Laois and Offaly EDUCATION & TRAINING BOARD Course PROSPECTUS 2013/14
welcome Fáilte, Powtanie, Teretulnud, Pasvelkinti to the Portarlington Adult Education Centre. We will outline for you here our prospectus for the coming academic year 2013/14. At Portarlington Adult Education Centre (PAEC), we try to make the learning experience both stimulating and exciting in a second-chance learning environment. Our ethos is our dedication to our students needs and our commitment to providing learning opportunities for students to reach their full potential. At PAEC, we aim to support the adult learner by providing quality programmes delivered by qualified, talented adult educators. Our overall mission is to enable students to engage in life-long learning in an environment of mutual respect and support. This document aims to answer some of your questions about courses, fees, student facilities and so on at our Centre. It will give you a broad outline of what we do but I invite you to contact us to talk about your options in more detail. I look forward to meeting you. Centre Director
www.portarlingtonaec.ie www.portarlingtonaec.ie Laois and Offaly EDUCATION & TRAINING BOARD contents General Information 2 Vocational Training Opportunity Scheme (VTOS) 3 Back to Education Initiative (BTEI) 4 Leaving Certificate 5 General Learning 5 Business Studies 6 Early Childhood Care and Support 7 Healthcare Support 8 Employability Skills 9 Science Skills 9 Accounting Technician 10 Early Childhood Supervision & Leadership 11 Occupational Therapy Assistant 12 Student Facilities 13 Mission Statement 14 Please note: All enrolments are subject to the regulations and policies of Portarlington Adult Education Centre and Laois and Offaly ETB. Disclaimer: All information in this document is accurate at the time of going to press. However, the Centre reserves the right to change or cancel any course.
General Information COURSE PROSPECTUS 2013/14 Location Portarlington Adult Education Centre is located on Bracklone Street in the town. Course Fees You might qualify for free tuition: > > if you are in receipt of a social welfare payment; > > if you are a medical card holder; or > > if your level of education is lower than Leaving Certificate. If you think you are in one of these categories and you want to apply for free tuition, you must provide us with proof of your eligibility. Tuition fees are charged as follows to students who do not qualify for free tuition: FETAC Modules 220.00* for the first module Additional FETAC Modules 110.00* each FETAC Certification 20.00* per component certificate Leaving Certificate Leaving Certificate Examination Fee 50.00* per major award certificate 450.00* per subject 67.00* for 1 or 2 subjects 109.00* for 3 or more subjects Full tuition and certification fees must be paid at time of registration as well as the standard Centre registration fee that applies. Centre Registration Fee A non-refundable Centre registration fee of 100.00 applies to all students and is payable on day of registration. This payment covers the full academic period from September 2013 to June 2014. Unfortunately, we can t accept part payment. Registration When you have been offered a place in our Centre, you must provide the following details on the day of registration if they are needed to support your application. > > Positive Garda Vetting necessary for all students completing Work Experience modules. > > Official proof of PPS Number for example, a Revenue letter or a printed payslip. > > Proof of Social Welfare entitlements for example, a current payslip or letter from Social Welfare. > > Proof of Medical Card number which must be valid The Registration fee and any other fees due must also be paid on the day. Registration is considered complete only when all information, supporting documentation and fees requested by the Centre have been submitted. Students who don t fulfil the registration requirements may not continue on the programme. FETAC Awards and Quality Assurance FETAC Awards: > > are quality assured; > > are internationally recognised by employers; > > offer progression routes to further and higher education and training opportunities. 2 * Fees quoted above are from the 2012-2013 term, these fees are under review for 2013-2014 term, so please contact the Centre for revised fees.
VOCATIONAL TRAINING OPPORTUNITY SCHEME (VTOS) The VTOS scheme is designed to provide second chance education for the long-term unemployed and other social welfare recipients. Who is eligible? Applicants must be over 21 and in receipt of one of the following benefits for at least 6 months: > > Jobseekers Allowance > > Jobseekers Benefit > > One Parent Family > > Disability Allowance > > Disability Benefit > > Be signing for credits for at least 6 months > > Be an adult dependant of a person eligible under the headings above. What does participating on a VTOS course involve? You attend 30 course hours per week and you must be present in the Centre from 9.00am to 3.30pm Monday to Thursday and from 9.00am to 1.00pm on Fridays. What benefits are available to VTOS students? You continue to get your social welfare entitlements. If you re in receipt of a VTOS payment, you are paid an allowance that is equivalent to your social welfare payment plus the following benefits: > > Free tuition > > Books on a loan scheme > > No exam fees > > Meals and travel allowances for the days you attend the Centre > > An additional allowance of 20 is paid to participants who are unemployed for over a year. What courses are available to VTOS students? All full-time courses offered at the Centre qualify for VTOS: > > Leaving Certificate > > All FETAC Level 5 (and higher) programmes that are available in the Centre may be studied on a full-time basis. COURSE PROSPECTUS 2013/14 All courses are subject to availability of places. There is a selection process in place. 3
Back to Education Initiative (BTEI) COURSE PROSPECTUS 2013/14 The Back to Education Initiative provides part-time further education programmes for young people and adults. The aim is to give people an opportunity to combine a return to learning with family, work and other responsibilities and commitments. Who is eligible? Anyone who has left full-time education can take part in a course being offered. However, priority will be given to those who have less than upper secondary level education and those who wish to take FETAC levels 3 and 4. All entry is subject to an interview process. What courses are available to BTEI students? All courses offered at the Centre qualify for BTEI: > > General Learning Certificate FETAC Level 4 > > Leaving Certificate > > Childcare FETAC Level 5 > > Healthcare FETAC Level 5 > > Community Care FETAC Level 5 > > Business Studies FETAC Level 5 > > Science Skills FETAC Level 4 What do BTEI course cost? Tuition is free to participants who are in receipt of one of the following: > > Medical Card > > Orphan s Non-contributory Pension > > Widow s and Widower s Non-contributory Pension > > Back-to-work Allowance > > Supplementary Welfare Allowance > > Invalidity Pension > > Blind Person s Allowance > > Community Employment > > Jobseekers Benefit > > Disability Allowance > > Jobseekers Assistance > > Part-time Job Incentive Scheme > > Family Income Supplement > > Disability Benefit (where you are in receipt of the > > Pre-retirement Allowance benefit for a continuous period of at least six months) > > Carer s Allowance > > Tuition is free for all participants with less than > > Old Age Non-contributory Pension upper secondary education, i.e. participants who > > One-parent Family Payment do not have Leaving Certificate or its equivalent All other participants pay full fees. BTEI courses are run on a modular basis. The cost for the first module is 220* and each module after that is 110*. Please see the fee information earlier in this document for further information. 4 * Fees quoted above are from the 2012-2013 term, these fees are under review for 2013-2014 term, so please contact the Centre for revised fees.
Leaving Certificate Duration: One year Certification: Leaving Certificate Mature students are encouraged to sit the Leaving Certificate as this course is recognised by all employers. It also gives students access to further education and training. Course Subjects > > Irish Ordinary and Higher level > > English Ordinary and Higher level > > Mathematics Ordinary level > > German Ordinary level > > Geography Ordinary and higher level > > Biology Ordinary and Higher level > > Business Ordinary and Higher level Entry Requirements > > Eligible for VTOS Programme. > > BTEI part-time students. > > All entry is subject to interview. Progression Graduates can progress to FETAC Level 5 at PAEC or move directly to employment. Costs There are no tuition fees for VTOS students and other costs for example, books and materials are kept to a minimum. BTEI students may incur a cost of about 200 payable in January or February to cover the State exam fee and mock exams. General Learning 4M2010 Duration: Two years part-time Certification: FETAC Level 4 General Learning This programme will develop core skills in reading, writing, communications maths and computers. Course Subjects > > Information Technology Skills > > Mathematics > > Work Experience > > Digital Media > > Data Entry > > Word Processing > > Personal Effectiveness > > Communications > > Spreadsheet Methods Entry Requirements > > Relevant work experience coupled with life experience. > > All entry is subject to interview. Progression/Career Opportunities The General Learning programme gives you a chance to make a fresh start with learning the core skills needed for the world of work and daily living. Groups are small and tutors give a high level of support. Graduates of the General Learning course can progress to FETAC Level 5 or the Leaving Certificate. COURSE PROSPECTUS 2013/14 5
Business Studies 5M2102 COURSE PROSPECTUS 2013/14 Duration: 1 Year full-time for VTOS students; part-time over 2 years for others Certification: FETAC Level 5 Business Studies This programme is specifically designed to develop practical business, retail and marketing skills. The course has a practical focus with an emphasis on preparing graduates for further education and employment. Course Subjects There are eight modules to complete as follows: > > Accounting Manual and Computerised > > Marketing Practice > > Customer Service > > Work Experience Entry Requirements > > Leaving Certificate or equivalent standard of education. > > ECDL or equivalent computer skills or FETAC Level 4 > > Relevant work experience coupled with life experience > > All entry is subject to interview. > > Successful Garda clearance application is needed for the work experience element of the course. > > Spreadsheet Methods > > Word Processing > > Retail Selling > > Retail Display Progression Possible route to university undergraduate programmes. Successful participants can also move on to study FETAC Level 6 courses. 6 Career Opportunities Graduates of this course can apply for various business, administrative, customer service and retail positions.
Early Childhood Care and Education 5M2009 Duration: 1 Year full-time for VTOS students; part-time over 2 years for others Certification: FETAC Level 5 Early Childhood Care and Education This course is designed for learners who are interested in pursuing a career in childcare or who wish to go on to further study. Participants will learn the principles and practice of caring for young children in a variety of settings including nurseries, crèches and playgroups. We welcome people working in the industry who need to get their qualification. Course Subjects There are eight modules to complete as follows: > > Child Development > > Early Care and Education Practice > > Early Childhood Education and Play Entry Requirements > > Leaving Certificate or equivalent standard of education > > Relevant work experience coupled with life experience > > All entry is subject to interview. > > Successful Garda clearance application is needed for the work experience element of the course. > > Child Health and Wellbeing > > Work Experience* > > Communications > > Creative Arts for Early Childhood > > Children with Additional Needs COURSE PROSPECTUS 2013/14 Progression/Career Opportunities > > Graduates of the full Level 5 award can apply for entry to FETAC Level 6 Childcare courses. > > Graduates can apply for employment positions in the childcare sector. * The work experience module is a compulsory module on this course. Learners must source and complete a period of work placement of not less than 10 days. 7
Healthcare Support 5M4339 COURSE PROSPECTUS 2011/12 Duration: 1 Year full-time for VTOS students; part-time over 2 years for others Certification: FETAC Level 5 Healthcare Support; Manual Handling of Patients Certificate; Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR); FETAC Level 5 First Aid Certificate This course is designed to prepare students to work as healthcare support workers in a variety of settings such as nursing homes, hospitals and care in the home. Graduates achieve a recognised qualification in the healthcare sector. We welcome students working in the sector who need to get their qualification. COURSE SUBJECTS A minimum of 8 modules must be completed for a major award: > > Care Support > > Safety and Health in the Workplace > > Communications > > Work Experience* Entry Requirements > > Leaving Certificate or equivalent standard of education > > Relevant work experience coupled with life experience > > Satisfactory medical assessment > > All entry is subject to interview. > > Successful Garda clearance application is needed for the work experience element of the course. > > Care Skills > > Care Provision and Practice > > Infection Prevention and Control > > Care of the Older Person > > CPR > > Patient Moving and Handling Progression Graduates who receive full certification can apply for employment as carers in hospitals and nursing homes, carers in the community, or as social care workers. 8 * The work experience for this course must be a minimum of 30 days
Employability Skills 4M0857 Science Skills 4M2911 Duration: 1 Year full-time for VTOS students; part-time over 2 years for others Certification: FETAC Level 4 Employability Skills This course will give students the necessary skills to evaluate their own skills and apply for jobs. It will also provide students with a solid foundation in maths and computer skills so that they are equipped to progress to higher levels at PAEC. Course Subjects > > Early Communications > > Career Planning > > Mathematics > > Customer Service > > German > > Personal Effectiveness > > Work Experience > > Information Technology Skills Entry Requirements > > Applicants should hold a Junior Certificate > > All entry is subject to interview. Progression/Career Opportunities Graduates can progress to: > > General Learning FETAC Level 4 (major award) > > Business Studies FETAC Level 5 (major award) > > Leaving Certificate > > Employment Duration: 1 Year full-time for VTOS students; part-time over 2 years for others Certification: FETAC Level 4 Science Skills This course will give students the relevant knowledge, skills and competencies to work in a broad range of scientific areas. Students might use this course to enter the world of work in a variety of science sectors or opt to progress to FETAC Level 5 studies. Course Subjects > > Communications > > Laboratory Techniques > > Information Technology Skills > > Mathematics > > Human Biology > > Work Experience > > Computer Applications > > Chemistry Progression A student may progress to the foundation year programmes with an opportunity to study at foundation level those areas identified as having key skills shortages currently in Ireland such as Computer Science, Technology, Mathematics, Physics and Engineering. Contact NUI Maynooth for further information. Career Opportunities > > Jobs in industry > > Beauty Therapy > > Leaving Certificate > > Healthcare Level 5 > > Childcare Level 5 > > Nursing Level 5 COURSE PROSPECTUS 2011/12 9
Accounting Technician Duration: 2 Years Certification: Accounting Technician Accounting Technicians Ireland COURSE PROSPECTUS 2013/14 The Accounting Technicians Ireland qualification is your passport to a rewarding career in accountancy or business. You can obtain this professional qualification in as little as two years. Course Subjects Year 1 The four subjects in Year 1 give students a solid foundation of business and accounting. > > Financial Accounting > > Taxation > > Law and Ethics > > Business Management Progression > > To Year 2 of Accounting Technician > > Graduates of this 2 year course may gain exemption to Year 3 of the Bachelor of Business Studies (Accountancy) part-time course accredited by the Institute of Public Administration, a registered college of University College Dublin. Returning to education has motivated me to make a better life for myself and get a better job when I am finished. Nathan Young Leaving Certificate Course Please Note: Students on Year 1 of this programme can have up to half of their fee costs paid by Laois County Enterprise Board. Self-employed persons in County Laois are eligible. Contact Evelyn Reddin at evelyn@laoisenterprise.ie for further details. Grants must be applied for in October of the academic year 2013-14 10
Early Childhood Supervision & Leadership 6M2007 Duration: Evening Programme (2 evenings per week & Saturday workshops) September 2013 June 2014 Certification: FETAC Level 6 (Early Childhood Care and Education) This programme is designed to equip leaners with a level of professional competency that will enable them to gain employment that will recognise them as highly skilled professional in the childcare sector. The course will provide the leaner with the skills, knowledge and competency that is required to supervise an early childcare and education setting equipped with the necessary leadership skills that can be used in a supporting role to management. COURSE SUBJECTS > > Child Development > > Early Childhood Curriculum > > Childhood Social Legal and Health Studies > > Work Experience > > Communications Entry Requirements > > Leaving Certificate or equivalent standard of Education and or Early Childhood Care and Education FETAC Level 5 or equivalent. > > Computer Applications and Information Technology Skills Level 4/ECDL. > > Relevant work experience coupled with life experience. > > All entry is subject to interview. > > Successful Garda clearance application is needed for the work experience element of the course. > > Supervision in Early Childhood Care > > Special Needs Assisting > > Leadership > > Applied Behavioural Analysis > > Literacy and Numeracy COURSE PROSPECTUS 2013/14 Progression Graduates of this programme can progress to specialised courses in Higher Education. May progress and gain employment in the childcare supervision and leadership roles in the ECCE sector. Graduates of this programme will have sought after skills and knowledge that will enhance their employment opportunities. 11
Occupational Therapy Assistant 5M3782 COURSE PROSPECTUS 2013/14 Duration: Evening Programme (2 evenings per week) September April Certification: FETAC Level 5 Health Service Skills This programme is specially designed to prepare the leaner to take up the role of Occupational Therapy Assistant (OT) under the supervision of a Registered Occupational Therapist. Once the patient has been assessed and a care plan devised, the OT Assistant may help the individual achieve practical, independent living goals such as using their walking stick correctly, dressing themselves, going shopping or preparing a meal. In addition those with an interest in the care area, the course will be useful to those with construction and industry qualifications. COURSE SUBJECTS > > Care Support > > Infection Prevention & Control > > Communication > > Work Experience > > Occupational Therapy Assistant Practice Entry Requirements > > Leaving Certificate or equivalent standard of Education > > Computer Applications and Information Technology Skills Level 4/ECDL > > Relevant work experience coupled with life experience > > All entry is subject to interview. > > Successful Garda clearance application is needed for the work experience element of the course. > > Occupational Therapy Assistant Theory > > Activities of Patient Living Care > > Understanding Mental Health > > Information and Administration Progression Graduates may secure employment in the following areas: > > Occupational Therapy Assistant in hospitals/ nursing homes > > Occupational Therapy Assistant in a social care setting > > Use the certification to make an application to Trinity College Dublin on the Access Programme. 12
Adult Guidance counsellor Thinking about returning to learning as an adult? The Guidance Counsellor visits the Centre one day a week and can help you: > > Find the right course for you. > > Apply for local courses. > > Apply for college courses. > > Find out about fees and grants. > > Find out about social welfare payments for education. The Guidance Counsellor provides career guidance every Tuesday at the Centre by appointment only. For further information contact reception at the Centre. Student Facilities and Activities Computer Rooms Two fully equipped computer rooms are available to facilitate students develop their IT skills. Each room is equipped with a printer and has access to the internet. Computers have a wide range of software and application software installed including TAS Books and Sage Quickpay. Students have access to Wi-Fi in the Centre. Student Study Room A designated study area has been put in place in order to offer the students a quiet, undisturbed environment to facilitate there studies. Laptops can be used in this room, and internet access direct to the students laptop allows them to carry out research to aid them with their studies. Student Awards Day The student s awards day signifies the end of the year in the Centre. Here the hard work and dedication of each individual student is recognised. It is a joyous, fun occasion for both staff and students. Fetac Awards Night On 26th October 2013, the Centre will acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of students who completed their studies during the year at an Awards Night to be held at The Heritage Golf and Spa Resort, Killenard, Co. Laois. Students families are invited to the ceremony and FETAC awards are presented to the students. Canteen Our superb canteen facility is the heart of Portarlington Adult Education Centre. The canteen provides the staff and students not only with delicious snacks and treats, all very competitively priced, but also a warm, friendly and relaxed atmosphere. The canteen is an area for catching up, as well as chilling out with fellow learners. 13
Mission Statement Our mission at Portarlington Adult Education Centre is to enable our students to engage in life-long learning in an environment of mutual support.
Castlea View Station Road PAEC has enabled me to change my career and this has changed my life. Thank you very much. R419 Stephen Patton Childcare Course River Barrow French Church St. R419 Main Street Link Road Link Road Portlaoise Road Sandy Lane R424 Crown Lane Main Street WE ARE HERE Bracklone Street Ballymorris Road
Portarlington Adult Education Centre Bracklone Street, Portarlington, Co. Laois. Tel: (057) 862 3161 Email: mmorrin@portarlingtonaec.ie www.portarlingtonaec.ie design by www.penhouse.ie