BIFE student features in new FET booklet

A STUDENT of Bray Institute of Further Education is featured in a new booklet celebrating the impact of learners sharing their experiences through the National FET Learner Forum.

The booklet, entitled I’m a FET Learner, features the personal stories of 10 Further Education and Training (FET) learners. From Imani Tutu who attended the first ever National FET Learner Forum event in 2016 to Niamh Becton who took part in a virtual National FET Learner Forum in Spring 2020, each individual story shares the impact that taking part in the Forum has had on the learners.

Daniel Kenny lives in Gorey, attends BIFE, and is a native of Dublin. He has completed a Level 5 in sports and recreation.

Daniel spoke about the importance of the National FET Learner Forum as a vital space for learners to shape future education provision.

Daniel attended the Forum National Event in 2019. Speaking about his experience he said: ‘I had never done an interview or anything like that, so it was a new experience but it was good to get a start. I plan to do more things like that in the future. I love doing things like that and I love trying to get my voice out there for Further Education and Training, because school wasn’t for me, but since I’ve been in the ETB, I’ve just excelled.’

Officially launching the booklet via video link Minister for Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris TD, said: ‘ This booklet offers a real picture of the impact that adult education makes on people across this country. Many of the featured people faced challenges. By finding the courage to take that first step, these individuals, and countless more, have opened up a world of opportunities. FET is for everyone and it is my absolute priority to support everyone irrespective of their age, background or educational experience to have access to FET.’

The project has become a model learner voice initiative for groups across Europe. Each year over 1,000 FET learners from across Ireland take part. Learners share their experiences of accessing FET courses, and more importantly, offer suggestions on how to improve this process moving forward. Participating in the Forum has helped learners to build their self-confidence, increase their advocacy skills, and build a broader FET learner identity.

As part of the FET Strategy, SOLAS committed itself to listening to, and consulting with, learners in FET. This commitment placed learners at the centre of the FET service, recognising the value of their contribution and offering them an opportunity to shape the national policy decisions that are made in the future. AONTAS has previously provided various platforms for learners to come together and discuss their experiences of learning including the barriers and issues that arise. AONTAS’ expertise and experience in areas such as: developing extensive learner engagement strategies, organising and facilitating learner events and focus groups and supporting representation of adult learners on regional and national boards, led to AONTAS being tasked with establishing the National FET Learner Forum.

The first forum event took place on in February 2016 and reached 70 learners. In 2020 the Forum reached over 1,400 learners.

The launch of this booklet will look back at the impact of the Forum through the voices of learners who have taken part in the event. The purpose is to showcase the value of adult education and learner voice.