Many options for school leavers and adult learners
MORE than 400 courses are now available to school leavers and adult learners across the Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim region for all school leavers and adult learners.
All of the courses provided by Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim Education Training Board are specifically designed to help school leavers and adult learners fulfil their individual potential and equip them with the skills necessary to go into employment or progress directly into further higher education opportunities in degree courses and third level education. There are courses in business studies, nursing, science, animal care, sports nutrition, tourism, technology and sustainability.
The programmes take place in MSLETB’s 19 schools, 12 Further Education and Training Centres, five Youthreach centres and two Training Centres across the region. If you’re not keen on doing a course as you would prefer to start earning money now, there are a range of apprenticeship options which allow you to ‘Earn as you Learn’ in a variety of in-demand skills such as Cybersecurity, Software Development, Network Engineering, Commis Chef, Carpentry and Joinery, Sales, Craft Butchery, Electrical, Plumbing and Hairdressing and many more.
The even better news for school leavers and adult learners in
Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim is that the MSLETB courses are taught by
1,500 fully qualified and experienced staff who, through small class sizes, engage in collaborative learning as well as offering ongoing career guidance. And if social activity is important to you, you’ll be delighted to hear that all MESETB locations across the three counties engage in a range of sporting and social activities with other Institutes of Technology and Further Education Colleges, offering all students the opportunity to meet new people, try new things and become involved in college life. Tom Grady, Chief Executive of Mayo Sligo Leitrim Education Training Board says: “Thousands of school leavers and adult learners in Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim engage in our courses, apprenticeships and traineeships every year. We’re proud of the extensive range of options we have and that we are in a position to provide school leavers and adult learners with a fantastic starting point for a successful and fulfilling career. As a result, every year we provide a host of skilled and professionally qualified personnel who move on to make a significant contribution to the Irish economy. This year will be no different, and we’re looking forward to welcoming adult learners and the class of 2022 to MSLETB this year.”
There are four key options school leavers and adult learners can choose from. The first is Post Leaving Certificate Courses (PLC’s). Taking place across eight locations throughout Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim, these courses are full-time for one year. Each course is a mix of practical work, academic work and work experience. All courses are
QQI recognised. Apprenticeships are also available. People are specifically trained to become qualified craftspeople in a variety of sectors. Traineeships offer job-specific training, which combines direct training and a significant period of Work-Based Learning (WBL) with an employer. These are full-time and all year-round opportunities to facilitate those entering the workforce for the first time. One of the most popular options is a new innovative national Traineeship in partnership with Microsoft - Microsoft Cloud Traineeship Programme – to equip learners with a host of in-demand ICT skills.
The final option is a Range of Parttime Programmes. Part-time courses are delivered flexibly to suit the learner, including in the evenings, and are aimed at people who may want to learn new skills or want to build on their current skills but may not be available to participate in fulltime courses. The courses on offer can provide you with essential and valuable skills that make you more employable
In addition to school leavers, MSLETB also supports secondary school students, lifelong learners, returning learners, employers and employees in the region through the delivery of full and part time education opportunities. Approximately 30,000+ take part in their courses on an annual basis. In addition to school leaver options, other courses offered include Further Education and Training options, Back to Education Initiatives, Literary and Numeracy courses as well as Youth, Music and Outdoor Education services for children and young adults up to the age of 18.
ATU is providing individuals across Ireland with the opportunity to access education from their living rooms. Many people cannot make regular trips to learn on campus, for example, due to underlying health conditions, disabilities, or caring for family members.
That is why two new programmes are now available on the CAO through a new initiative, ‘Higher Education for All’. Higher Education for All is an initiative in partnership with ATU, Mayo Sligo Leitrim Education and Training Board (ETB), Donegal ETB, Disability Federation of Ireland, and Family Carers Ireland. In the wake of the current global crisis and the financial uncertainties that go with it, these programmes offer parents/guardians the peace of mind of knowing their child is not exposed to health risks, as well as alleviate financial pressures facing the household.
For those who wonder if they may miss out on the social element of a campus-based programme, ATU is developing opportunities to engage with a virtual campus. You can download the brochure using the ATU website.