Back To Education Initiative - BTEI
What is the Back to Education Initiative (BTEI)?
The BTEI provides part-time Further Education programmes for young people and adults. The aim is to give participants an opportunity to combine a return to learning with family, work and other responsibilities.
When and where are BTEI Programmes available?
Programmes are offered in partnership with a number of agencies throughout the city and county on a flexible part-time basis. On average each module (class) will run for one or two sessions per week. Classes are offered throughout the year in the morning, afternoons, evenings or weekends.
What will a BTEI Course Cost?
Free to:
- All with less than upper second level standard of education i.e. FETAC Level 4 or 5.
- All those in receipt of Social Welfare Payment
- All those dependant on a Social Welfare recipient
- All those with a current medical card
- All those signing for credits
All others will be charged fees. The current fee is €175 per module.
NB: Due to the high demand for BTEI places on all programmes fee paying places can only be offered in exceptional circumstances i.e. existing learners who have lost their BTEI eligibility since enrolling.
Who can take part in 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 (FETAC Level 4/5 Award).
Will taking part affect my social welfare entitlement?
In general, you are allowed to take part in BTEI funded programmes for up to 17 hours per week without it affecting your Social Welfare payments. However, on certain payments you are expected to remain eligible for work. You must furnish your social welfare office with details of the course you are attending. It is best to discuss individual circumstances with the social welfare office.
Will I obtain certification for a BTEI course?
All courses offer access to certification at FETAC Level 1 to 6 through the National Framework of Qualifications. Flexible approaches will allow you to build up credits over time and achieve recognised qualifications.
What will I get from taking part in a BTEI programme?
Participation on part-time programmes can provide opportunities to:
- continue your learning
- obtain national certification
- develop new skills
- pursue new employment opportunities
Jobs Initiative Funding
County Kilkenny VEC is currently running a number of programmes at FETAC Level 3 and 4 with funding recently received through the Job Initiative.
A further two programmes are scheduled to commence in Piltown and Castlecomer during October 2011. All places will be offered in the first instance to applicants in receipt of Job Seekers Allowance/Job Seekers Benefits.
All programmes on offer will run for 3 days per week (9.30am-2.00pm) and will lead to a Major Award in General Learning at FETAC Level 3 and /or FETAC Level 4.
Please check out the advertisement below for further information with regard to same.
Jobs Initiative Funding |  |
INTRODUCTION TO FURTHER EDUCATION / 3RD LEVEL-CLASSES SCHEDULED TO COMMENCE IN NOVEMBER 2011.
The BTEI is currently accepting applications from eligible applicants for a range of taster modules due to commence in November 2011. Those not currently in the labour market (who were recently self-employed) will be considered for places.
This programme is specifically aimed at applicants with Leaving Certificate standard of education (or higher) who are considering applying for a PLC/3rd Level place in 2012, and who would benefit from participating on some taster modules.
INFORMATION/REGISTRATSION SESSION:
Date: Thursday, 20th October 2011
Venue: Assembly Hall, Ground Floor, Seville Lodge, Callan Road, Kilkenny
Time: 6.30pm -9.30pm
See attached advertisement for further information.
| Preparation for Further Education/3rd Level | |
What modules/programmes are on offer during the coming year?
The following are a sample of FETAC Level 3, 4 and 5 Component Certificates and Major Awards which may be offered in partnership with other agencies:
Component Certificates:
- Communications
- Mathematics
- Personal Development
- Art and Crafts
- Horticulture
- Stone Craft
- Computers for Beginners
- Computers for Improvers
- Childcare
- Healthcare
Major Awards @ Level 5
- Childcare
- Healthcare
Major Award @ FETAC Level 6 - commencing on 11th October 2011.
- Childcare
The following FETAC Level 3, 4, 5 and 6 component certificates/programmes are offered directly through this service:
- Basic Education
- Childcare
- Healthcare Support
- Information Technology Skills
- Introduction to Business, Administration and Communications Studies
- Horticulture
- Other modules may be offered subject to demand
Which course(s) will suit me?
If you are unsure of which course to begin with you can either contact the BTEI Office on 056 7795916, or make an appointment for a free consultation with one of our Adult Guidance Counsellors on 056 7764448. In general, an Information/Registration Session is held before the start of each course.
Is certification offered through the BTEI?
YES, all BTEI courses on offer through Co. Kilkenny VEC offer certification as provided through FETAC (Further Education & Training Awards Council). This is the qualification sought by employers and is recognised at National and European Level. For further information on FETAC, visit their website http://www.fetac.ie/Learners/
Which FETAC level should I enrol for?
FETAC Level 3 (Junior Certificate equivalence on the NFQ*) is suitable for those who have left school prior to completing the Junior Certificate (or equivalent) and wish to return to education.
FETAC Level 4 (Higher Level Leaving Certificate equivalence on the NFQ) is suitable for those who have completed the Junior Certificate (or equivalent) but left school before completing the Leaving Certificate.
FETAC Level 5 (Higher Level Leaving Certificate equivalent on the NFQ) is suitable for those who have completed Introductory Programmes at FETAC Level 4 and/or the Leaving Certificate.
*NFQ - National Framework of Qualifications - http://www.nfg.ie/nfg/en/learner.html
When do classes commence?
Classes commence throughout the year subject to sufficient interest. However, in general Childcare and Healthcare Support at Level 5 commence in September.
How will I know if I have obtained a BTEI place?
Once the BTEI office has received your Full Enrolment and Social Welfare Form (if applicable), your name will be placed on a waiting list for the course(s) applied for. You will then be invited to an Information/Registration Session for the course you have expressed an interest in. Your place will be confirmed within one week of attending this session.
N.B.: There is currently a waiting list in place for all eligible applicants with Leaving Certificate standard of education (FETAC Level 5) or higher.
Opportunities for Community Groups
The BTEI has built up a number of very close links with a number of partnership agencies throughout the County. If your local community and/or voluntary group would like to offer courses leading to qualifications in your own community you are invited to contact us to discuss same.
We provide the tutors, deliver the programmes and offer FETAC accreditation.
Award Ceremony : http://tif.am/IE69420C5460010/btei |
Contact Details
B.T.E.I. Co-ordinator: Ms. Mary Butler Tel: 056-7795916 Email: mary.btei@kkvec.ie |  |
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