BACK TO EDUCATION INITIATIVE

The Back to Education Initiative (BTEI) 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. Who can take part? BTEI programmes are open to everyone but preference is given to those who have left school early with less than upper second level education. When are BTEI programmes available? Courses are offered on a part-time basis in the mornings, afternoons, evenings or weekends. Learners may complete single or combined modules. What type of BTEI Programmes are available? A large variety of programmes are available for example, Horticulture, Childcare, Care in the Home, Business Secretarial, Personal Development, Communications, Food & Cookery, Occupational First Aid, Healthcare, Business IT, Special Needs Training etc. Some Junior Certificate and Leaving Certificate subjects are also offered. What locations are BTEI programmes taking place? Programmes are run y the VECs in various locations throughout Ireland. For details of locations of programmes in Dublin check out CDVEC. Is there certification through BTEI courses? YES, certification is provided through FETAC (Further Education & Training Awards Council). This is the qualification sought by employers and is recognised nationally.  For further information on FETAC, visit their website http://www.fetac.ie./ What is the difference between levels? Level 3 (Foundation Level) is suitable for those who have left school early and want to return to education. Progression to Level 4 and Level 5 is possible if they enjoy this experience.  People may start directly at Level 5 if they have a Leaving Certificate and or other relevant experience. What will a BTEI course cost? Those in receipt of unemployment payments or meanstested social welfare benefits, and holders of medical cards, and their dependants, are entitled to free tuition.  Other waged people will be entitled to a reduction in fees. BTEI is free to those who left school early and who have not completed their Leaving Certificate.  The remainder will be charged fees. Will I be paid while attending a BTEI course? Generally no, except for those students eligible for fulltime Youthreach/Traveller training programmes who do not have an underlying social welfare entitlement. However, it does not affect your social welfare payment or medical card status.