Kerry ETB was delighted to welcome Simon Harris, TD, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to meet Kerry ETB Learners, Apprentices and staff teams at Kerry College and Youthreach Tralee last Monday 20 September 2021. The Minister’s visit commenced at Tralee Youthreach, where he saw for himself the life changing impact of inclusive education strategies on a group of young people. He then continued on to Kerry College, Monavalley Campus to tour the Media Centre and Wind Turbine Maintenance Workshop and meet Apprentices. The visit ended at Kerry College, Clash Campus where he met Learners preparing for progression to Higher Education as well as direct entry to employment.
Kerry ETB further education and training provision is a blueprint for the FET College of the Future, in line with the new national strategy for the further education and training (FET) sector. The core features of the new model are flagship college campuses, like Kerry College, with hubs and satellites in the community. Learner supports from academic, IT, laptop loans, training allowances or SUSI grants, to adult guidance and psychological counselling provision, are embedded. Access for all inclusion strategies, digital learning, literacy integration and English for speakers of other languages are central to the model.
“It was refreshing yesterday to visit with students and staff at both Kerry College campuses in Tralee, as well as the town’s Youthreach Centre, where I was inspired by the students’ stories about how inclusive education had offered them hope and positivity for the future”, the Minister said.
At Kerry College Monavalley Campus the Minister was given a tour of the Media Centre and Wind Turbine maintenance workshop. “I was also delighted to learn about the incredible courses on offer at Kerry College, courses which target the demands of employers in a rapidly changing environment “As we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, we need to ensure that people have the skills they need to succeed in life, and it’s clear the Kerry ETB has produced a suite of courses to deliver exactly that for its students”, said Minister Harris.Finally, the Minister moved on to Kerry College Clash Campus .
Cllr. Terry O’Brien Leas Cathaoirleach Kerry ETB in welcoming Minister Harris stated “on behalf of Board and staff of Kerry ETB, I am delighted to welcome Minister Harris to Kerry ETB for his visit to Kerry College and Tralee Youthreach. Kerry ETB has a proud record in delivering excellent further education and training programmes driven by a tremendously committed staff team across the county. I am sure the Minister will gain valuable insights from his visit today.
