BTEI (Back to Education Initiative)

The Back To Education Initiative provides part-time Further Education Programmes for young people and adults. The aim is to give people an opportunity to combine a return to learning with family, work and other responsibilities. Anyone who has left full-time education can take part in a course being offered, but priority will be given to those with less than upper second level education. Fees will not be charged for people who are in receipt of social welfare entitlements or hold medical cards.

Q. What are the objectives of The Back To Education Initiative

The overall objectives of the BTEI are:

• To increase the participation of young people and adults with less than upper secondary education in a range of flexible learning opportunities.
• A set of broadly agreed principles make explicit the values underpinning the BTEI - namely Learner Centeredness, Equality, Accessibility & Inclusiveness, Recognising & Accommodating Diversity, Innovation, Local Consultation and Quality Assurance.
• A priority of BTEI is to target the individuals and groups that experience particular and acute barriers to participation in education and are more difficult to engage in the formal learning process.

Q. Who Can Take Part In The BTEI Programme?

Anyone who has left full-time education can take part in a course being offered, but priority will be given to those with less than the Leaving Certificate. The BTEI is intended to make further education provision more accessible generally.

Q. What Courses Are Available Through BTEI?

Courses offered may include:

• Subjects at Junior & Leaving Certificate e.g. Junior and Leaving Certificate English & Maths.
• A wide range of modules such as communications, personal development, computing, business, childcare, arts & crafts, tourism, catering, sport and leisure which are certified by the FETAC (Further Education And Training Awards Council). Intensive adult literacy and basic education, which may ultimately lead to nationally, certified programmes .

The local BTEI Coordinator or Adult Education Officer will be able to advise you on specific courses available.

Q. Where can I participate in BTEI?

BTEI Programmes can run at various locations throughout Cork City depending on demand, as part of an area/community based approach.

Q. What Will A BTEI Course Cost?

Individuals will have different entitlements. Those in receipt of unemployment payments or means-tested social welfare benefits, and holders of medical cards, and their dependants, are entitled to free tuition. Other unwaged people with less than upper second level education will be entitled to a reduction in fees. The remainder will be charged fees.

Q. Will I Be Paid While Attending A BTEI Course?

Generally no, except for those students eligible for full-time Youthreach/Traveller Training Programmes who do not have an underlying social welfare entitlement. They will receive pro-rata training allowance from the Department of Education and Science, depending on the number of sessions they attend.

For people in receipt of social welfare payments, continued entitlement to benefit is subject to satisfying the Department of Social and Family Affairs as to their continued eligibility for the schemes. It is best to discuss individual circumstances with the Social Welfare Office.

Q. Will I Obtain Certification For A BTEI Course?

All course providers are required to offer national certification. However, intensive adult literacy and basic education courses may not be in a position to offer this during the first phase of the programme. It is not compulsory for participants to avail of certification. They can choose to pursue certification when they are ready.

Q. What Will I Get From Taking Part In A BTEI Programme?

Participation In Part-Time Programmes can provide opportunities to:

• Continue your learning
• Obtain National Certification
• Develop New Skills
• Pursue New Employment Options

Q. Who do I contact?Contact: For more information call 021 4273377 

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