Over 50 learners honoured by Cork Education and Training Board at Awards Ceremony

Celebrations were in order recently at the Cork Education and Training Board North Cork Further Education and Training graduation evening held in Springfort Hall, Mallow.

Over 50 learners, from Adult Education Centres in Charleville, Fermoy, Millstreet, Kanturk, Mitchelstown and Mallow, were presented with Full Major QQI Awards from Levels 2, 3, 4 & 5.

Guests attending the ceremony were John Fitzgibbons, Director of Further Education & Training, Cork ETB, Nuala Glanton, Adult Education Officer for North Cork and former learner and current UCC final year student Juliette Crowley.

Speaking at the event, Nuala Glanton welcomed the recipients, along with guests, tutors and staff. She took the opportunity to congratulate all concerned, acknowledging the inspiring efforts made by all to arrive at this stage of their learning journey. She also commended all tutors and resource staff involved in bringing the recipients this far.

John Fitzgibbons, Director, commended learners and tutors for their dedication during the pandemic and outlined some of the difficulties experienced by all learners during the Pandemic. He acknowledged their commitment to ensuring various courses at all levels could be completed and praised each award recipient on their achievements. He noted that every effort was made to engage with course work, and he especially thanked recipients’ families and loved ones, who patiently supported them throughout.

Furthermore, John Fitzgibbons stressed the importance of lifelong learning in enabling learners to realise their full potential in both their personal and professional lives. He stated, “Lifelong learning is the foundation to fulfilling this and I encourage all award recipients to continue with their learning journey”.

Juliette Crowley former Cork ETB learner, currently studying at UCC, spoke passionately about her experiences returning to education, having left school without her Leaving Certificate. She spoke about how much her life has been enriched and rewarded by her learning journey. Firstly, joining Youthreach in Ballincollig after leaving school, years later building up the courage to attend the Q Centre in Mallow, where she completed her full QQI Level 4 award, progressing to complete a full QQI Level 5 Social Studies in Mallow Campus and finally to Juliette’s experience in being a fulltime student in UCC, where she is currently completing her final year in her Social Work degree.

For further information on Cork Education and Training Board and their wide range of schools, courses, and opportunities from Primary, through Post-Primary, to Further Education, see www.corketb.ie or see Cork Education and Training Board or CorkETB on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.