Adult learners from Cork share experiences of going back to education

DOZENS of adult learners from Cork came together in Ballincollig at the start of February for a regional meeting of the National Further Education and Training (FET) learner forum. 79 people shared their experiences of further education and training, and suggested improvements.

The FET forum is a collaboration between AONTAS, the national adult learning organisation, SOLAS, the further education and training authority, and the Education and Training Boards (ETBs). The meeting was one of a series that will take place across the country this year. Last year, thousands of learners shared their experiences.

During the meeting, adult learners expressed an increase in confidence and empowerment to voice their concerns locally. 

Migrant learners praised their tutors and how they had been welcomed.

Some of the concerns raised by Cork learners included a high demand for certain courses, the rising costs of food and beverages at centres, and a lack of tutors to run disability-friendly courses. 

However, many shared suggestions on how to address those issues, including more online course options, greater awareness of the learner council, and circulation of financial information to participants earlier in the process.

Those attending the meeting seemed very positive about the learner forum, saying it was an excellent opportunity for problem solving through peer support.

John Fitzgibbons, FET director from Cork ETB, said the purpose of the meeting was to ensure that learner voices were heard right across the FET sector.

“It is vital to hear what the issues are for learners and to give you a platform to voice those issues,” he said.