Further Education and Training (FET) students in the Milford area received course certificates at an Awards Night on 13th March celebrating the exceptional achievements of students who finished NFQ Level 4 and 5 courses in May 2023 and 2024.
The event highlighted the transformative nature of the courses being offered in the FET Centre in Milford and more widely throughout the county by the FET Service managed by Donegal Education and Training Board (ETB).
Bringing together students, families, educators, and invited guests to acknowledge the hard work, dedication, and excellence of the students, attendees enjoyed a memorable evening, including speeches and the presentation of their awards, followed by light refreshments.
Certificates were presented a across a range of courses offered in the centre including Health Service Skills, Manual and Computerised Bookkeeping, Manual and Computerised Payroll and Irish Computer Society Driving License (ICDL).
Five former students spoke of their own personal learning journeys having been faced with life and career changes. They outlined how their time in the Centre was one where they were given the opportunity to flourish and develop new skills and confidence while being ably supported by the Centre’s teaching and support staff.
Donegal ETB Adult Education Officer Charles Gorney reflected on the evening, saying, “Our Awards Nights are always inspiring events. It was an opportunity to celebrate the remarkable achievements of our students and the tireless dedication of our staff. The event also showcases the wider societal impact Further Education and Training has on the communities in Donegal. We are incredibly proud of our students and the impact our Centre and staff have made and look forward to seeing our students both past and present continue to thrive.
Bookkeeping Graduates and Guests:
Front row l-r: Charles Gorney (Adult Education Officer, Donegal ETB), Pauline Doherty (ICT and Accounts Teacher), Cllr Declan Meehan (Board Member, Donegal ETB), Anne McHugh (Chief Executive, Donegal ETB)
Back row l-r: Deborah Brougham, Sinead Duffy, Sasha Gallagher and Mary Leahy-Sweeney.
“Credit needs to be given to these graduates for the dedication and commitment that they have given in completing the courses and undertaking this step in what will hopefully be a lifelong learning journey”, he added.
Anne McHugh, Donegal ETB Chief Executive, spoke of the remarkable achievements of those students present and highlighted the many learning pathways available within the ETB as well as praising the dedication of those presented with awards.
Certificates were presented by Donegal ETB Board Member Cllr Declan Meehan who delivered an inspiring speech celebrating the resilience and determination of the graduates. Reflecting on their educational journeys, he highlighted the challenges many students faced in returning to education as adults and praised their ability to overcome obstacles, rewrite their stories, and unlock new opportunities for their futures.
Cllr Meehan also commended the dedication of the staff who played a pivotal role in guiding and empowering student: “The certificates you hold today are more than qualifications – they are symbols of resilience, transformation, and new beginnings”, he remarked.
Graduates were encouraged to carry forward the lessons of teamwork, self-belief, and perseverance as they embark on new paths in their careers and communities.
Further information on courses provided by the FET Centre in Milford can be found on Donegal ETB’s website course finder (www.donegaletb.ie/fetcoursefinder) or by calling or emailing the centre on 074 9153194 or fetcentremilford@donegaletb.ie.
