Back To Education Initiative - BTEI
NEWS UPDATE
The BTEI has recently launched a Facebook Page to keep all existing and prospective learners updated on all matters related to the BTEI. Check us out on: www.facebook.com/BTEIKilkenny
BTEI Courses | |
| | The BTEI is currently recruiting for the following courses due to commence in April 2013: FETAC Level 6 - Early Childhood Care and Education
FETAC Level 4:
FETAC Level 3:
NB: All applicants must meet the BTEI eligibility criteria at course start up.
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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?
Classes are free to all applicants:
- with less than upper second level standard of education i.e. FETAC Level 4 or 5.
- in receipt of Social Welfare Payment
- dependant on a Social Welfare recipient
- with a current medical card
- signing for credits
All other applicants will be charged a fee. The current fee is €175 per module.
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).
NB: Due to the high demand for BTEI places on all programmes you are asked to note the following:
- there is a waiting list in place until 2013 for all eligible applicants with Leaving Certificate standard of education(or higher).
- fee paying places can only be offered in exceptional circumstances i.e. existing learners who have lost their BTEI eligibility since enrolling.
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
What modules/programmes are on offer during the coming year?
The following are a sample of FETAC Level 3 and 4 Component Certificates and Major Awards which may be offered in partnership with other agencies:
Component Certificates:
- Communications
- Mathematics
- Personal Development
- Art and Crafts
- Horticulture
- Computers for Beginners
- Computers for Improvers
- Childcare
- Healthcare
Major Awards @ Level 5
- Childcare
- Healthcare
- Basic Education
- Childcare
- Healthcare Support
- Information Technology Skills
- Office Skills
- 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.
Garda Vetting
A range of programmes on offer through the BTEI have a Work Experience element included.
NB: Those wishing to undertake their Work Experience placement in a setting with children and/or vulnerable adults will be required to undertake Garda Vetting. As this process can take some time you will only be assigned to modules with a Work Experience element once you have achieved your Garda Vetting.
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
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 (Ordinary 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.nfq.ie
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.
N.B: Classes offered in partnership with other agencies are offered subject to local demand.
When should I enrol for BTEI funded classes?
Applications for the Autumn Term are accepted on an ongoing basis. Information/Registration Sessions in respect of same will be held during June and September 2012.
How will I know if I have obtained a BTEI place?
Once the BTEI office has received your Full Application 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. In general, your place will be confirmed within one week of attending this session.
N.B.: Based on our current allocation of funding, there is currently a waiting list in place until January 2013 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.
Contact Details
B.T.E.I. Co-ordinator: Ms. Mary Butler Tel: 056-7795916 (Lr. New Street) Email: mary.btei@kkvec.ie |  |
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