Learners between the ages of 19 and 85 years old were celebrated as Tipperary Education and Training Board (ETB) held their Further Education and Training (FET) awards ceremony at the Abbey Court Hotel in Nenagh in December.
The awards ceremony was attended by groups from FET centres in Nenagh, Borrisoleigh, Borrisokane, Newport, Ballina, Rearcross, Thurles and Roscrea. This special occasion was also attended by Tipperary ETB staff, its collaborating partners, as well as the tutors who supported these groups in achieving QQI Certification.
Mary Jo Kennedy Deegan, Adult Literacy Organiser with Tipperary ETB, was the MC on the day and opened the proceedings. She welcomed the learners and their families, as well as members of staff.
Speaking about adult education, Mary Jo explained that it’s never too late to return to learning, and that it’s a lifelong journey where there are no age restrictions. This was emphasised at this ceremony by the fact that learners between the ages of 19 and 85 years old received awards. She thanked Tipperary ETB’s tutors for their passion and commitment in supporting their learners’ education journey.
Members of the Adult Literacy Team were praised for their meticulous planning and attention to detail in ensuring every aspect of the ceremony ran smoothly.
In her keynote opening address, Kaye Mullaney, Adult Education Officer at Tipperary ETB, congratulated all the learners and their families, and thanked the staff that supported them on their educational journey. Kaye spoke of the dedication and perseverance of the learners who returned to the classroom to further their education.
Three learners – Jim McMahon, Diarmuid Boyle and Helen Hutchinson gave inspirational reflections on the day about the positive impact adult education has had on their lives.
As well as Kaye Mullaney, awards were presented on the day by Ester Mackey, Regional Literacy Coordinator, Kathleen Grimes, BTEI Coordinator, and Cllr Mary Hanna Hourigan, Chairperson of Tipperary ETB. Michael Power, a member of the Tipperary ETB Board, also spoke to the audience about his pathway to education.
Director of FET, Colin Cummins, gave the closing address, thanking all the staff for their hard work and commitment, and congratulated all the learners and their families, encouraging them to continue their education journey with Tipperary ETB.
QQI Level 1 awards were presented for courses in Non-Verbal Communication, Personal Safety, and Problem Solving, while the QQI Level 2 awards were for courses in Computer Skills, Drama, Food Choice and Health, Non-Verbal Communication, Pattern & Relationship, Personal Decision Making, Reading, Relaxation Techniques, Setting Learning Goals, Shape and Space, Using Technology and Writing.
QQI Level 3 awards were presented in Computer Skills, Desktop Publishing, Digital Media, Digital Skills, Four Stroke Engine Maintenance, Health and Safety Awareness, and Internet Skills.
A special presentation was made to learners who achieved QQI Major awards. Major awards are presented to learners who have completed a number of components over the past few years. These Major awards were presented to learners of the QQI Level 5 in Healthcare Support and Culinary Skills courses, as well as Level 3 General Learning, Level 2 General Learning, and Level 1 Personal Skills and Development.
Awards for an SEAI course called ‘Energy & You: Reduce Your Use’ were also presented to a group of learners from Borrisoleigh.
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