The Further Education and Training Department in GRETB is currently reviewing the FET work of 2020 and planning its programmes for 2021. The FET Department is conscious of the challenges Covid 19 posed for all of us as a society, both nationally and internationally and is continuing to do so.
Challenges such as those presented by Covid-19 can often lead to new opportunities for individuals. The team in FET are conscious of the importance of providing tailor made bespoke programmes to make the pathways into employment and education as smooth as possible for all.
Their focus for 2021 is in line with the National Further Education and Training Strategy 2020-2024 and the National Development Plan. It will also take on board the 10 Year Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Skills Strategy. They have a wealth and depth of provision and are constantly updating this provision to ensure it is meeting the needs of the individual, the employer and the community.
They offer programmes from Levels 1-6 on the National Framework of Qualifications covering Apprenticeships, Post Leaving Certificate Courses, Vocational Training Opportunities, Back to Education initiatives as well as Community Education, Adult Basic Education and evening courses.
The FET Department continues to work closely with industry to ensure programmes are customer focused and in line with economic and social trends. Here in the West there are a number of key industries such as the Medtech, Manufacturing, Tourism and Hospitality, Marine and Agriculture. GRETB has been supporting industries through a range of programmes from Skills to Advance, Skills for Work, Skills to Compete and the Explore Programme. Their Employer Engagement unit has been recognised for its work and was recently awarded recognition from industry through the Regional Skills Forum.
GRETB Further Education and Training Department is actively engaged in the development of exciting new technologies in the delivery of education and training. We are currently developing Technology Enhanced Learning resources to support the professional development of the Aquaculture industry. These supports will sit alongside the QQI Level 5 Aquaculture award which was designed in collaboration with Bord Iascaigh Mhara.
The Aquafarm project is funded by SOLAS and had an Advisory committee with representatives from industry, the Marine Institute, BIM, GMIT, NUIG and Údarás na Gaeltachta. MSLETB and LMETB are collaborating ETBs. Resources being developed include a virtual multi-tropic simulator, game based resources in the form of a mobile app.
These will be complimented by a series of TED talks from experts in the industry from both national and international perspectives. The Marine sector is a key industry here in the West and Aquaculture is expected to grow, particularly seaweed. The FET Department in GRETB is delighted to be involved in this innovative project. Sitting alongside these virtual tools will be a series of digital badges based on industry standards. Accruing digital badges will lead to an employability passport system which will be recognised internationally.
The FET Department is currently working with SOLAS and the Irish Hotel Federation with a view to rolling out a series of Hospitality programmes to support this industry which has been particularly hit by the events of 2020.
GRETB will be supporting the BIA Innovator Campus in Athenry due to open to food innovators in mid 2020 with a range of education and training programmes including the Butchery Apprenticeship .
2020 saw the validation of the new National Apprenticeship in Arboriculture which has a start date of February 2021. This apprenticeship was designed and developed by GRETB FET staff in collaboration with industry practitioners from across the country.
It has been a challenging year for all of us. However as outlined challenges can bring opportunities and Further Education and Training has tremendous possibilities for everyone. For young people considering a skill that will allow you to earn as you learn and to anyone considering a change of direction, Further Education and Training can bring you there.
In the FET Department, they believe in Innovation, Creativity, Regional Development and Individual Career Planning and they welcome participation from the community to support their work and from industry to ensure their programmes are cutting edge.
Guím Nollaig Shona oraibh go léir agus Athbhliain faoi shéan is faoi mhaise daoibh.
