Award for North Cork upholstery classes
ETB GROUP UPCYCLE FURNITURE THAT WAS DESTINED FOR LANDFILL
CORK ETB are currently celebrating success on the double following the announcement that two of their adult education initiatives were shortlisted for the 2021 Aontas Adult Education Awards - with one group from North Cork delighted to take home the prestigious winner’s accolade.
Cork ETB’s North Cork Upholstery & Textile Design Classes were announced the winners in the Sustainable Development Through Education on Monday March 1, while Kinsale College’s Green Campus initiative also got a nod as they were shortlisted in the same category.
The winners were announced this week during the Adult Learners’ Festival 2021, which is taking place this week until Friday, March 5. Run by Aontas, the voice of adult learning in Ireland, the STAR Awards stand for Showcasing Teamwork, Awarding Recognition and their aim is to recognise and celebrate the work of adult-learning initiatives throughout Ireland.
Brendan Glynn, coordinator of the North Cork Upholstery & Textile Design Classes, also commented on how delighted they were to be receiving such an award. “I wish to congratulate all the learners across North Cork who are so proud of winning this award,” said Brendan. “Credit must also be given to tutors Sarah Geary and Noely Ward for delivering the programme with such passion and enthusiasm.
“It is a marvellous achievement by all and very much cherished during our time apart.”
Cork ETB’s upholstery design courses offer a very positive first step back into education for those who may be reluctant to take that important leap. They form part of a wide range of Adult Education Programmes on offer, from non-certified courses to QQI certified courses at levels 2, 3, 4 and 5.
Both courses nominated for the Aontas awards this year are part-time and run by Cork ETB, with funding from the European Social Fund through the Community Education, Adult Literacy and BTEI Programmes.
Learners across North Cork who avail of these courses range from long-term unemployed, retired, those living with mental health issues and other disabilities, to members of the travelling community and the new Syrian community. The courses provide learners with practical skills through project-based experience, while also contributing to a more sustainable community by upcycling furniture that would otherwise end up in landfill.