Workplace Education
Skills for Work is a national workplace education programme aimed at providing training opportunities to help employees deal with the basic skills demands of the workplace. The initiative is funded by the Irish Government under the Department of Education and Skills, and delivered by the newly formed Education & Training Boards (ETB) across the country. The project is managed nationally by Dublin & Dún Laoghaire ETB.
A Skills for Work course:
May include a variety of subjects which support the educational needs of the employee.
Is offered on company premises where possible, the local ETB Adult Education Centre, or an alternative convenient location.
Is designed and delivered in a flexible and adaptable way to meet the needs of the employer and employee.
Programmes are of 35 hours duration
Sessions are usually 2 – 3 hours long and can be arranged for mornings, afternoons or evenings
Participants may be released from work to participate in SFW programmes.
Most offer free nationally recognised certification.
There are no tuition fees.
What are the aims of a Skills for Work programme?
Promote an ethos of lifelong learning in the workplace
Contribute towards the creation of a well educated and highly skilled workforce
Raise the competency level of employees with low levels of educational qualifications
Develop initiatives to enhance employees communication and basic IT skills
Enable employees to cope with frequent and ongoing changes in work practices
Who can access the Skills for Work programme?
Employers:
In the private sector
Willing to promote the SFW Programme
With employees who need to improve their core skills
With a need to upskill their existing workforce
Creating a learning environment for their employees
Employees:
Over 18 years of age and not in full-time second level education
In part-time or full time employment
With work skill needs
With few, out-dated or no educational qualifications
Willing to take part on a voluntary basis
With a desire to improve
With their employer’s support
The Skills for Work Co-ordinator for Kerry ETB is Ger Ferris, his contact details can be found here.
