Co Kildare VEC – BTEI
BTEI started in County Kildare in November 2002. It is co-ordinated by Kildare VEC and to date has provided approximately 2000 adults and young people with the opportunity to return to learning. Courses were run in Naas, Newbridge, Kildare Town, Athy, Derrinturn, Allenwood, Celbridge, Rathangan and Leixlip.
Where and when are courses held?
Courses are held throughout County Kildare. All BTEI courses are offered on a part-time basis. They are held in the mornings, afternoons, evenings or weekends.
Outreach Facilities – a Community Approach
One of the main aims of BTEI is to bring educational opportunities to the local community. This means that programmes can be run in local areas using local facilities. In this way, further education and a chance to return to learning can be accessible to everyone.
BTEI programmes are also organised in collaboration with local and community groups such as: KARE, Kildare Traveller Network, Allenwood CDP, Athy CDP, Rehabcare, Irish Wheelchair Association, Newbridge Family Resource Centre, Bishopsland Residents Group, Ashgrove Residents Group, St Patricks Park Association, Celbridge Education Support Group, Kildare Womens Group, Newbridge Active Retired, Naomh Brid Ladies Club, Newbridge Asylum Seekers Support Group, Mount Offaly Hostel, Down Syndrome Association, Crooked Sixpence Drama Group, Network Kildare, Flinters Respond Group.
If you are involved in your local community group and would like to organise a course in your local area contact Mary Whelan BTEI Co-ordinator.
Who can take part in a BTEI programme?
Anyone who has left full-time education can take part in a course being offered, but priority is given to those with less than the Leaving Certificate.
How much does a course cost?
Individuals will have different entitlements.
Free tuition is available if you are in receipt of:
- an unemployment payment
- a means-tested social welfare benefit
- a medical card
or a dependent of any of the above.
If you are unwaged with less than upper second-level education you are entitled to a reduction in fees.
For anyone else a full fee is charged.
Will I be paid while attending a BTEI Course?
Payments are made only to those students who are eligible for:
- full-time Youthreach
- full-time Traveller Training Programme
If you are in receipt of a social welfare payment, continued entitlement to benefit is subject to satisfying the Department of Social and Family Affairs as to your continued eligibility for the schemes. You should discuss your individual circumstances with your local Social Welfare Office.
What Courses Are Available?
A wide variety of BTEI courses are offered by County Kildare BTEI including:
- Basic and Intermediate Computers
- Drama
- Art and Craft (painting, stained glass, textiles, woodwork, ceramics)
- Childcare and Special Needs Assistant
- Personal Development
- Food and Health
- Work Experience
- Multi-media Studies
- Business and Secretarial Studies
- Book-keeping and Accounts
- Communication Skills
- Languages
Does BTEI offer courses that offer National Certification?
Yes, all courses offered through BTEI provide participants with the opportunity to work towards FETAC Certification which is recognised nationally by employers and other education and training organisers. This means that you have a qualification that is of value and can be used at anytime whether you wish to continue with your education or when applying for jobs. Most participants work towards certification but this is not compulsory; you can still participate on a course and not avail of certification.
What are the beneifits of a BTEI course?
- continue my learning
- develop new skills
- develop my confidence
- pursue new work options
- meet other people
- obtain a national certificate
What Supports are available to me as a BTEI student?
BTEI operates a student-centred approach to adult learning which incorporates the following support system:
- Mentoring
- One-to-one tuition
- Help with reading, writing and maths
- Help with assignments
- The Adult Education Information Resource Centre
This office is located on Georges Street, Newbridge and it offers information, guidance counselling and personal counselling to BTEI students.
Where Can I go From BTEI?
There are many options available to you either while you are participating on or finishing a BTEI course. You can progress to:
- another BTEI course
- VTOS – full-time education for adults
- Youthreach – full-time education for young people
- FAS and other vocational training programmes
- employment
- third level courses
BTEI Courses Currently Running
All courses offered through BTEI provide participants with theopportunity to work towards FETAC Certification which is recognisednationally by employers and other education and training organisers. This means that you have a qualification that is ofvalue and can be used at anytime whether you wish to continue with youreducation or when applying for jobs. Most participants work towards certification but this is not compulsory; you can still participate on a course and not avail of certification.
On successful completion of one module you will receive a Record of Achievement Certificate from FETAC.
On successful completion of 8 modules at Level 3, Level 4 and Level 5you will receive a Full Award. Some modules are mandatory andothers are optional.
Below is a list of BTEI courses currently running.
| Course | Details |
| Basic Computers |
Certificate: Computer Literacy – Level 3, Record of Achievement Prior educational requirements – none |
| Intermediate Computers |
Certificate: IT – Level 4, Record of Achievement - MS Word |
| Introduction to Childcare |
Certificate: Childcare – Level 3, Record of Achievement |
| Childcare Level 4 |
Certificate: Childcare – Level 4, Record of Achievement |
| Childcare level 5 |
Certificate: Childcare Level 5, Full award |
| Special Needs Assistant |
Certificate: Special Needs Assisting Skills Level 5, Record of Achievement |
| General Education |
Certificate: Record of Achievement for each Level 3 or Level 4 module completed - Personal and Interpersonal Skills Duration:1 year (2 mornings a week) |
| Business/Secretarial |
Certificate: Business/Secretarial Level 5, Full award |
| Languages |
Certificate: Level 3, Record of Achievement |
| Sound Engineering |
Certificate: Level 5, Record of Achievement Prior educational requirements: none. |
| The Arts |
Certificate: Record of Achievement for each Level 3 or Level 4 module |
Who do I contact for more information or to enrol?
Mary Whelan – BTEI Co-ordinator
Adult Basic and Community Education
Jigginstown
Naas
Co Kildare
Tel: 045-881863
Fax: 045-881254
Email: mwhelan@abce.ie
To Enrol
Complete and return the BTEI Application Form
