Written answers
Tuesday, 14 February 2023
Department of Education and Skills
Education and Training Provision
Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
476. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide an update on the courses now available at the Further Education and Training Centre in Archerstown, Thurles, County Tipperary; the number of students enrolled in each; if he will outline and report on the measures that he will facilitate to further develop the FET centre in Thurles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7417/23]
Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
My officials have made enquiries to the Tipperary Education and Training Board (TETB) regarding this issue.
TETB has indicated that it is envisaged that the Centre will cater for up to1,000 learners in 2023. The Centre also provides accommodation for 50 administration staff, as well as meeting and conferencing facilities for all TEBT meetings. Please see further details of courses provided and projected enrolments in the attached document.
| Apprenticeships | Course Title | Annual No. of Apprenticeships |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical | 210 | |
| Plumbing | 84 | |
| Electronic Security Systems | 24 | |
| Construction Plant | 48 | |
| Commis Chef | 8 | |
| Sales | 18 | |
| Further Education and Training | Course Title | Annual No. Of Learners |
| Specific Skills Training | Ambulance Driver C1 Licence- (light truck/large van/ambulance) | 14 |
| Bus Driving/Mini-Bus Driving (D/D1 Licence) | 16 | |
| Emergency Medical Technician (PHECC) | 8 | |
| Fruit & Vegetable Production | 14 | |
| Heavy Goods Vehicle - RIGID | 16 | |
| Horticulture - Plant Protection | 14 | |
| Horticulture - Soil Science & Growing Media | 14 | |
| Information and Communications Technology (Level 4) | 18 | |
| Manual Metal Arc Welding for Beginners | 10 | |
| MIG Welding for Beginners | 10 | |
| 134 | ||
| Skills to Advance | Advanced Phlebotomy (Employees) | 28 |
| Barista Skills & Latte Art (Employees) | 14 | |
| Building Energy Rating (BER) Assessor Training | 30 | |
| Coded Dairy Pipe Welding (Employees) | 16 | |
| Introduction to Phlebotomy (Employees) | 28 | |
| Introduction to Phlebotomy (Workforce Upskilling) | 28 | |
| Irish Natural Heritage & Culture (Tour Guiding Badge) | 24 | |
| Irish Tour Guiding (Tour Guiding Badge) | 10 | |
| MIG Welding (Workforce Upskilling ) | 8 | |
| National Tour Management (Tour Guiding Badge) | 14 | |
| Professional Cocktail Making (Employees) | 8 | |
| Professional Cookery - Hot & Cold Deserts and Puddings | 8 | |
| TIG Welding (Employees) | 16 | |
| 232 | ||
| Evening Training | Barista Skills & Latte Art | 8 |
| Bread Pastry & Desserts | 16 | |
| Coded Dairy Pipe Welding | 8 | |
| Manual and Computerisied Payroll - QQI Level 6 | 30 | |
| Manual Metal Arc Welding | 8 | |
| Painting & Decorating/Floor & Wall Tiling | 10 | |
| Pastry, Baking & Desserts | 8 | |
| Pastry, Baking and Desserts | 8 | |
| TIG Welding | 16 | |
| TIG Welding for Beginners | 20 | |
| 132 |
Over €5 million has been invested in the expansion of the Archerstown Training Centre from 2018 to date. The Archerstown Centre has been developed over four phases and this has been primarily in response to the demands of the local economy, SOLAS and the student population.
The four phases of development are as follows:
- The first phase of development was in response to a request from SOLAS to provide facilities for the training of five classes of Electrical Apprentices; one class of Electronic Security Services Apprentices and support services of Administrative staff and Instructors.
- The second phase of development involved the provision of training for Construction Plant Fitting classes of apprentices, as well as contracted training under Skill Specific Training initiatives.
- The third phase of development was carried-out in response to a request from SOLAS for provision of a Commis Chef Apprenticeship training facility.
- The fourth phase of development progressed the training of Plumbing Apprentices with supporting welding facilities. Additionally, it developed appropriate storage facilities for Apprenticeship training; day courses under contracted and Skills to Advance, as well as Evening Training.
The fifth phase of development has just commenced. It is expected that this will include the expansion of the canteen; an instructor/tutor office space; four additional classrooms; changing facilities and a storage area.
It is envisaged that the additional classrooms will enable TETB to collaborate with Mary Immaculate College on the Home Economics programme and the Sale Apprenticeship course, as well as provide further pathways for progression.
In 2022, a Horticulture area was added to the Campus. TETB is also progressing the need for additional parking facilities.Other future developments will be considered in light of stakeholders' requirements.
No comments