Attendees at the ETBI FET National Conference could attend a variety of workshops across both days. From AI, Green Skills, RPL, to PIACC and the transformation power of Community Education or to the interactive sessions of the Big Idea and the NZEB VR demonstration those in attendance could choose what piqued their interest. In this section you will find information and presentations from all the workshops.
Text: John Kilroy, Founder, Digital Learning Institute, speaking at the ETBI National FET Conference, February 27th, 2025.
Text: Ciaran McManus, Director of Development and Support, South West College speaking at the ETBI National FET Conference, February 27th, 2025.
Text: Dr Susan Gill, Manager Climate Strategy & Skills, SOLAS speaking at the ETBI National FET Conference, February 27th, 2025.
Facilitators:
The Green Skills Workshop at the ETBI Conference 2025 brought together education leaders and stakeholders to discuss the role of Further Education and Training (FET) in Ireland's green transition. The session highlighted global and national policy drivers, labour market trends, and the evolving skills landscape. Emphasis was placed on preparing FET to meet future workforce demands in sustainability-focused sectors.
A range of national and international climate initiatives are accelerating the demand for green skills:
These frameworks set ambitious targets for emissions reduction and sustainability, influencing skill needs across multiple sectors.
According to the International Labour Organisation:
This shift demands a rapid response in upskilling and reskilling through FET.
Green Skills Defined (CEDEFOP, 2014):
FET must address the following priorities at NFQ Levels 1–6:
SWC plays a vital role in supporting regional economic growth through skills development:
The Top 10 Growth Sectors in Northern Ireland (2023–2033) report identifies key areas of growth, reinforcing the need for embedded lifelong learning strategies across the region.
GRASP is a major initiative led by South West College and regional partners, funded by €9.8 million from PEACEPLUS (Measure 2.3).
Key objectives:
The geographic scope of GRASP covers 9 counties: Armagh, Cavan, Derry-Londonderry, Donegal, Fermanagh, Monaghan, Leitrim, Tyrone, and Sligo.
Next Steps:
The transition to a low-carbon, sustainable economy presents both challenges and opportunities for Ireland's education and training system. Through targeted green skills development, FET can play a critical role in shaping a future-ready workforce aligned with climate goals and economic needs.
NZEB VR Demonstration at the ETBI National FET Conference, February 26th, 2025.
Presented by:
CO2 emissions are causing climate change. We need to make our buildings more energy efficient. An NZEB building is a building with very high energy performance (typically A2 in residential). Minimum 20% energy from renewable sources. This applies to all new buildings occupied since 2021 and new public sector buildings since 2019.
By 2030 Ireland’s Commitments are:
By 2050 at the latest:
Relevant policies are:
Energy Performance of Buildings Directive 2018
National Retrofit Plan
SOLAS Green Skills Strategy launched in October 2024
The first centre was established in Wexford in 2017. It addressed the need for upskilling in the construction industry to meet high performance housing and building regulations. Six centres are operational on a regional basis. Areas such as air tightness, roof rig, retrofit, ventilation and wall build up are facilitated throughout the centres.
Courses available include:
Over 4,300 learners have completed NZEB training in WWETB. Following on from the presentation the was a VR demonstration by WWETB. This showed how participants in the courses can virtually perform various actions to make buildings compliant with the regulations. Examples included how to fix a new window in a building, how to properly ventilate a room and how to properly insulate the walls of a building. If the participant makes an error, this is highlighted and the process cannot proceed until all previous steps are performed correctly. It is a very useful tool in upskilling those working in the building trade.
Image: Andrina Wafer, International Mobility and Prior Learning, QQI, speaking at the ETBI National FET Conference
Image: Patsy Hogan, Quality Assurance Officer, Limerick & Clare Education & Training Board, speaking at the ETBI National FET Conference, February 27th, 2025.
Facilitators:
This report presents an overview of the presentation delivered at the 2025 ETBI FET Conference, focusing on the vital role of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) in fostering lifelong learning. RPL is a critical mechanism for validating learning acquired through informal, non-formal, and experiential means, thus promoting inclusive and flexible educational pathways across Ireland and the EU.
RPL is defined as a formal process whereby prior learning is:
This definition aligns with the QQI (2005) Principles and Operational Guidelines and the EU Council Recommendation (2012) on the validation of non-formal and informal learning. The goal is to enable individuals to gain formal recognition of skills and knowledge acquired outside traditional education systems.
In the context of shifting demographics, technological evolution, and a growing need for career adaptability, RPL is more relevant than ever. It supports:
European and national policy supports:
Irish Frameworks and Infrastructure:
The presentation spotlighted the European Qualifications Passport for Refugees, coordinated by the Council of Europe. This tool:
This initiative exemplifies the inclusive potential of RPL in supporting vulnerable and mobile populations.
Successful implementation of RPL requires strategic and operational clarity. Key challenges include:
Design Integration: Embedding RPL from the outset is more effective than retrofitting.
Roles and Responsibilities: Clear definition of who guides, documents, assesses, and certifies RPL.
Consistency and Quality Assurance: Alignment with learning outcomes and robust assessment methods.
Capacity Building: Continuous Professional Development (CPD) and institutional support for practitioners
Institutions are encouraged to utilise frameworks such as the RPL Toolkit, QQI Paper on Policy and Guidelines, and engage in national communities of practice like the FET RPL Network.
Next Steps:
The presentation posed thought-provoking questions for policy-makers and education providers:
These questions aim to spark national dialogue on the future shape of learning pathways in Ireland.
Participants were encouraged to engage with:
RPL is not only a recognition mechanism but also a powerful enabler of equity, flexibility, and progression within lifelong learning. As Ireland continues to evolve its education and training systems, embedding a robust culture of recognition will be key to achieving inclusion, mobility, and sustainability in workforce development.
Presenter: Patsy Hogan, Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board
This report outlines key insights from a presentation delivered by Patsy Hogan at the ETBI Further Education and Training (FET) Conference. The session focused on the transformative role of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) in enabling lifelong learning within the Irish FET landscape. The presentation highlighted learner experiences, organisational practices, and national and European policy contexts.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is the process of identifying, assessing, and certifying skills and knowledge gained outside formal education. This includes learning acquired through work experience, voluntary activities, and life situations.
Key benefits of RPL:
Empowers individuals to re-engage with education.
Creates pathways for learners to progress in careers and education.
Recognises the value of non-formal and informal learning.
The College of FET within LCETB has taken several strategic steps to implement and embed RPL effectivey.
Core Actions:
Developed a comprehensive RPL Policy and Procedure.
Ensured clear communication and access to information for learners.
Engaged staff through training and professional development.
Established a Community of Practice for sharing knowledge.
Instituted regular review and improvement cycles to refine RPL practices.
The presentation outlined the critical enablers for embedding RPL across ETBs:
Allocation of adequate resources—including staffing, time, and funding.
Several policy documents and strategies were referenced to guide and support the implementation of RPL:
QQI Green Paper on the Qualifications System (2020).
The LCETB acknowledged the contributions of national RPL advocates and stakeholders, including:
Deirdre Goggin (MTU)
Andrina Wafer (QQI)
Anne Higgins
Martina Needham (Donegal ETB)
Siobhán Murray (Donegal ETB)
RPL plays a crucial role in supporting equity, access, and progression in education. It recognises the lived experiences of learners and provides meaningful opportunities to upskill and reskill. As Ireland continues to build a more inclusive education and training system, the structured and strategic implementation of RPL is essential in realising the full potential of lifelong learning.
Photo: Kim McKenzie Doyle, CEO, The Big Idea, speaking at the ETBI National FET Conference, February 27th, 2025.
Siobhán Blaney, Head of Education, The Big Idea, speaking at the ETBI National FET Conference, February 27th, 2025.
The event featured Kim, CEO of The Big Idea, an award-winning Product Designer, and a passionate Mental Health Advocate. Kim shared her journey as a leader and her deep belief in the transformative power of creativity to drive positive change.
As the former President and current Director of the Institute of Designers in Ireland (IDI), Kim has been instrumental in shaping Ireland's innovation landscape. She also played a key role in the National Design Forum and represented both the IDI and The Big Idea on the Expert Group for Future Skills Needs, advocating for the integration of creative education to prepare young people for the future.
Kim outlined the work of The Big Idea, an initiative that empowers young people by connecting them with industry to solve real-world problems. Through this initiative, young minds are provided with hands-on, real-world learning experiences, helping them unlock their full potential while contributing to a brighter future.
Her presentation stressed the importance of fostering creativity and industry collaboration in education, which resonated deeply with attendees. Kim’s leadership at The Big Idea has shown how such approaches can make a significant impact on shaping the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers.
The session concluded with a strong message of inspiration and collaboration, leaving the audience with valuable insights on how to incorporate creativity and real-world problem-solving into educational frameworks. Kim’s work continues to serve as a powerful model for future initiatives aimed at unlocking the potential of young people.
Photo:Dearbháil Lawless, Chief Executive Officer, AONTAS, speaking at the ETBI National FET Conference, February 26th, 2025.
Presented by: Dearbháil Lawless, CEO of AONTAS
Facilitated by: Martha Bolger, Director of FET, Kilkenny & Carlow ETB
To explore how community education acts as a transformative force for individuals and communities, particularly in addressing complex social and political challenges.
Community education is a learner-centred, participatory approach to adult learning. It often focuses on:
“...community education was characterised as providing a healing space for those who had suffered adverse life experiences.” — Meyler et al. (2024)
challenge systems of domination and build inclusive communities through education.
“To build community requires vigilant awareness of the work we must continually do...” — Bell Hooks (2003)
How can community education be used to address a political or social challenge?
Participants were encouraged to connect community learning with real-world issues like:
The Lantern Project:
The Bridge Project (with DALC & RehabCare):
The Bridge Project (with DALC & RehabCare):
Stories from learners like Fiona, Michael, and Siobhain were shared, emphasising the personal impact of community education and the importance of learner-led initiatives.
The workshop concluded with an open question:
How can we work together to create positive social change through adult learning? Participants were encouraged to reflect on collaboration across sectors to strengthen community-based education and amplify the learner voice in social change efforts.
Yvonne McKenna, Director of Adult Literacy for Life at SOLAS, provided an insightful presentation on the National Adult Literacy for Life (ALL) Programme, which she oversees. Yvonne discussed her role in implementing Ireland’s 10-Year Strategy for Adult Literacy, Numeracy, and Digital Literacy, aimed at ensuring all adults can develop the essential skills needed to fully participate in society. The Adult Literacy for Life programme focuses on providing support for individuals with unmet literacy needs and promoting accessibility, encouraging organizations across Ireland to offer literacy-friendly services.
Claire O’Boyle, Numeracy Lead at SOLAS’s Adult Literacy for Life office, also shared her expertise in enhancing numeracy provision in Ireland. Claire spoke on the importance of improving numeracy skills as the country transitions into a digital economy. She highlighted her dedication to strengthening numeracy support for adults, drawing on her extensive experience at LMETB, where she developed a passion for data and adult education.
Both Yvonne and Claire brought valuable perspectives to the event, highlighting their leadership in delivering the ALL Strategy, which underpins all Further Education and Training (FET) provision. Their insights into adult literacy and numeracy were particularly valuable for conference delegates, providing a clear understanding of the sector’s vision and the essential role literacy plays in enabling adult learners to succeed.
Photo: Dara Ryder, Chief Executive Officer, AHEAD speaking at the ETBI National FET Conference, February 26th, 2025.
Photo: Erica Meslin, Education Manager, AHEAD and Fergus Craddock, ETBI Inclusion Manager speaking at the ETBI National FET Conference, February 26th, 2025.
Facilitators:
Reasonable accommodations in FET are evidence-based tools to support a more consistent learner experience for disabled learners in FET. Examples of reasonable accommodations are assistive technology, accessible texts, notes in advance, assessment accommodations, personal assistance and professional support. ETBI/SOLAS Learner Support Framework details how some supports are available to all while other supports are based on the specific need of the learner. Research in reasonable accommodations was carried out to understand the state of play, identify gaps and areas for improvement. The research found that gaps and inconsistencies were identified around policies, assessment procedures, funding, staffing differences, supports and CPD.
Associated self-review for reviewing Reasonable accommodation policy and Comms
All 16 ETBs will review their provision using the tools in 2025. AHEAD will support this in a community of practice model by sharing learning, overcoming challenges and building greater consistency
