Minister of State at the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Marian Harkin TD, today visited Leitrim College of Further Education and Training in Carrick-on-Shannon, where she met staff and learned about the innovative programmes and learning opportunities helping people across County Leitrim and beyond to develop the skills needed for employment, further study and lifelong learning.
Leitrim College of Further Education and Training, part of Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim Education and Training Board (MSLETB), offers a comprehensive range of programmes spanning from basic adult education to QQI Level 6 awards on the National Framework of Qualifications. This includes apprenticeships, micro-qualifications, and a free professional adult guidance service available to all citizens of Leitrim.
With campuses in Carrick-on-Shannon and Drumshanbo, the College provides a broad portfolio of QQI Levels 1 to 6 programmes designed to support learners in upskilling, reskilling, progressing to higher education, and accessing employment opportunities. As a newly established college, it is committed to expanding access and strengthening its role as a key driver of educational, social, and economic development across County Leitrim. Full course details are available at www.fetchcourses.ie.
The visit included a tour of the MSLETB Digital Skills Centre, which provides flexible, accredited online training in digital literacy, foundation IT skills, Microsoft Office Specialist qualifications and IT Specialist certifications. The MSLETB Digital Skills Centre supports learners at all stages of their educational and employment journeys and plays an important role in enhancing digital skills across the region.
During the visit, Minister Harkin met staff and learned about the Digital Skills Centre’s learner-centred approach and was briefed on the opportunities and challenges facing Further Education and Training both locally and nationally. Discussions also focused on the future development of Leitrim College of Further Education and Training and its role in supporting economic and social growth across the county.
Speaking during the visit, Minister of State at the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Marian Harkin, TD, said:
“I am delighted to visit Leitrim College of Further Education and Training and the MSLETB Digital Skills Centre in Carrick-on-Shannon today. Across County Leitrim, we are seeing first-hand how Further Education and Training is transforming lives by providing accessible, flexible learning opportunities that help people gain new skills, and progress to higher education and access employment.
The MSLETB Digital Skills Centre is a prime example of how education providers are responding to the changing needs of learners and employers. Digital skills are now essential across almost every sector, and initiatives such as this ensure that people of all ages and backgrounds can participate fully in our economy and society.
I was particularly encouraged by the ambition for the future of Leitrim College of Further Education and Training, which continues to evolve and expand its offering to meet the needs of local communities and businesses. The work being done here represents a significant investment in the future of Leitrim and surrounding areas.”
Leitrim College of Further Education and Training Principal, James Hardiman said:
“We were delighted to welcome Minister Harkin to Leitrim College of Further Education and Training in Carrick-on-Shannon today and to showcase the outstanding work being carried out by our staff in supporting learners across the region.
As a newly established college, we are focused on expanding opportunities for learners, strengthening our programme offering and ensuring our provision meets the evolving needs of individuals, communities and employers.
Leitrim College of Further Education and Training is going from strength to strength, and we remain committed to providing high-quality, learner-centred education that helps people achieve their personal, educational and career goals while supporting the economic and social development of County Leitrim and the surrounding areas.”
The visit concluded with discussions on future opportunities for Further Education and Training provision in the county, including the continued development of modern learning facilities and programmes that align with emerging skills needs.
Leitrim College of Further Education and Training and MSLETB continue to work closely with learners, employers and communities to create educational opportunities that support regional development and lifelong learning across Leitrim and the wider Sligo and Mayo region. Through continued investment, innovation and collaboration, the college is committed to expanding opportunities for learners and supporting the future skills needs of the region.
