1. Delivering FET Programmes in Schools / Colleges
Ann Marie Lacey- Director, Cavan Institute
Gerry McKenny – Deputy Director, Cavan Institute
David McDonnell – Drogheda Institute of Further Education

2. FET – Transitioning to the next level
What next? - big question
The Leaving Certificate Student – Seeking to define their adult life
Will it be
University?
Desire to learn new skills?
No idea where to start?
Recent research – Students who follow a FE route do just as well as students going direct to third level.
PLC review – numbers going to third level AM

3. What is FET?
“FET provides education and training and related supports to assist individuals to gain qualifications at Levels 1-6 on the NFQ or equivalent, to attain and refresh economically-valuable skills to access and sustain all types of employment, tackling skills shortages and boosting the future growth and competitiveness of the Irish economy.”
Further Education and Training Strategy 2014 – 2019 AM

4. Further Education and Training Colleges
Accept applications from…
Leaving Certificate
Mature Students
Returning Graduates
Unemployed
Early School Leavers
National Training Schemes AM

5. Adult Guidance & Information Service ADULT & COMMUNITY EDUCATION
ETB FET Services
Traineeships
and
Apprenticeships
VTOS
Youthreach
Adult Guidance & Information Service
ADULT & COMMUNITY EDUCATION
PLC AM

6. Certification General Awards QQI Edexcel/BTEC City and Guilds
Industry-Specific/Trades Awards
Comité International d’Esthetique et de Cosmetologie (CIDESCO)
Confederation of International Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology (CIBTAC)
Department of Education & Skills “Junior and Senior Trades”
International Therapy Examination Council (ITEC)
International Academy of Travel (IAOT)
Institute of Accounting Technicians in Ireland (IATI)
Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Ireland (CPA)
Microsoft
Cisco AM

7. Terminology Explained
PLC
Traineeships
Apprenticeships AM

8. National Framework of Qualifications

9. PLC (Post Leaving Certificate) CoursesAM

10. Post Leaving Cert (PLC) courses
Levels 5 and 6
QQI Awards + industry certification where relevant
Progression to Higher Education
Progression to Employment
1 Academic Year
Delivered by PLC Colleges and some dual-provision in schools
Tutors must be Teaching Council recognised
30,000 places nationwide, varies by county
DMD

11. Examples of PLC Range of Disciplines
Accountancy
Beauty and Holistic Therapies
Built Environment
Business and Insurance
Childcare
Computing (incl. Multimedia)
Design (incl. Furniture Design)
Engineering
Green Energy/Renewables
Hairdressing
Hotel & Catering
Pre-University Law
Motor Vehicle Maintenance
Music & Sound
Nursing & Allied Healthcare
Science
Security Studies
Social Care & Social Studies
Sport & Fitness
Tourism & Culture
Veterinary Studies
DMD

12. PLC Courses Apply directly to individual PLC College / Centre
Some Colleges may Interview
Points awarded for QQI Level 5 courses
Direct Entry to Year 2 of Degree Programs from Level 6
Increases positioning in School League Tables as last School
attended is counted
DMD

13. Student Profile - Niall McDermott
Course Completed:
QQI Level 6 – Sports Development &
Coaching
Progression:
Progressed to the Bachelor of Science in Physical Education at the University of Limerick
GMK

14. Brian Sheanon Course Completed: QQI Level 5 – Science and Laboratory
Techniques
Progression:
Brian gained work experience while in
Cavan Institute in the radiography
department of Cavan General Hospital
Completed a BSc in Radiography at Kinston University, London
GMK

15. Danielle Caldwell Course Completed:
Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation Studies
(2 years)
Progression:
Danielle progressed to the University of
Salford, Manchester to complete the BSc
(Hons) Physiotherapy programme
GMK

16. Ciara Finnegan Course Completed:
QQI Level 5 – Science and Laboratory Techniques
Progression:
Ciara used her QQI Level 5 award at Cavan
Institute to gain entry onto the 1st Year of the
BSc in Sport Science and Health in DCU.
She commenced the programme in September 2018
GMK

17. Erica Joyce Course Completed:
QQI Level 5 – Sports Coaching & Leisure Management
QQI Level 6 – Sports Development with Personal Training (Year 2)
Progression:
Erica is currently in year 3 of the Level 8 Degree programme in Sports Studies and Physical Education in UCC.
GMK

18. What is a Traineeship? Needs-based Industry as partner with ETB
Significant work-based learning in host company
Duration 6–20 months
Accreditation at levels 4, 5 and 6 on the NFQ
Identified career pathways
GMK

19. Traineeships
Developed and Delivered by ETB’s working in partnership with industry and employers
Employers provide a minimum of 30% of the programme as work-based learning.
Where a new traineeship is being developed, employer representatives are asked to contribute to the design and content of the programme, to ensure that it meets the skills needs identified and is in a format that facilitates participation and success.
Currently, there are over 50 traineeship programmes available around the country. New traineeships are developed on an ongoing basis across a range of industries and sectors in response to identified skill needs.
GMK

20. Running a Traineeship in a PLC College
Direct Provision Vs Contract Delivery
Call for Proposals
Occupational Skills Profiling (OSP)
Decide on Programme based on OSP
Facilities
Staffing G

21. Drogheda Institute D

22. Culinary Arts Traineeship Level 4 Partnership Model
LMETB
Drogheda Institute
Regional Skills & Training
Contracted Training D

23. Employer Engagement Regional Skills North East Irish Hotels Federation
Irish Restaurant Association
Boyne Valley Food Series
Foodeducators.ie
Drogheda Chamber of Commerce D

24. Traineeship in action Over 50 Traineeships nationwide NVQ Levels 4-6
6 to 20 months in duration
On the job Training
Content developed in consultation with employers
Pipeline of talent for employers D

25. Gallery and Testimonial
Before starting this traineeship I was at a crossroads. This course and the work experience involved has transformed my life and provided me with a clear pathway to my future! D

26. What is an Apprenticeship?
Based on a relationship/contract between an employer and an ‘apprentice’
A programme of structured education and training, which combines learning in the workplace with learning in an education or training centre
Combination of practical skills on-the-job with an employer and off-the-job training in College AM

27. AM

28. Pre – 2016 Apprenticeships Traditional craft apprenticeships, e.g.
Motor Mechanic, HGV Mechanic
Electrician, Carpentry/Joinery, Plumber, Plasterer, Painter,
Metal Fabrication, Sheet Metal Working etc.
Path to skilled occupations in a range of industries and sectors,
such as construction, engineering, motor and electrical
Four year duration
Seven phases, on and off the job
Continuous intake AM

29. Pre – 2016 Apprenticeship Structure
Off-the-job
On-the-Job
Phase 1 up to 12 weeks
Phase 3 = 26 weeks
Phase 5 = 26 weeks
Phase 7 = 12 weeks
Full programme = 4 years
Phase = 22 weeks
Phase = 11 weeks
Phase = 11 weeks
Examples of traditional apprenticeships

30. New Apprenticeships (Post 2016)
Examples:
Commis Chef-QQI Level 6 - ETB
Industrial Electrical Engineer-QQI Level 7 – ETB
Original Equipment Manufacturing – OEM - ETB
Craft Butcher - ETB
Accounting Technician-QQI level 6
ICT Associate Professional Tech-QQI Level 6
International Financial Services Associate-QQI Level 6
International Financial Services Specialist-QQI Level 8
Insurance Practitioner-QQI Level 8 AM

31. Structure of New Apprenticeships
Delivery Model will vary and may include the following:
2 to 4 years duration
3 or 4 days per week on the job with the employer
1 or 2 days per week at college
QQI Levels 5 to 10
The employer pays the apprentice for the full week
Industry led
Professional qualification and real work skills recognised by Professional Associations and Industry
Progression pathways within each Industry AM

32. Running an Apprenticeship in a PLC College
Lead Provider ETB / Industry
Programme Validation
Facilities
Authorised Officer - ETB
Staffing AM

33. How to Access an Apprenticeship (as a prospective student)
Research the types of Apprenticeships
Talk to their local Apprenticeship Team in ETB nearest ETB
Search for opportunities using job search engines and local advertisements
Contact industry lead on new apprenticeships – may be managing recruitment AM

34. Qualifications level (s)
Apprenticeship
Traineeship
PLC
Legislation
Governed directly by legislation – currently 1967 Industrial Training Act
The 2012 Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Act
Employment basis
Starts with a contract of
employment
Work Placement Organised for Trainee/ Student
Industry involvement
Industry-led, based on identified industry skills need and industry support
ETB-led, based on identified industry skills need and industry support
Time on the job
Minimum of 50% on the job and up to 80%
Min. 30% on the job
Two-Three Weeks Work Placement
Qualifications level (s)
NFQ Levels 5-10
NFQ Levels 4-6 or equivalent
NFQ Levels 5 and 6 or equivalent
Duration
Between 2 and 4 years
Between 6 and 20 months
1 Academic Year (9 months)
Target Cohorts
Open to all, including those already in employment
Open to all, incl. those in employment
Open to all
Finance
Employer pays apprentice a salary
Training allowance may be payable
SUSI Grant/BTEA/VTOS
GMK

35. Benefits of FET Option
Smooth transition from Second level – structured setting, support, guidance, nurturing
Pastoral Support
Close monitoring of attendance, progress,
Time management, communications, development of academic skills
Guidance
Academic Calendar/Assessment Schedule
Close link with the world of work AM

36. Thank you – Any Questions?