| Adult
& Further Education - BTEI |
Back to Education Initiative - Flexible Learning Opportunities
for Young People & Adults
What is the Back to Education Initiative?
The Back to Education Initiative (BTEI) provices 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:
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Subjects in the Junior or Leaving Certificate e.g. Junior and
Leaving Certificate English and Maths
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A wide range of modules such as communications, personal development,
business, computing, childcare, arts & crafts, tourism,
catering, sport and leisure etc. which are certified by the
Further Education and Training Awards Council (FETAC).
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Intensive adult literacy and basic education which may ultimately
lead to nationally certified programmes.
-
One or more subjects may be taken at a time, depending on availability.
In some cases work experience may be included.
Who can take part in the 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 second level education.
How can I join the BTEI programmes?
Contact your local Vocational Education Committee, school or centre
offering part-time courses.
What will a BTEI cost?
Individuals will have different entitlements. Those in receipt of
unemployment payments of 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-data training allowance from
the department of Education and Science, depending on 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 caertification.
They can choose to pursue certification when they are ready.
What will I get from taking part in the BTEI programme?
Participation in part-time programmes can provide opportunities
to:
Further Information
Fiona Maloney
Adult Education Officer
Co. Cavan VEC
12 Church View Square
Cavan
Tel: 049 4361881
Email: fionamaloney@cavanvec.ie
 
HCI-OP - The European Social Fund in Ireland 2007-2013 >>
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