Nearly 100 adult learners from Dublin met at the Maldron Hotel in Tallaght for a regional meeting of the National Further Education and Training (FET) Learner Forum. The event provides a platform for learners to share their experiences and contribute to the future direction of further education and training in Ireland.
Caitríona Murphy, CEO of Dublin and Dún Laoghaire Education and Training Board (DDLETB) welcomed attendees, saying: “The forum is a really important collaboration between AONTAS and DDLETB. Today is about hearing what you have to say and to let us know the areas in which we can do better. I can assure you that we will act on what you say. We want you to be honest – this is the opportunity for you to influence and inspire, and to shape the direction of FET in Ireland.”
Learners praised small class sizes, the patience of tutors, and the availability of counselling support as positives of their further education and training (FET) experiences. However, challenges were also raised, including part-time courses requiring near full-time commitment, outdated equipment in apprenticeship programs, and inadequate facilities at some centres such as canteens and parking spaces.
During the forum, participants shared valuable suggestions to enhance the FET experience. These included: greater promotion of YouthReach programs in secondary schools, recognition of course workload and hours by the Department of Social Protection, and improvements in childcare facilities and support for learners with dyslexia.
Learners also expressed their views on participating in the forum, with many saying they liked getting the chance to share their experience and have their voices heard. One learner commented: “There are people listening and students can make an impact on our education”. While another participant enjoyed the broad range of learners present: “We are all different ages, but studying shows it doesn’t matter what age you are”.
The National FET Learner Forum is a collaborative initiative involving AONTAS, the National Adult Learning Organisation; SOLAS, the Further Education and Training Authority; and local Education and Training Boards. Every year, thousands of learners from across Ireland participate in the forum, sharing their educational experiences and insights.
If you are thinking of going back to education, you can find further information on www.aontas.com. You can also check out the range of programmes available at the Dublin and Dún Laoghaire Education Training Board www.ddletb.ie.
