A celebration of learning held in Nenagh

Tipperary Education and Training Board (TETB) held a celebration of Further and Adult Education Awards on Tuesday, December 6, at the Abbey Court Hotel in Nenagh.

The awards ceremony was attended by groups from the Further Education & Training Centres in Nenagh, Borrisokane and Newport, who had been taking part in adult education programmes in accredited learning over the last year part-time. It was a very special occasion with awards returning in person after two years post Covid. There was a celebratory mood as Santa Claus made an appearance, wishing all a very happy Christmas!

The ceremony was also well attended by TETB staff and tutors, who had a key role in delivering and tutoring these programmes.

Kaye Mullaney, Adult Education Officer with TETB, opened proceedings and welcomed all to the event. The ceremony was attended by learners family and friends and also by the many partners that TETB work in collaboration with throughout the year.

Colin Cummins, Further Education and Training Director of Tipperary Education and Training Board, in his keynote address congratulated all students who received QQI Awards and Cambridge English Certificates for Further Education & Training Courses completed in 2022 and wished all students every success in their future careers. Mr Cummins also thanked those receiving awards for their participation on TETB courses.

Kathleen Grimes was the MC and made everyone feel at ease throughout the event.

Brian Keller gave an inspirational account of his personal journey through education. Mr Keller completed a QQI Level 5 Award in Healthcare which opened up a new career opportunity for him and he is now employed full-time working in this area.

Mr Keller encouraged people to get in contact with Tipperary Education and Training Board to find out what is available in their area and to take part in adult and community education for personal and educational purposes. Michael Power, representing TETB Board, thanked Mr Keller for his encouraging speech and reiterated that he had a similar positive experience when he returned to education.

Lavinia English, Adult Literacy Organiser, presented awards for Level 1 in Non-Verbal Communication, Reading and Writing, and Personal Decision Making. Ms English also presented awards at QQI Level 2 in Computer Skills, Drama, Listening & Speaking, Pattern & Relationship, Reading & Writing and Using Technology.

Ms Mullaney presented awards for Cambridge English and QQI Level 3 component awards in Internet Skills, Graphic Design, Word Processing, Spreadsheet Methods, Career Preparation, Mathematics, Container Gardening, Digital Media and Spreadsheets.

Michael Power presented QQI level 4 component awards in Spreadsheet Methods, Computer Applications, Information Technology Skills, Safe Horticultural Practice, Establishing Ornamental Flowering Plants, Communications and Healthcare. Mr Power also presented Level 5 component certificates in Spreadsheet Methods, Word Processing, Communications, Care of the Older Person, Care Support, Activities of Living Patient Care, Safety & Health at Work, Infection Prevention & Control and Children with Additional Needs.

A special presentation was made by Mr Cummins to learners who achieved major awards on the day. These learners were receiving a major award with a number of components completed over their study. Major Awards presented included General Learning Level 2, General Learning Level 3, Healthcare Support Level 5 and Early Childcare Care and Education Level 5.

Olivia Kennedy Murphy, Adult Education Officer, thanked all TETB staff for their commitment to further education and training and wished all students success in their future studies or careers.