Introduction to Adult Education
“Providing learning opportunities for adults”
County Kilkenny V.E.C. 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.
The Adult Education Service provides the following range of learning opportunities and supports:
Adult Guidance Service
This 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.
Adult Learning Scheme
Word Aid, Co. Kilkenny Adult Learning Scheme provides help for adults who want to improve their reading, writing, spelling or maths skills. 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.
Back to Education Initiative
This initiative provides part-time learning opportunities for young people and adults 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 Accreditation Programmes(Level 1 to 6) are available in community locations throughout the county. Courses currently available include Childcare, Special Needs, Tourism, Care in the Home, Computers and Basic Education Skills.
Community Education Service
This service facilitates and supports community based learning in locations throughout the 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, the Deaf Association, community based groups and family resource centres.
Evening Classes
A variety of courses are provided at V.E.C. schools and centres throughout the county. These range from short, nine week, hobby and leisure courses to certificate, diploma and degree level courses which provide recognised qualifications for career enhancement. More information is available directly from each school/centre.
VTOS
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 their skills in a friendly, supportive learning environment. Participants in County Kilkenny can select from a range of six programmes which offer practical, academic and creative subjects to suit all needs.
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 to 20 years who have left school early. 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.
Contact Details
| Adult Education Office | Tel: 056 776 5103 Email: aaed@indigo.ie | |
Adult Education Officer: | Ms. Eileen Curtis | |
