Introduction to the Adult Education Service
County Kilkenny VEC has a long history and tradition in the provision of adult education programmes. Through its Adult Education Service it strives to continually develop and provide a wide range of quality learning opportunities for adults throughout Kilkenny city and county. The aim of the service is to encourage, enable and support adults who wish to return to education to avail of the educational opportunities that best suit their needs.
Kilkenny Adult Education Service provides a variety of learning opportunities and supports to assist the increasing number of adults returning to education. Programmes are provided at centres throughout the county and have been developed in co-operation with a wide range of partners.
Contact details:
Eileen Curtis
Adult Education Officer,
Adult Education Office, Ormonde College, Ormonde Road, Kilkenny.
Phone: (056) 7765103
Fax: (056) 7751094
E-mail:aaed@indigo.ie
Website:www.kilkennyvec.ie
The Adult Education Service provides the following range of learning opportunities and supports:
Co. Kilkenny Adult Guidance Service
The service provides individuals and groups wishing to return to education with information and guidance to assist them in making the choices which suit them best.
The service strives to provide adults with access to up to date information and supports them in making informed decisions for their future learning and/or career progression. This is a free, confidential service which is friendly and relaxed, confidential, impartial and supportive.
Contact details:
Bernadette O'Rourke,
Adult Guidance Counsellor/Co-coordinator,
Co. Kilkenny VEC.
Phone: (056) 7764448
Email: kilkennyadultguidance@eircom.net
Website: www.kilkennyvec.ie
Co. Kilkenny Adult Learning Scheme - Word Aid
Word Aid, County Kilkenny Adult Learning Scheme provides help for adults who want to improve their reading, writing, spelling or maths skills, who are 16 years or older and have left full-time education. Learners can work on a
one-to-one basis with a tutor or in a small group. This is a free and
confidential service provided during the day and at night in centres throughout the county.
Contact details:
Mary Buckley,
Adult Literacy Organiser,
Word Aid, Butler Court, Patrick Street, Kilkenny.
Phone: (056) 7763149
Fax: (056) 7763322
Email:kilkennywordaid@eircom.net
Website: www.kilkennyvec.ie
Back to Education Initiative
The Back to Education Initiative (B.T.E.I.) provided free part-time learning opportunities for young people and adults who are B.T.E.I. eligible, giving them an opportunity to combine a return to learning with family, work and other responsibilities. Programmes are offered on a flexible part-time basis and can provide certification at Junior and Leaving Certificate level as well as FETAC accredited programmes from Levels 1 to 6.
Courses currently available include Childcare, Special Needs, Office Procedures, Care in the Home, Computers, Healthcare and Basic Education Skills.
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Contact details:
Mary Butler,
BTEI Co-ordinator,
Phone: (056) 7795916
Email:bteikilkenny@eircom.net
Website: www.kilkennyvec.ie
Community Education Service
This service facilitates and supports community based learning in locations throughout the city and county. Its aim is to encourage adults to return to learning in their own local communities. Subjects include personal development, art, sign language, crafts, computer skills and are organised in association with voluntary and community groups such as active retirement groups, community based groups and family resource centres.
Classes generally run for 6 - 10 weeks and a minimum number of 10 participants are required to begin a class.
Contact details:
Martha Bolger,
Community Education Facilitator
Phone: (056) 7786896
Email: comedkk@eircom.net
Website: www.kilkennyvec.ie
Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme
The Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS) is a second chance education and training programme for adults who are long-term unemployed and who wish to return to education. They can gain a qualification and develop skills in a friendly, supportive learning environment.
To join a VTOS programme participants must be 21 years or over and in receipt of a Social Welfare Payment.
Courses currently available are:
- Options 1 ,Options 2 ,1 year Leaving Certificate,
- Computer Group 1
F.E.T.A.C. Level 5 Certificate in Information Processing,
City & Guilds Diploma in Computer Applications and E.C.D.L. (European Computer Driving Licence)
- Computer Group 2
F.E.T.A.C. Level 5 Certificate in Information Technology, City & Guilds Diploma in ICT (Information and Communications Technology) Systems Support , eBusiness, E.C.D.L. (Core & Advanced)
- Woodcarving
Contact details:
Geraldine Moran,
VTOS Co-ordinator,
V.T.O.S. Centre, Bishop Birch Training Institute, Waterford Road, Kilkenny.
Phone: (056) 7764719
Email:info@vtoskk.ie
Website: www.kilkennyvec.ie
Youthreach
This is an education and training programme for early school leavers. It provides a range of learning options to help meet the needs of young people from 15 - 20 years who have left school early (at least 6 months). Kilkenny Youthreach Centre offers young people an opportunity to take a range of Junior and Leaving Certificate subjects as well as FETAC certification. It combines academic and practical subjects with personal development, individual learning support and guidance and counselling.
Courses currently available are:
- Junior and Leaving Certificate Programme
- FETAC Programme
Contact details:
Caitriona Phelan,
Youthreach Co-ordinator
Phone: (056) 7723550
Email:kilkennyyouthreach@eircom.net
Website: www.kilkennyvec.ie
Evening Class Provision
County Kilkenny VEC also provides a range of part-time evening classes which are run at a number of schools throughout the county. Classes on offer included an extensive range of short hobby and leisure courses as well as a number of Certificate/Diploma courses in Computer Applications, Accounting Technicians and E.C.D.L. While the range of classes varies from session to session in each centre they represent a mix which appeals at a creative, practical and academic level.
Contact details:
Adult Education Office,
Ormonde College, Ormonde Road, Kilkenny.
Phone: (056) 7765103
Email:aaed@indigo.ie
Website: www.kilkennyvec.ie