Part Time (Day)

BTEI

BTEI (Back to Education Initiative)

What is BTEI? The Back To Education Initiative 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 in the BTEI Programme? Anyone who has left full-time education or is out of work can take part in a course being offered, but priority will be given to those with less than the Leaving Certificate.

What will a BTEI course cost? Individuals will have different entitlements. Those in receipt of unemployment payments or means-tested social welfare benefits and holders of medical cards are entitled to free tuition.

What is the BTEI course for young people who have left school early? It is a general education programme, which caters for young people especially between the ages of 18-21. It is called LEARN ENJOY ACHIEVE AND PROGRESS (LEAP).

In this programme learners will be given the opportunity to gain a full FETAC Level 4 award and reach Leaving Certificate standard.

What are the modules/subjects?

The modules include four core modules, which are:

• Maths
• Communications
• IT Skills
• Personal Effectiveness

You must also complete elective modules, these may include*:

• Computer Applications
• Local and Global Development
• History
• Teamwork
• Word Processing
• Occupational First Aid

There will also be a couple of workshops organised throughout the year on areas of specific interest to the learner. There will also be educational trips to enhance the students’ learning experience.

*Elective modules are subject to change and hence may vary next year.

What can I do after the LEAP course? There are many progression routes such as FETAC LEVEL 5 Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) courses or for students over 21- Vocational Training Opportunity Schemes (VTOS) programmes. You will also be much better positioned for getting a job or an apprenticeship.

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

Participation in part-time programmes provides opportunities to:

• Develop new skills
• Continue and build on your learning
• Increase employment possibilities
• Obtain FETAC accreditation
• Increases your confidence
• Progression onto PLC or VTOS Level 5 courses

Who do I contact?

The BTEI is funded by the Department of Education and Science and part financed by the European Social Fund under the National Development Plan 2007-2013.