Back to Education Initiative
Flexible Learning Opportunities for Young People & Adults
Ann
McNamara
Community Education Facilitator
County Roscommon VEC
Castlecourt House
Roscommon
Telephone:
090 6630581
Secretary: Sabrina Kelly
YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
What is Back to Education Initiative?
The BTEI provides part-time Further Education programmes for young people and adults. The aim is to give people an opportunity to combine a return to learning with family, work and other responsibilities.
When are BTEI programmes available?
Flexibility is the key word. Programmes can be offered on a part-time basis, in the mornings, afternoons, evenings or at weekends.
What courses are available through BTEI?
Courses offered can include: Subjects in the Junior or Leaving Certificate e.g. Junior and Leaving Certificate English and Maths
A wide range of modules such as communications, personal development, business, computing, childcare, art and crafts, tourism, catering, sport and leisure etc. which are certified by the Further Education and Training Awards Council (FETAC)
Intensive adult literacy and basic education that may ultimately lead to nationally certified programmes
One or more subjects or modules may be taken at a time, depending on availability. In some cases work experience may be included.
Who can take part in BTEI programmes?
Anyone who has left full-time education can take part in a course being offered, but priority will be given to those with less than upper 2nd level education.
How can I join BTEI programmes?
Contact your local Vocational Education Committee, school or centre offering part-time courses.
What will a BTEI course cost?
Individuals will have different entitlements. Those in receipt of unemployment payments or means-tested social welfare benefits, and holders of medical cards, and their dependents, are entitled to free tuition. Other unwaged people with less than upper second level education will be entitled to a reduction in fees. The remainder will be charged fees.
Will I be paid while attending a BTEI course?
Generally no, except for those students eligible for full-time Youthreach/Traveller Training programmes who do not have an underlying social welfare entitlement. They will receive a pro-rata training allowance from the Department of Education and Science, depending in the number of sessions they attend.
For people in receipt of social welfare payments, continued entitlement to benefit is subject to satisfying the Department of Social and Family Affairs as to their continued eligibility for the schemes. It is best to discuss individual circumstances with the social welfare office.
Will I obtain certification for a BTEI course?
All course providers are required to offer national certification. However, intensive adult literacy and basic education courses may not be in a position to offer this during the first phase of the programme. It is not compulsory for participants to avail of certification. They can choose to pursue certification when they are ready.
What will I get from taking a BTEI programme?
Participation in part-time programmes can provide opportunities to:
Continue your learning
Obtain National Certification
Develop new skills
Pursue new employment options
If you belong to any of the following groups we are particularly interested in hearing from you:
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Lone Parents, Early School Leavers, Travellers, Second Language Speakers, Literacy, Homeless, Ex-Offenders, Rural, Urban, Disadvantaged Men, Disadvantaged Women, In Work, General or Other (Please Specify) |
Please contact Ann McNamara at 090 6630581 to set up a meeting to discuss your educational needs
Ireland’s EU Structural Funds Programmes 2007-2013 co-funded by the Irish Government and the European Union
“Investing in your future”
http://www.esf.ie/en/homepage.aspx