The ETBI National FET Conference 2025 - #FETLearning4Life took place in the Radisson Blu Hotel, Sligo on the 26th and 27th of February 2025. Hosting over 200 people the theme for this highly anticipated conference was ‘Lifelong Learning: Transforming Lives and Empowering Futures through FET’. The two-day event focused on the opportunities open to those who engage in Lifelong Learning to upskill or reskill. It also celebrated the journeys of those who have taken on a fresh challenge to learn something new, while recognising Lifelong Learning as a social and economic investment for the future.
As documented by the findings in the OECD Review of the Skills Systems in Ireland (2023) which affirmed the need to increase engagement in lifelong learning activities and to focus of widening participation for those cohorts who are less likely to take part, there is a need to embed a culture of lifelong learning in Ireland. This provision should be enabled to adapt to rapidly changing priorities and skills needs within the workforce, labour market and in wider society.
The annual conference provided an opportunity for national and international cross-sectoral engagement and includes expert speakers from the Further Education and Training (FET) sector, government departments and wider stakeholder organisation.
Peter Egan, Director of Further Education and Training, Mayo Sligo & Leitrim Education &Training Board acted as MC for the two days, ensuring the audience was informed and entertained during the Conference.
The ETBI FET Conference focused on sustainability and accessibility throughout. From the sustainable notebooks and phone holders available to attendees to the principles of universal design in the presentations, signage, agenda and presentations, this event aimed to ensure all attendees could access, enjoy and ensure a low carbon footprint for the environment while in the surroundings of County Sligo.
Overview video of the ETBI FET National Conference held in the Radisson Blu hotel, Co. Sligo, February 26th and 27th 2025.
Image of the graphic illustration by Ruth Graham from the ETBI National FET Conference. A higher resolution version is also available.
Over the two days of the ETBI FET National Conference Ruth Graham illustrated the speakers, presentations, discussions and workshops. Starting with a blank canvas Ruth created a visual representation of the theme of Lifelong Learning capturing the lived learning, engagement and experience of the two-day event.
Ruth Graham is a deft, perceptive illustrator with a huge flair for mood and message. A graduate of the renowned Falmouth University, she sprung on from that to establish her flourishing illustration business, which services a diverse book of national clients working across sectors such as the arts, education, enterprise and tourism.
Ruth has worked for many years creating captivating, vibrant animated pieces with many Irish organisations. She is also a seasoned paper graphic harvester and can often be seen drawing on large boards at live events. Skilled in both digital and pen and paper drawing, Ruth has produced large scale illustrations for events and feedback sessions, both across the country and internationally.
Ruth Graham Irish Illustrator | Education, Advertising & NGOs
