Autumn BTEI courses in the Q Centre

 Back to Education Initiative (BTEI)  

Provides part-time Further Education programmes for young people (aged 16 or over) and adults in North Cork. The aim is to give people an opportunity to combine a return to certified learning with family, work and other responsibilities. 

 

Frequently Asked Questions 

 

When are BTEI programmes available? 

Flexibility is the key word. Programmes can be offered on a part-time basis, in the mornings or afternoons. There are courses on all weekdays in the Centre, but you can sign up for 1 or more so you might only need to attend one session per week to complete a particular component, if that suits you.

 

HOW do I apply? 

Call Brendan Glynn (BTEI Co-ordinator) on 022 55452, or email: brendan.glynn@corketb.ie.  Courses are free to eligible participants – priority is especially given to young adults (16 years or older) who left school early, medical card holders and social welfare recipients are also eligible.  All social welfare payments are retained by you while doing a BTEI course. 

 

 

What courses are being offered? 

BTEI North Cork is currently offering QQI courses at Level 3, 4 and 5 in:

 

Horticulture (Level 4)

General Learning (Level 3 & 4)

Barbering (Level 5)

Office Skills & IT (Level 4)

Upholstery & Combined Materials (Level 5)

 

Within the General Learning course, learners can choose options such as Upholstery, Art, Healthcare, Customer Service, ICT (Introduction & Intermediate Computers).  

  

Who can take part in BTEI programmes? 

Anyone who has finished with full-time education (those who are left school or college) can take part in a course being offered, but priority will be given to those with less than upper second level education and those on a Social Welfare payment. 

  

What will a BTEI course cost? 

Those in receipt of unemployment payments or means-tested Social Welfare benefits, and holders of Medical Cards, and their dependants, are entitled to FREE BTEI courses. Other unwaged people with less than upper second level education are also entitled to FREE courses. The remainder will be charged fees of €100 per year. 

 

For people in receipt of Social Welfare payments, continued entitlement to benefit is subject to satisfying the Department of Social Protection as to their continued eligibility for the schemes. It is best to discuss individual circumstances with the Social Welfare office. 

  

Will I obtain certification for a BTEI course? 

All BTEI courses offer a nationally recognised certificate, in QQI, at levels 3, 4 or 5.  

 

What will I get from taking part in a BTEI programme? 

Participation in part-time certified programmes can provide opportunities to: 

•          Continue your learning with us

•          Obtain national certification (QQI)

•          Develop new skills 

•          Pursue new employment options 

 

WHY is this course a good step for me? 

If you have completed your Junior Certificate (or equivalent); but left school before completing the full Leaving Certificate this course will give you a chance to improve your Communications, Personal skills, Maths, Computer and many other skills in an Adult Education Centre.  Those without Junior or Inter Cert are also eligible, with extra support offered if required. 

 

WHEN can I start? 

Classes will start at various times during the year, to allow for flexibility, although they usually start in September and also around January time.  Classes are usually between 2 and 5 hours per week with small class sizes of usually 7-10, with a maximum of 15 learners. 

 

WHERE are the courses being held? 

In Cork ETB Adult Education Centres in Charleville, Millstreet, Fermoy, Mallow and Mitchelstown.