FAQ
What does Kildare Wicklow Education and Training Board (KWETB) do?
It is one of 16 Education and Training Boards (ETBs) in Ireland that provides education, training, and community services. KWETB oversees and manages a variety of educational programs across its region, including:
1. Post-primary education: KWETB operates secondary schools in County Kildare and County Wicklow, providing a broad range of subjects and extracurricular activities for students.
2. Further education and training: KWETB offers courses and training programs for adults and young people looking to gain new skills or improve their qualifications. These programs cover a variety of fields such as business, technology, healthcare, and creative industries.
3. Apprenticeships: KWETB coordinate apprenticeship programs, which combine on-the-job training with educational instruction to help people enter skilled trades and professions.
4. Community education: KWETB provides accessible learning opportunities for people in local communities, including adult education, literacy programs, and support for those with special needs.
5. Vocational Education: KWETB runs vocational education programs aimed at preparing students for careers in industries such as healthcare, construction, and information technology.
6. Adult Education: KWETB also focuses on adult education services, offering lifelong learning opportunities to help people enhance their personal and professional development.
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The goal of KWETB is to support the educational and training needs of the people in the counties of Kildare and Wicklow, offering a range of services that contribute to personal, social, and economic development.
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More information on KWETB can be found at www.kwetb.ie
What does the training services part of KWETB do?
The Training Services part of the Kildare and Wicklow Education and Training Board (KWETB) focuses on providing a wide range of educational and vocational training opportunities to help individuals develop practical skills, improve their employability, and advance in their careers. Here’s an overview of the key functions of KWETB’s training services:
1. FET (Further Education and Training) Programs
KWETB offers a variety of Further Education and Training (FET) programs, aimed at enhancing the skills of individuals, including:
Full-time training courses: These are designed for people seeking to gain specific qualifications and expertise in areas like business, hospitality, construction, healthcare, and technology.
Part-time courses: Flexible learning options that allow people to balance education with work or other commitments.
Intensive skills training: Programs tailored to meet the needs of industries, helping learners develop skills that are directly applicable in the workplace.
2. Apprenticeships
KWETB provides apprenticeship training for people pursuing careers in skilled trades. Apprenticeships combine on-the-job training with classroom-based learning, and they cover a broad spectrum of trades such as electrical work, plumbing, carpentry, and more. KWETB plays a role in coordinating and supporting apprenticeships, ensuring that they meet industry standards and help trainees gain valuable qualifications.
3. Skills Development & Training
KWETB offers skills development programs that are tailored to the needs of individuals and businesses. These programs may include:
Industry-specific training: Courses focused on providing the technical skills required in various industries (e.g., IT, healthcare, customer service, engineering).
Basic and foundational skills: For people seeking to improve their literacy, numeracy, and IT skills, which are vital in many jobs.
Training for specific job roles: KWETB provides targeted programs to help individuals gain qualifications and skills for particular job roles, making them more employable.
4. Youth and Community Training Programs
KWETB also runs training services aimed at young people and communities, helping them gain skills and qualifications that improve their prospects in the labor market. This includes:
Youth training: Focused programs for young adults, such as the Youthreach program, which helps young people who have left school early or need additional support to complete their education and training.
Community-based learning: Engaging community members in skills development programs that contribute to both personal and professional growth.
5. Workplace Training & Support for Employers
KWETB works with local businesses and organizations to offer workplace training that aligns with the needs of the labour market. This includes:
Workplace learning programs: Tailored training designed for employees to upgrade their skills and enhance productivity.
Support for businesses: KWETB helps businesses identify skills gaps and provides relevant training solutions to meet those needs.
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Overall, KWETB’s training services are designed to provide individuals with the skills, qualifications, and experience needed to thrive in today’s competitive job market while meeting the evolving needs of employers in Kildare and Wicklow.
What is the Skills to Advance (STA) initiative?
Skills to Advance is an initiative by SOLAS (the Irish agency responsible for Further Education and Training) that focuses on providing upskilling opportunities for employees in Ireland, especially for those in low-skilled or routine jobs. The program is delivered through the network of Education and Training Boards (ETBs), including KWETB (Kildare and Wicklow Education and Training Board). Its main goal is to support employees in acquiring new skills and qualifications to enhance their career prospects, adapt to changing industries, and respond to technological advancements.
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Key Features of Skills to Advance:
Target Audience:
The program is designed primarily for employees aged 25 and over who are in lower-skilled or routine roles.
It also targets workers who are at risk of displacement due to technological changes or shifts in industry demands.
This initiative is aimed at improving the skills of individuals working in sectors such as manufacturing, retail, hospitality, and administration.
Types of Training and Support:
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Short, flexible courses: These courses are often tailored to the specific needs of workers, covering areas such as digital literacy, leadership, customer service, IT, and more.
Workplace-specific training:
Skills to Advance offers training aligned with the employee’s job role, helping them improve their on-the-job skills and adapt to evolving workplace demands.
Industry-relevant qualifications:
Some courses lead to nationally recognized certifications and qualifications, which can enhance the worker's employability and career advancement opportunities.
Flexible Learning Options:
The program offers part-time and modular courses that allow employees to balance their learning with work and other commitments.
Blended learning: Some courses are available in a combination of online and face-to-face learning, offering additional flexibility for employees.
Focus Areas:
Digital skills: With rapid technological advancements, employees can upskill in areas such as computer literacy, digital communication, and software tools.
Leadership and management: Training in leadership, communication, and management skills helps employees progress to higher roles in their organizations.
Customer service and sales:
Courses in these areas are designed to improve skills relevant to customer-facing roles, including communication, problem-solving, and service delivery.
Sustainability and green skills:
As industries evolve, workers are given opportunities to learn about environmental sustainability and related practices that are becoming important in many sectors.
Free or Low-Cost:
Many of the courses are fully funded or available at low cost to employees, making it accessible to a wide range of workers. Employers may also contribute to the cost of training for their staff.
Employer Engagement:
Skills to Advance works closely with employers to ensure that the training is relevant to the needs of the business and the industry. Employers are encouraged to support their employees' participation in the program as part of their workforce development strategy.
Benefits of Skills to Advance:
Improved Employability: Employees can gain skills that make them more competitive in the job market and better positioned for career progression.
Adaptation to Change: The program helps employees adapt to changes in technology and work processes, ensuring that they stay relevant in an evolving job market.
Increased Job Satisfaction: By investing in training and development, employees may experience increased job satisfaction and engagement.
Business Growth: For employers, investing in upskilling their workforce through Skills to Advance can lead to increased productivity, better customer service, and greater employee retention.
Overall, Skills to Advance is a key component of Ireland's strategy to support lifelong learning, enhance workforce skills, and ensure that the workforce can meet the challenges of an increasingly digital and rapidly changing economy.
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Why choose KWETB training as a place to learn?
Choosing Kildare and Wicklow Education and Training Board (KWETB) for education and training offers a range of benefits that cater to various individual and professional needs. Here are several reasons why you might choose KWETB:
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1. Wide Range of Courses and Programs
KWETB offers a diverse selection of education and training programs across a variety of sectors. Whether you're looking for:
Further education and training (FET) in areas like business, healthcare, IT, construction, and hospitality
Apprenticeships for skilled trades
Adult education programs for those seeking to upgrade their qualifications or skills
Skills training and upskilling through initiatives like Skills to Advance
KWETB provides courses that meet a wide variety of needs for students, employees, and employers.
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2. Access to High-Quality, Accredited Qualifications
KWETB’s programs lead to recognised qualifications that are nationally and internationally acknowledged. This gives students and trainees a solid foundation to progress in their careers. The Quality Assurance (QA) processes ensure that the education and training provided meets high standards of delivery and assessment.
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3. Local and Community Focus
Serving County Kildare and County Wicklow, KWETB has a strong understanding of local communities and the specific needs of these areas. Its programs are designed to respond directly to the employment demands and opportunities in the region, with tailored solutions for local industries and businesses.
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4. Flexible Learning Options
KWETB offers flexible learning formats that are ideal for people balancing work, family, or other commitments. These include:
Part-time courses to allow for continued work alongside studying
Blended learning options (a mix of online and in-person sessions)
Modular courses that let students progress at their own pace, focusing on specific areas of interest or need
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5. Workplace-Relevant Training
KWETB's Training Services provide industry-focused, workplace-relevant training that helps individuals develop practical, employable skills. For example, the Skills to Advance initiative targets upskilling employees in low-skilled or routine jobs to help them adapt to technological advancements and enhance their career prospects.
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6. Support for Learners at All Levels
KWETB provides support for learners at all stages of their educational journey, from young students to adults seeking career changes or additional qualifications. Support services include:
Career advice and guidance
Learning supports for those with additional educational needs
Financial assistance for eligible learners
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7. Employer Partnerships
KWETB works closely with local businesses and employers to ensure its training and education programs align with industry needs. For employers, KWETB offers solutions for upskilling and developing a workforce that is prepared for the challenges of modern industries. This makes it an excellent choice for those looking to advance their careers in response to changing market demands.
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8. Supportive Environment
KWETB is committed to creating an inclusive, supportive learning environment. It caters to individuals from all walks of life, including those with disabilities or those who may need additional support services. The staff are dedicated to helping students achieve their goals, no matter their background or circumstances.
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9. Enhanced Job Opportunities
KWETB’s focus on employability ensures that its programs are designed to meet the needs of the current job market. Graduates and trainees are well-equipped with the skills, knowledge, and qualifications needed to secure good job opportunities or progress in their careers.
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10. Commitment to Lifelong Learning
KWETB promotes lifelong learning by offering courses for people at all stages of their career. Whether you’re looking to start your career, switch industries, or advance your current skills, KWETB provides flexible, high-quality educational options to support your personal and professional growth.
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11. Positive Reputation and Impact
As part of the national network of Education and Training Boards (ETBs), KWETB has a strong track record of delivering impactful education and training programs that contribute to the economic and social development of the local community. It has built a solid reputation for providing quality education and training that supports both individual learners and local industries.
Choosing KWETB means accessing a range of high-quality, flexible, and accessible educational opportunities that are tailored to meet the needs of individuals, businesses, and the community. Whether you are seeking to upskill, change careers, or advance your qualifications, KWETB offers the support and resources needed to achieve your goals.