Learners’ report recognises Kilkenny Carlow ETB for best practice in Adult Guidance Services

Kilkenny Carlow Education Training Board (KCETB) has been recognised for best practice in Adult Guidance Services in the annual ‘Learners’ Voices Across Ireland’ report which was launched at the AONTAS Adult Education Summit at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin last week.

Further Education and Training (FET) learners from Kilkenny, Carlow and across Ireland participated in focus groups and surveys to inform the research report which highlights overwhelmingly positive experiences of FET.

KCETB learners reported that the Adult Guidance Service were well-advertised and accessible, provided clear information on course options, and had a positive impact on their learning experiences. One learner said: “I’ve been to the Adult Guidance Centre. I felt I could go there to get help. I think the staff are absolutely brilliant. I could not recommend it enough.”

However, the report also reveals regional disparities in learning experiences due to inequalities in public transport, facilities, and inclusion and mental health supports.

Speaking at the AONTAS ‘A Window to the World’ summit, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris said: “The Learners’ Voices Across Ireland Report is an important research project which gives learners of all ages, backgrounds and areas of FET the opportunity to share their experiences and recommendations in a solutions-focused way.

“The power of adult learning, especially community education, cannot be underestimated in its potential to transform people’s lives. No matter who you are or where you’re from I’m committed to making sure there is access to the educational opportunity that you desire.”

Also speaking at the event, CEO of AONTAS Dearbháil Lawless said: “There are two principal narratives emerging from this year’s report – that education has a hugely transformative impact on learners’ lives, particularly those returning to education later in life – and that issues around local infrastructure and facilities are creating inequalities and barriers for learners across the country to access, or take full advantage of, those transformative experiences.

“For many people in Kilkenny, Carlow and across Ireland, particularly those from under-resourced communities and groups that face the greatest challenges in accessing quality education, crossing the threshold of a college or training centre is a huge step, and for many even getting to the front door is proving to be the biggest barrier. Without affordable, reliable public transport, people in rural areas and people living in poverty continue to be at a disadvantage in accessing education and training opportunities.”

In addition to public transport, learners also highlighted a need for improvement in language supports, accessibility aids, and onsite facilities such as parking, heating and canteens.