Over 120 learners, their guests and ETB staff attended a presentation of awards in the Waterfront Hotel, Dungloe on Thursday night last.
The awards were achieved through various full-time and part-time programmes over the last year, completed throughout West Donegal.
Martina Needham, Adult Education Officer, spoke about the range of both full and part-time provision which included: Computer and Digital Skills, English and Communications, Maths, Office Skills and Health Service Skills, Construction Studies, Welding, Manual Handling and First Aid. In addition awards for TeastasEorpachnaGaeilge (TEG) from Donegal ETB withÚdarásnaGaeltachta were also presented.
Part-time courses are co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Social Fund as part of the ESF Programme for Employability, Inclusion and Learning (PEIL) 2014-2020.
Needham said: “The certification you have received here tonight will now open up many more progression options to them within the world of work or further and higher education and training.
She also spoke about how11,000 learners completed courses with Donegal ETB’s FET service in 2018.
Donegal ETB Chairperson, Cllr Martin Hanley, who presented the awards said: “It’s an honour to be here tonight to present awards to so many adults and young people. I would like to congratulate each and every one of them on their achievements.”
A number of learners spoke on the night about their experience of completing a course with Donegal ETB’s FET Service.
Cróna Gallagher, Director of FET, Donegal ETB added her own congratulations and spoke about the value of a FET award.
Gallagher referred to the results of a survey which has just been published which highlights that employers place a high value on Further Education and Training graduates and the skills, knowledge and competencies that they bring with them. Its wide range of courses can be found on the course finder section of its website.
She concluded by acknowledging the work of staff and tutors in ensuring high-quality provision.
Programme organisers Dolores Mhic Géidigh, Sharon McGee, Caitriona Cullen, Siobhan Coughlan, Vivienne Doherty, Colm Richardson and Charles Gorney along with their tutors were present and acknowledged the success of learners.