Nearly 1,500 people attended the Donegal Education and Training Board’s (ETB) 2024 Further Education and Training (FET) Fair, which took place over two days last Wednesday and Thursday at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Letterkenny.
The fair offered attendees the opportunity to learn about the wide range of FET courses available on their doorstep.
The fair was open to school leavers, their parents/guardians, school guidance counsellors, and principals on the first day. Panel discussions were held to explain the benefits of FET and answer questions about the various FET options available, such as Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) courses, specific skills training courses, tertiary degrees, traineeships, and apprenticeships.

Panellists: Western and North West Tertiary Degree Programme Cluster Programme Manager Maria Doherty, Ciaran O’Brien – Director of Further Education and Training, FET Recruitment Officer Tara McGuire Guidance Counsellor Rory White and PLC student Brigena. hoto – Clive Wasson

Ciaran O’Brien, Director of Further Education and Training and Donal Coyle, ETB Board Chairperson at the Donegal Education Training Board (ETB) Further Education and Training Fair (FET) in the Radisson Blu Hotel, Letterkenny. Photo – Clive Wasson

Donegal County Council Cathaoirleach Donegal ETB member Cllr Martin Harley viewing a weaving demonstration.
On the second day, the fair was open to everyone interested in learning more about the full and part-time education and training opportunities offered by Donegal ETB’s FET Service. Tutors and advisers were available to talk about the ETB’s comprehensive range of courses, which lead to qualifications like QQI, City & Guilds, and industry-specific certifications. Attendees also had the opportunity to view interactive skills demonstrations and speak to current students about their experiences.

Gartan Outdoor Education Team and students at the Donegal Education Training Board (ETB) Further Education and Training Fair (FET) in the Raddison Hotel. Photo – Clive Wasson

Elean Gill, Rosie Tourish and Stephnie Morrrow at the Donegal Education Training Board (ETB) Further Education and Training Fair (FET) in the Radisson Blu Hotel, Letterkenny. Photo – Clive Wasson

Con Rodgers showing off the virtual welding kit at the Donegal Education Training Board (ETB) Further Education and Training Fair (FET) in the Radisson Blu Hotel, Letterkenny. Photo – Clive Wasson

John Heena and Nazar at the Donegal Education Training Board (ETB) Further Education and Training Fair (FET) in the Radisson Blu Hotel, Letterkenny. Photo – Clive Wasson

Adam McDaid, Owen Wade and Ciaran Gallagher at the Donegal Education Training Board (ETB) Further Education and Training Fair (FET) in the Radisson Blu Hotel, Letterkenny. Photo – Clive Wasson
Last year, almost 14,500 students participated in FET courses with Donegal ETB in more than 100 venues across the county, availing of opportunities to retrain, upskill, get on the job work experience and progress onto further and higher education.
Find out about courses near you at www.donegaletb.ie
Contact the ETB’s Adult Guidance and Information Service on 074 91 78088 or email adultguidance@donegaletb.ie.

Enterprise Engagement staff Siobhan, Dearbhla and Donna at the opening event of the Donegal Education Training Board (ETB) Further Education and Training Fair (FET) in the Radisson Blu Hotel, Letterkenny. Photo – Clive Wasson

FET staff Bridin and Lisa at the opening event of the Donegal Education Training Board (ETB) Further Education and Training Fair (FET) in the Radisson Blu Hotel, Letterkenny. Photo – Clive Wasson

Rebecca Shovlin, Jessie Gallagher, Katie Kelly, Chloe Walker Boyle event of the Donegal Education Training Board (ETB) Further Education and Training Fair (FET) in the Raddison Hotel. Photo – Clive Wasson

Motor mechanics apprenticeship instructor Cornelius and a FET Fair visitor at the opening event of the Donegal Education Training Board (ETB) Further Education and Training Fair (FET) in the Radisson Blu Hotel, Letterkenny. Photo – Clive Wasson

Donegal Education Training Board (ETB) Further Education and Training Fair (FET) in the Radisson Blu Hotel, Letterkenny. Photo – Clive Wasson

The opening event of the Donegal Education Training Board (ETB) Further Education and Training Fair (FET) in the Radisson Blu Hotel, Letterkenny. Photo – Clive Wasson

FET and apprenticeship instruction staff and Director of FET. Photo – Clive Wasson

The opening event of the Donegal Education Training Board (ETB) Further Education and Training Fair (FET) in the Radisson Blu Hotel, Letterkenny. Photo – Clive Wasson

Adam McDaid, Owen Wade and Ciaran Gallagher at the Donegal Education Training Board (ETB) Further Education and Training Fair (FET) in the Radisson Blu Hotel, Letterkenny. Photo – Clive Wasson