Admin, Author at LWETB

Aontas Holding You Back Campaign

Posted on 02/09/202406/09/2024 by Admin

Running from Monday 2nd September – Friday 6th September, this campaign shows the barriers to learning that are holding people back from the education and the life they want.

Aontas research shows that the high cost of education is preventing adults in Ireland from going back to or staying in education.

Almost 1 in 3 adults we surveyed said they need more financial support.

Aontas have heard from adult learners who have been forced to choose between heating their homes and funding their education, leaving their courses to pay for their rent, and sleeping in vans due to unaffordable accommodation.

There are also stereotypes and stigmas that prevent people from learning, such as racism or ageism.

Aontas are calling on the Irish Government to remove the financial barriers to learning that are holding people back.

They can do this by increasing food, travel, and accommodation allowances for adult learners; increasing social welfare payments in line with the real cost of living; and creating one source of information on financial supports.

Learning should be a realistic option for everyone, from any background and at any age.

Join the conversation on social media with the hashtag #HoldingYouBack

Longford and Westmeath Education Training Board receives Reach Funding.

Posted on 08/07/202406/09/2024 by Admin

SOLAS, the state agency responsible for Further Education and Training (FET), announced over €200,000 in funding for Longford and Westmeath ETB, to support marginalised learners to access community education programmes in local communities, through €5 million in national Reach Funding.

The funding, announced on Monday, will support almost 800 learners across the Longford and Westmeath area to access and participate in local community education provision including online learning, literacy and basic skills programmes.

The funding allocated to disadvantaged learners across the Longford and Westmeath region will be used by local projects on the ground and will support participation in online learning, connect communities, and provide social supports to the most vulnerable groups in the local communities.

In Longford, both the Family Resource Centres, Lus na Gréine in Granard and Bridgeways in Ballymahon have used Reach funding, under ‘Innovative Green Projects’ to develop community gardens.

These outdoor facilities have become a vibrant space for members of the community to meet and learn new skills in a safe and supported environment.

Manager of Lus na Gréine , Eileen Finan said: “Reach funding has empowered Lus na Gréine FRC to overcome educational barriers through the ‘Innovative Green Projects’ initiative.

“This project has successfully attracted individuals eager to learn in a dynamic environment, integrating conversation and hands-on activities with green spaces and living plants in our new community garden space. Participants have highly praised this approach. We commend this innovative project and extend our gratitude to our funders SOLAS and LWETB”.

Antonine Healy, Director of Further Education and Training, LWETB said “We are delighted to receive over €200,000 in funding which will enhance the essential work done by community education providers across Longford and Westmeath. This vital funding will go a long way to support some of the hardest-to-reach people in our local communities.

“Funding will be used to build a digital infrastructure in our local region and enable us to continue delivering access to learning opportunities for our diverse communities. I would also like to commend the work of the Community Education Facilitators who on behalf of LWETB work continuously with community groups across Longford and Westmeath.”

Since 2020, thousands of initiatives have received Reach Funding which has helped to empower learners; build digital infrastructures to foster inclusion and support learning in the Longford and Westmeath region and across Ireland. It has helped to develop safe learning spaces, the digital divide, build stronger learning communities, and increase the capacity of community education organisations across local communities.

Exciting Partnership with Southeast Technological University (SETU) for FET staff

Posted on 26/03/202406/09/2024 by Admin

The last couple of years saw Longford and Westmeath Education and Training Board work closely with SETU, providing our tutors in FET with the opportunity to complete a Level 6 Certificate in Adult Literacy.

This pilot is the first of its kind ran by SETU and we were delighted to work with them on designing the format of this course. It is a hybrid model of a course they deliver on their campus. The course consists of three modules being delivered remotely via teams with a one-day in person workshop, per module, in FET Centre, Clonown Road, Athlone. Joan Slevin Literacy Co-ordinator who put in many hours attending meetings with SETU and sorting out the logistics on the ground, she did this with great enthusiasm on top of an already busy workload!

The modules are: 

Equality Diversity and Inclusion  
Integrating Literacy 
Literacy and Society

13 staff completed the course of the graduates are continuing with their studies and gaining further qualifications both with SETU and other Higher Education institutions. We marked the event by hosting a conferring ceremony on Tuesday 12th March.

SETU staff including Helen Murphy SETU Head of School and Lifelong Learning and Education presented learners with their certificates on the day. We had a lovely day celebrating with our colleagues. Our graduates were joined by their family and friends which made this a special celebration for everyone involved. 

LWETB Learner Handbook

Posted on 26/03/202406/09/2024 by Admin

Welcome to Longford and Westmeath Education and Training Board (LWETB) where you will continue your journey in life long learning. To help you get the most out of your time with us, we developed this Learner Handbook which we hope will assist you.

The handbook is an aid for you and provides answers to questions which you may have while attending. The handbook covers such things such as who is LWETB? What it is LWETB do, where we deliver programmes and where you can access these programmes.

It also provides information on options around qualifications and the learner journey, what supports are available to learners, the assessment process and an overview of our LWETB quality process.

While the handbook is not an exhaustive guide and you may have other questions we are happy to answer questions and provide guidance at all times.

Connolly Campus Open Day

Posted on 28/11/202327/03/2024 by Admin

Longford and Westmeath Education and Training Board (LWETB) would like to thank everyone that joined them Wednesday 22nd November for the open day in the Connolly Campus, Longford. The open day was to celebrate College Awareness Week.

LWETB is one of the 16 ETB’s in Ireland responsible for education and training through schools, youth work and further education. LWETB has many campuses across Longford and Westmeath. The Connolly Campus is located on Church Street and Battery Road in Longford Town. The campus provides opportunities for school leavers and adult learners to enhance their opportunity for employment, progress to further studies or develop new skills, and want to become more involved in their communities.

With an array of courses available in Youthreach, Back To Education Initiative (BTEI), Adult Learning, Community Education and Post Leaving Certificates (PLCs) the campus caters for everyone’s needs. Returning to learning as an adult can be challenging, our Further Education and Training Guidance and Information Service is on hand to offer information, advice and guidance on training, education and careers.

The open day was a fantastic opportunity for LWETB staff from different provisions to come together and showcase the educational options available in Longford. It also presented the state of the art facilities available to all learners, these include a fully equipped clinical room for healthcare and nursing learners, a new barista hub, computer suites, beauty treatment rooms and classrooms, School of Engineering Technology, a fully equipped kitchen for catering courses as part of the Youthreach Programme and so much more.

There was a hive of activity from the start, the open day included Apprenticeship talks, workshops and demonstrations in Computers, Smartphones, Wreath Making, Christmas Crafts, Barista, Barbering, Manicure/Pedicure, Reflexology and Nursing. Campus tours took place during the event and there was an opportunity for prospective learners to engage with current learners and tutors.

Overall the day was a great success, we look forward to doing it all again soon. If you missed out on attending the open day, details of courses on offer can be found on www.fetchcourses.ie or by emailing fet@lwetb.ie.

National Centre for Electric Vehicle Skills in Mullingar

Posted on 28/11/202327/03/2024 by Admin

Longford and Westmeath Education and Training Board (LWETB) hosted a landmark event in the Bloomfield House Hotel on Monday 13th November. LWETB were honoured to welcome Minister Simon Harris who revealed plans for a national centre for electric vehicle skills in Mullingar.

The exciting event marks a significant milestone in Irelands transition to a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future. The national centre will be a hub for innovation, research, and education in the realm of electrical modes of transport, driving forward the adoption of sustainable transport and technological advances in the region.

The centre will be a critical component of the State’s response to the green transition and will ensure that Irish workers are fully equipped to handle expanding skills requirements of electric vehicles.

When fully developed, the centre will train people to repair and maintain not only electric cars, but also electric bikes, scooters, trucks, buses, vans and heavy goods vehicles. The centre will allow the FET sector to remain a leader in the delivery of motor mechanic skills.

The first step is the establishment of a Project Management Office and the recruitment of staff to commence work on the project.

Minister Simon Harris, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, was joined by Ms. Liz Lavery Chief Executive of LWETB, members of the LWETB Senior Leadership Team, members of the LWETB Board, key stakeholders, educators, industry experts, and local leaders to share insights and unveil the government’s strategic vision for this national centre. Speaking today, Minister Harris said “As the number of EVs on the road increases, a workforce with the knowledge to fix and properly maintain them will be needed.”

“It is clear to us we need a dedicated national centre to focus on the delivery of these key skills, while preparing for future technological advances.”

“This national centre will be based in the Midlands, in one of our growing towns and will be absolutely critical to delivery of the skills of the future.”

The announcement of the national centre for electric vehicle skills is a considerable moment for LWETB and for the future of sustainable transport in Ireland. Ms. Liz Lavery, LWETB Chief Executive, said that “LWETB is delighted and proud to be expanding into this new area and we are proud to play a pivotal role in this endeavour by hosting the national EV centre”. Ms. Lavery recognises the importance of fostering sustainable practices and technological innovation within the Longford and Westmeath community. Ms. Lavery went on to say that “LWETB has a long history in education and training in Longford and Westmeath, providing primary and post-primary education, FET programmes, apprenticeship provision, Music Generation and Youth Services. Ms. Lavery concluded that ‘LWETB is committed to developing a skilled and knowledgeable workforce that can drive Ireland’s transition to a more eco-friendly future”

Andrew Brownlee, SOLAS Chief Executive said “SOLAS welcomes the development of the national centre for electric vehicle skills in Mullingar, Co. Westmeath as a significant milestone in further expanding the national training provision. The skills provided by the national centre by Longford-Westmeath Education and Training Board will be essential in supporting the green transition and in realising climate action targets.”

“Our pledge at SOLAS is to provide every FET learner with the green skills and sustainability awareness to allow them to serve as agents of change on climate action.”

“A warm congratulations to my colleagues in Longford-Westmeath Education and Training Board, and to all of the potential learners in Mullingar and the surrounding areas.”

This announcement is a significant development for the midland’s region and in particular Mullingar by propelling it into the forefront of sustainable innovation and clean energy.

For all media queries please email corporate@lwetb.ie

Further Education and Training (FET) Awards Ceremony in Mullingar

Posted on 21/07/202325/06/2024 by Admin

More than 70 learners who have attended classes with Longford and Westmeath Education and Training Board (LWETB) at their two centres in Mullingar (Marlinstown Business Park and O’Growney Drive) received their certificates at a graduation ceremony

There was a lovely atmosphere as families and tutors gathered to celebrate the achievements of the learners, at what was the first LWETB in-person graduation since before the Covid-19 pandemic.

The director of Further Education and Training, Antonine Healy, presented the certificates to the learners, and with her colleagues at the training board, she congratulated the learners on their achievements and wished them luck in their futures.

Tenth Anniversary Celebrations #ETBDAY

Posted on 21/07/202326/03/2024 by Admin

Longford and Westmeath Education and Training Board (LWETB) is one of the 16 ETB’s in Ireland responsible for education and training through schools, youth work and further education.

To mark the 10th anniversary of LWETB, Connolly Campus held an open day. Connolly Campus is located on Church Street and Battery Road in Longford Town.

The campus provides opportunities for school leavers and adult learners to enhance their opportunity for employment, progress to further studies or develop new skills, and want to become more involved in their communities.

With an array of courses available in Youthreach, Back To Education Initiative (BTEI), Adult Learning, English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), Community Education and Post Leaving Certificates (PLCs) the campus caters for everyone’s needs.

Returning to learning as an adult can be challenging, our LWETB FET Guidance and Information Service is on hand to offer information, advice and guidance on training, education and careers.

The open day was a fantastic opportunity for LWETB staff from different provisions to come together and showcase the educational options available in Longford.

It also presented the state of the art facilities available to all learners, these include a fully equipped clinical room for healthcare and nursing learners, a new barista hub, computer suites, beauty treatment rooms and classrooms, School of Engineering Technology, a fully equipped kitchen for catering courses as part of the Youthreach Programme and so much more.

There was a hive of activity from the start, excitement was building when decorations were being put up and preparation was underway for the arrival of the Shannonside FM Outdoor Broadcast.

Throughout the day we were given the opportunity for Staff and Learners to be interviewed live.

It was wonderful to hear from the staff about the services they offer, however, the learners stole the show! To hear their learning journeys and incredible achievements is what LWETB is all about.

The learners are the heart of our services and we celebrate everyone’s successes.

Entertainment on the day was provided by Valerie Nolan, current Business Level 5 Learner and Bridie Gobl in the Longford of College of Further Education (LCFE). They were inspirational.

Overall the day was a great success, we look forward to doing it all again soon.

QQI Inaugural Review Feedback

Posted on 22/05/202314/06/2023 by Admin

Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) is responsible for the external quality assurance of further and higher education and training in Ireland. One of QQI’s most important statutory functions is to ensure that the quality assurance procedures that providers have in place have been implemented and are effective. To this end, QQI conducts external reviews of providers of further and higher education and training on a cyclical basis.

QQI conducted the inaugural review of quality assurance in education and training boards and visited LWETB during 2022. Cyclical review is an element of the broader quality framework for ETBs composed of statutory quality assurance guidelines; quality assurance approval; annual quality reporting; dialogue meetings; the National Framework of Qualifications; validation of programmes; and, most crucially, the quality assurance system established by each ETB. The inaugural review of quality assurance in education and training boards runs from 2020-2023.

Each inaugural review is carried out by a team of independent experts and peers. The 2022 inaugural review of Longford and Westmeath Education and Training Board (LWETB) was conducted by a team of 6 reviewers selected by QQI. The review team attended a briefing and training session in QQI on 18 February 2022 and the planning visit to Longford and Westmeath Education and Training Board (LWETB) took place on 24 February 2022. The main review visit was conducted by the full team between 25 April and 29 April 2022.

On conclusion of the process, the panel of independent experts were extremely complimentary of LWETB FET services and the many structures in place to ensure quality outcomes for learners. The team stated that FET services in LWETB evidenced ‘clear focus on the learner as central to its services and in line with its values’. The review team also recognised ‘the considerable effort of LWETB during the pandemic and commends LWETB on its learner centred approach, which is clearly at the heart of its activity’.

LWETB Awards Ceremony in Mullingar

Posted on 22/05/202314/06/2023 by Admin

There was a lovely atmosphere as families and tutors gathered to celebrate the achievements of the learners, at what was the first LWETB in-person graduation since before the Covid-19 pandemic.