training Boards”, it was clear that there would be a new function and responsibility for both Further Education and Training. Secondly, the establishment of SOLAS in 2013, heralded a new emphasis on FET. SOLAS, the new Further Education and Training Authority in Ireland, is responsible for funding, planning and co-ordinating training and further education programmes. Please click here for further information. SOLAS launched their five year FET Strategy in 2014, and it contains the following five key goals:
The FET Service in Tipperary ETB is keeping a close eye on these goals as we develop our provision. We are also conscious of the broader remit for Further Education and Training, as documented in the following: “It has been widely recognised and documented (EU Commission; CEDEFOP; OECD; UNESCO; AONTAS; FORFAS and IBEC) that effective adult education and skills development will be critical to the Irish national recovery, in terms of employability, social inclusion and competitiveness.” (Adult Education Officers’ Association, Strategic Framework, 2016). In Tipperary ETB, we are committed to maintaining the balance between skills for the economy with the wider benefits of learning, that are an intrinsic part of Further Education. |
What Further Education Do We Currently Provide?
| Full and part-time courses |
| Guidance and Literacy Supports |
| Courses at Levels 1-6, as well as unaccredited courses. |
The unemployed and those who did not complete school are our priority.
What programmes take place within the ETB Further Education and Training Services?
| Further Education Programme | F/T or P/T | Training Programme |
F/T or P/T |
| PLC Courses | Full Time | Apprenticeships | Full Time |
| Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS) | Full Time | Community Training | Full Time |
| Youthreach | Full Time | Local Training Initiative | Full Time |
| Community Education | Part Time | Specialist Training Providers | Full Time |
| Adult Learning Scheme | Part Time | Specific Skills Training | Full Time |
| Back to Education Initiative | Part Time | Traineeships | Full Time |
| Self Financing Night Classes | Part Time | Evening Training | Part Time |
In addition to the above programmes , Tipperary ETB Further Education and Training service encompasses the following:
| Adult Guidance & Information Service |
| Programme Development |
| Administration |
| Local Development Initiatives |
| Education Training Partnerships |
| National Projects and Initiatives |
| E.U. Projects |
Where are our main Centres?
| Borrisokane, | Clonmel, | Roscrea, |
| Cahir, | Killenaule, | Templemore, |
| Cappawhite, | Nenagh, | Thurles, |
| Carrick-on-Suir, | Newport, | Tipperary Town. |
| Cashel, |
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