This article is from page 18 of the 2014-02-18 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 18 JPG
A WIDE range of events will take place around Clare to celebrate Aontas Adult Learner Week, which runs from February 24 to March 1.
The Adult Learners’ festival is a nationwide celebration of adult learning coordinated by AONTAS, the National Adult Learning Organisation.
In the last seven years, the festival has become a firm fixture on the adult learning calendar with events taking place nationwide, including anything from information sessions, taster workshops, sample lectures to small gatherings of people who love to learn.
Jacinta Davenport, Guidance Counselor and Coordinator at the Clare Adult Educational Guidance and Information Service, says this year the service has focused on working in partnership with employers to develop courses that develop the skills and competencies required in the workplace.
The Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board (formerly Clare VEC) has established several partnerships with employers around the county and nationally in order to provide relevant, current and specific education and training programmes for learners in Clare.
These programmes have been jointly developed and are delivered using real-world scenarios, that equip learners to work or secure work in sectors which are enjoying employment growth e.g. hospitality, catering, retail.
Ms Davenport explained, “One new partnership is with the Irish Hotels Federation, who report that there are 3,000 chef vacancies in Ireland. In order to help address this, Clare LCETB and IHF have developed a 15-week part-time pilot Breakfast Chef course in partnership, it will be followed by work experience with IHF members in Clare.
“Last February the Adult Education Service commenced a FETAC Level 5 in Sound Production in partnership with Clare FM. Clare FM provided the technical skills training in Sound Engineering Production, Music Technology and Radio Programme Production.”
For details on Clare events log onto www.adultlearnersfestival.com.