LWETB Archives

Let’s Celebrate World Dyslexia Day

Posted on 11/09/202511/09/2025 by Ashling Bane

Longford and Westmeath Education and Training Board (LWETB) is proud to announce a special event in celebration of World Dyslexia Day, shining a spotlight on dyslexia in adulthood.

📅 Date: Wednesday, 8th October 2025
🕘 Time: 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM (Lunch served at 1 PM)
📍 Venue: The Shamrock Lodge Hotel, Athlone, Co. Westmeath.

Refreshments will be served on arrival.

This free and empowering information day is designed to raise awareness, break down misconceptions, and provide practical support for adults living with dyslexia.

Why It Matters

– An estimated 10% of the Irish population is affected by dyslexia.
– Many adults remain undiagnosed, particularly those who went through school before dyslexia awareness became widespread.
– Dyslexia impacts more than reading and writing — it can affect memory, organisation, processing speed, and self-esteem.
– With the right support, adults with dyslexia can and do thrive in every sector, from education to business, the arts, and beyond

Who Should Attend?

This event is open to everyone — adults living with dyslexia, employers, family members, and anyone interested in learning more.

Event Highlights
– Expert talks on adult dyslexia and late diagnosis
– Personal stories and lived experiences
– Workshops on workplace support and assistive technology
– Q&A sessions with professionals
– Information stands, resources, and networking opportunities

Admission is free, but spaces are limited – please RSVP by 30th September 2025.

RSVP to: [email protected]

Together, we can build a more inclusive and informed community. We look forward to welcoming you.

Apprenticeship Information Evening

Posted on 26/08/202526/08/2025 by Ashling Bane

Longford and Westmeath Education and Training Board (LWETB) is delighted to invite prospective apprentices, employers, and members of the community to an Apprenticeship Information Evening taking place on:

📅 Wednesday, 3rd of September
🕡 6.30pm – 8.30pm
📍 LWETB Garrycastle Campus, N37X985

This information evening is designed to support anyone who is considering an apprenticeship and wants to learn more about becoming an apprentice, as well as employers who are interested in apprenticeships for their business.

Attendees will have the opportunity to meet the Apprenticeship Team, gain valuable insights into the key features of apprenticeship programmes, and explore the wide range of career opportunities available. The team will also be available throughout the evening to answer any questions.

Why attend?

– Learn how apprenticeships can help you develop real skills and earn while you learn.

– Discover the benefits apprenticeships can bring to your business.

– Get practical information and guidance from the LWETB Apprenticeship Team.

This event is part of Generation Apprenticeship, a national initiative promoting the benefits of apprenticeship pathways for both learners and employers.

For more information, please contact the Apprenticeship Team at:

📞 090 6500062
📧 [email protected]

Open Day

Posted on 28/07/202514/08/2025 by Ashling Bane

Discover your future at our O’ Growney Drive Campus open day in Mullingar on Wednesday, August 27th, from 10am to 2pm. Located at N91 H292, this event is the perfect opportunity to explore the wide range of fully funded courses available starting in September 2025.

Visitors can enjoy a guided tour of the campus, meet passionate educators, and learn more about the programmes designed to help adults take the next step in their education or career. Whether you’re returning to learning or starting fresh, this is your chance to see what’s possible.

For more information, contact us at 044 93 47217 or email [email protected].

Don’t miss your chance to shine — we can’t wait to meet you!

#LWETB #LWETBFET #Mullingar #AdultEducation #OpenDay

Athlone Part-time Courses

Posted on 09/07/202519/08/2025 by Ashling Bane

Ready to take the next step in your learning journey?

Check out our Athlone part-time courses, ranging from QQI Levels 3, 4, 5 and VTCT level 2. Courses are free, flexible, and support is available to help you succeed! Click on a course to find more information. If you have any questions, please contact us on 086 829 3816 or email [email protected] . Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.

QQI Level 3

QQI Level 4

QQI Level 5

VTCT Level 2

Longford Youthreach Finalists

Posted on 12/06/202502/07/2025 by Ashling Bane

Longford Youthreach have won the Annual Regional Soccer Tournament for the past 8 years.

During that time we have gone on to contest 8 All-Ireland Finals, winning 6 of them.

It would be reasonable to suggest that we would have a further 2 titles to our credit were it not for the intervention of COVID, as we have had many outstanding footballers since our first victory in 2016 onwards.

There are 112 Youthreach Centres nationwide and a large percentage of those would have much bigger Centres with 40 to 50 students in attendance. The fact that we are as successful as we are with a 26 place Centre is a tribute to the young lads in Longford who really enjoy playing and representing the town in such a noteworthy and brilliant manner.

It’s a source of great pride and satisfaction to all of us involved with Longford Youthreach to see our teams perform at such a consistently high level. The Longford Youthreach finalists look forward to the 2026 competition with great confidence.

Longford Shopping Centre

Posted on 09/06/202502/07/2025 by Ashling Bane

Ready to take the next step? We’ll be at the Longford Shopping Centre, Friday 13th June — come say hi!

Discover our wide range of courses — whether you’re upskilling, changing careers, or just exploring options, we’ve got something for you.

Where: Longford Shopping Centre, Longford
When: Friday 13th June
Time: 10 am – 3 pm

For more information, email [email protected]

Let’s talk about your future!

Mullingar Learner Achievements

Posted on 09/06/202502/07/2025 by Ashling Bane

Learners from Marlinstown Campus celebrated their learning achievements on Thursday 1^st of May, in the Annebrook House Hotel, Mullingar.

Learners achieved QQI Major Awards in multiple subjects, as well as individual QQI Awards in Computer Skills, Horticulture, Mathematics, Visual Art, Health and Safety Awareness, Reading, Writing, Person Safety, Listening and Speaking, Mosaics, Food Choice and Health and Non-Verbal Communications. Additional awards for achievement and participation were also awarded.

The awards were presented by Ms. Antonine Healy, Director of Further Education and Training for LWETB. Ms Healy was also the guest speaker at the ceremony.

New Upskilling Opportunities for Employees

Posted on 04/03/202504/03/2025 by Josh Blake

A range of new Further Education and Training (FET) micro-qualifications are now available through Longford and Westmeath Education and Training Board (LWETB) to support the evolving skills needs of local businesses.

Designed in collaboration with local enterprises, LWETB, and SOLAS under the Skills to Advance initiative, these short, stackable courses provide accredited upskilling opportunities at NFQ Levels 5 and 6, equipping employees with valuable skills at little or no cost to employers. Typically requiring 50 hours to complete, they combine tutor-led instruction with self-directed learning. Since 2019, over 90,000 places have been availed of under Skills to Advance.

LWETB offers a diverse range of FET micro-qualifications, including Understanding the Management Role for Improved Performance, Developing Your Leadership Styles, Managing Time and Meetings, Change Management and Sustainable Supply Chain Procurement, Lean Practices for Sustainable Business, and Digital Skills for Business.

LWETB is proud to participate in upcoming Midlands Ireland events, showcasing our Skills to Advance, ILM Leadership Essentials, and eCollege offerings. On 11th March, we will present at the Let’s Talk About Tech event in the Radisson Athlone, engaging with over 35 Midlands-based ICT organisations. Additionally, on 12th and 20th March, we will contribute to Midlands Ireland initiatives, highlighting Sustainability, Digitisation, and Leadership learning opportunities under the Skills to Advance programme.

For more information, contact Tom Grennan or Alison Hogan at [email protected] or visit www.skillstoadvance.ie.

Commenting on the initiative, Antonine Healy, Director of FET at LWETB, said:

“We are delighted to support local businesses through this flexible, industry-focused training. These courses provide employees and business owners with essential skills to drive growth, innovation, and sustainability. I encourage anyone interested in upskilling to reach out to LWETB.”

Mary Lyons, Director of Enterprise, Employees & Skills at SOLAS said: “Employee upskilling is crucial for Irish companies to remain agile and adaptable in the rapidly changing world of work. FET micro-qualifications are designed to provide transformative upskilling, and the flexible, local, and affordable delivery of these targeted, short courses means relevant training has never been more accessible for employers and employees.”

FET Apprenticeship Graduation Ceremony

Posted on 04/03/202504/03/2025 by Josh Blake

Longford and Westmeath Education and Training Board (LWETB), Kildare and Wicklow Education and Training Board, Dublin and Dún Laoghaire ETB (DDLETB), City of Dublin ETB and Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board in association with Apprenticeship Ireland celebrated the graduation of participants of FET apprenticeship courses from across Ireland in the Mullingar Park Hotel. It was a significant career milestone for Craft apprentices to celebrate their talent, skills, hard work and dedication.

New Longford Apprenticeship Programme

Posted on 06/02/202506/02/2025 by Josh Blake

Longford and Westmeath Education and Training Board (LWETB) is pleased to announce that SOLAS, the national agency responsible for Further Education and Training, has approved the construction works required to develop Electrical Apprenticeship workshops at Connolly Campus, Longford.

This development will see the refurbishment of existing historical buildings to provide multiple workshops and modern full-service canteen facilities for all learners on Connolly Campus. It marks a significant milestone in LWETB’s commitment to enhancing training infrastructure and supporting skills development in the region. The approval provides for the appointment of a contractor to begin the construction works.

Brian Higgins, Chief Executive (Acting) of LWETB, stated:

“This development is a key step for LWETB in meeting the needs of local industries for skilled apprentices. With modern facilities, we’re ensuring our learners gain the skills they need to succeed in today’s job market.”

LWETB would also like to extend our thanks to Longford County Council for their continued support and partnership in making this development possible.

As part of the Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021-2025, the government aims to expand and modernise apprenticeship programmes to address this skills gap. Education and Training Boards (ETBs) play a central role in this effort by developing high-quality facilities to support learners. This project at Connolly Campus aligns with national objectives, ensuring that apprentices have access to the training and resources needed to meet industry demands and secure sustainable career pathways.