For Learners

Information for Learners

Cork ETB Adult Guidance Services offers free, impartial, confidential, information, advice and guidance on educational options to the following people:

• Current ETB adult learners who do not have existing access to guidance.
• Unemployed adults who want to up skill or retrain, but whose qualifications are less than QQI Level 6.

Adult Education Guidance Initiative – Cork Education and Training Board (corketb.ie)

Access and Inclusion

Cork ETB is committed to providing a pathway for every learner. We have a vast array of courses available, short-term, long-term and night-time programmes. Our Schools, Campuses and Centres work with learners aged 4 years to 90 years. You can expect to find contacts, phone numbers and/or emails, which will guide you directly to those who can answer your questions as well as information about some current events which Cork ETB are promoting in the area of Access & Inclusion.  For further information, please contact:

email: inclusion@corketb.ie

Mobile: (086) 033 0925

The following handbooks outline how Cork ETB assess learners fairly:

• Cork ETB Assessment Handbook for Learners – Course Level 1-3
• Cork ETB Assessment Handbook for Learners – Course Level 4-6

The following suite of videos have been prepared to provide learners with an introduction to key points in the assessment process in Cork ETB.  Consultation with the Learner Voice’s group was carried out to help ensure that these videos would meet the needs of our learners.

There are a variety of funds available for learners who need extra supports because they have either a disability, a learning difficulty, a chronic medical condition and or an established mental health condition. Some examples of these are listed below.

There are staff in each of our centres who look after learners who need extra supports, so if you are someone who might need extra supports then please talk with the people in your centre dedicated to supporting inclusion, as soon as you can after registering for your course.

If you have not yet registered and would like to find out more about the types of supports available in the different centres, then please email inclusion@corketb.ie or phone (086) 033 0925 for information.

Types of Disabilities/Learning Difficulties

• Blind/ Vision Impaired
• Deaf/ Hard of hearing
• Physical mobility /Wheelchair users
• Neurological conditions e.g., Epilepsy or acquired brain injury
• Autism
• ADHD/ADD
• Dyslexia
• Dyscalculia
• Dyspraxia/DCD
• Speech & Language disabilities/communication Disorders

Types of Chronic or significant ongoing illness

• Diabetes
• Cystic Fibrosis
• Gastroenterological conditions
• Other

Established mental health conditions 

• Bipolar disorder
• Schizophrenia
• Clinical depression
• Severe anxiety
• Severe phobias
• Obsessive compulsive disorder
• Severe eating disorders
• Psychosis

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Cork ETB understands that learning takes place throughout life and in many settings, such as previous studies, work or voluntary activities, sporting and participation in community events. We also understand that learners may dip in and out of formal education throughout a lifetime depending on their needs. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is when formal recognition is given for the learning you have already achieved prior to starting on a course.

In a number of Cork ETB Campuses, RPL may enable learners to gain accreditation for certain component awards that form part of a programme of study. To apply for RPL, your learning must be current and relevant to the area being studied. The RPL process includes putting together a collection of documentation and evidence demonstrating you have acquired the knowledge and skills required for the award. This is then marked and a grade awarded.

If you feel that RPL may be relevant to you, please contact the Campus where you intend to study to discuss further. Cork ETB provides support to learners to apply for RPL.

The Further Education and Training Course Hub lists all Further Education and Training courses that are available in Ireland.

Home – FET Course Hub (fetchcourses.ie)

One Step Up is a free information service aimed at helping people get back to education, or learn something new, at any age and with any level of qualifications. One Step Up | Home Page.

CareersPortal is Ireland’s leading Careers Guidance website. It is a one-stop-shop for people of all ages who need information and guidance regarding their next career decision. Visit CareersPortal.ie.

SOLAS and ETBI have developed this reference guide (PDF) for supports and services that may be of benefit to learners.

This handbook (PDF) provides guidance on writing for learners who are on level 5 and 6 programmes.

Cork ETB Student Card

All Cork ETB FET learners can apply for an ISIC/Cork ETB student card. This will enable you to get discounts in thousands of retail outlets worldwide: Gallery | ISIC Ireland

How do I order a student card?

You can order a student card by clicking here. Full instructions are available here.

What do I need to order a student card?

You will need to upload:

1. A head shot photo.
2. A letter from your campus or centre confirming that you are a student.
3. Proof of who you are, for example a driving license or passport.
4. Cork ETB discount code from your campus or centre.
5. A credit or debit card to pay for your card.

How much does a student card cost?

It costs €10 for a virtual card (on your phone) and €2 extra to get a plastic card also.

TFI Leap Travel Card

A TFI Leap Card is a prepaid travel card that is the easiest way to pay your fare on public transport around Ireland. It is valid on most TFI services and commercial bus operators throughout Ireland. It’s more convenient because you don’t have to carry cash or queue at ticket machines and it can save you money because fares are usually up to 30% less than cash single tickets.

To avail of a student travel discount, all students must have a Leap Travel Card.

How do I buy  a TFI Leap Travel Card?

To buy a TFI Leap Travel Card click here .

Click here for a guide to help you through the application process.

FAQ

What is Further Education and Training?

Further Education and Training (FET) is the provision of education and training services to a wide range of beneficiaries. The services provided range from full-time courses of varying duration, to shorter part-time course options designed to meet a specific learner need, linked either to skills acquisition for employment, or the possibility of progression to further studies.

Cork ETB provides a range of Further Education and Training services, both full-time and part-time, in a variety of centres and settings across the region. Full-time provision includes:

• Post Leaving Certificate courses
• Apprenticeships
• Traineeships
• Specific Skills Training
• Youthreach
• Community Training Centres
• Local Training Initiatives
• Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme

Cork ETB has four stand-alone Campuses of Further Education (PLC Colleges):

• Morrison’s Island Campus – Click here to visit their website
• Douglas Street Campus – Click here to visit their website
• Tramore Road Campus – Click here to visit their website
• Mallow Campus – Click here to visit their website

Part-time FET programmes are delivered in a variety of settings and locations under a number of funding headings with specific target learner audiences:

• Back to Education Initiative
• Adult Literacy
• Adult and Community Education
• Skills Training
• Night/Evening courses
• Skills for Work

What is QQI?

QQI is the state agency responsible for the external quality assurance of further and higher education and training in Ireland. This short video explains what they do https://youtu.be/oteJZhW1E9Q.

What is the National Framework of Qualifications?

The Irish National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) is a 10-level system used to describe qualifications in the Irish education and training system. The NFQ shows how General Education Awards, Further Education and Training and Higher Education Awards are mapped against the 10 levels of the framework.

What do I do if I have a complaint?

Cork Education and Training Board (Cork ETB) and its staff is committed to providing a high-quality service as outlined in our Customer Charter. If you are not happy with the quality of service you receive, please raise your concerns with the staff member with who you are dealing with, who will make every effort to try and resolve your issues. If you are not satisfied with the outcome of your discussion you may request to speak to the Manager / Principal of the relevant section/centre/school who will try to resolve your complaint or direct you to the most appropriate procedure to resolve your complaint. If you are still not happy with the outcome, please refer to the Complaints-and-appeals-procedures-Final.pdf (corketb.ie)