Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim Education and Training Board has today announced the founding of a new Further Education and Training college: Sligo College of Further Education and Training (FET). Building upon the productive and mutually cooperative working relationship of Sligo College of Further Education/ Ballinode Community College, North Connaught College of Further Education and Sligo Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme this new college will bring together all entities in a major evolution of further education and training for the region.
Speaking on the announcement Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim ETB Chief Executive Mr Tom Grady said
The new college will be a vibrant, diverse and inclusive college hosting a wide range of Further Education and Training opportunities at Level 1 to Level 6 on the National Framework of Qualifications. This is an exciting development for Sligo and the wider region as Sligo College of Further Education and Training will be a college of scale and initially, home to over 600 full-time students across the three campuses in Sligo Town, Ballinode, Sligo Quay St. and Tubbercurry
The innovative FET programmes and courses offered by Sligo College of Further Education and Training will enable students and staff to meet the demands of the modern social and economic environment. The college will offer a diverse range of educational opportunities for school leavers, lifelong learners, returning learners, employers, employees, and the wider community. It will serve as a beacon of learning for the region and afford learners the opportunity for vocational, academic, employment and social progression. Sligo College of Further Education and Training will:
- be a leading centre for learning in Sligo and the West/North West of Ireland.
- be a technology-enhanced centre of excellence.
- have a robust European dimension with the Erasmus+ programme, and
- offer a range of social and sporting activities for learners.
The development will be aligned with the goals of the SOLAS Future FET: Transforming Learning, National FET Strategy 2020-2024. The college will focus on Building Skills, Fostering Inclusion and Creating Pathways.
Mr Peter Egan, Director of Further Education and Training Mayo, Sligo Leitrim ETB, commented
This is a genuine evolution in terms of educational provision in Sligo. It is an exciting and encouraging development for the region. We are confident that the establishment of this new college will not only enrich Sligo’s educational landscape but also empower learners with the vital knowledge and skills needed to thrive in today’s dynamic and fiercely competitive economic and social environment. Over the coming months, Mayo Sligo and Leitrim ETB will continuously engage and work with staff, learners and stakeholders to gather their views and agree on the best way to establish and structure the new college. The new college with showcase the expertise of our staff and provide a future-proofed, consistent, integrated and easily accessible approach to further education and training.
Mayo, Sligo Leitrim ETB has appointed David McGuinness as Principal, with David Downey and Deirdre O’Connor as Deputy Principals, of Sligo College of Further Education and Training. Fergal O’Boyle willead the provision of full-time courses in Quay Street.
