Back to Education Initiative (BTEI)

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What is the Back to Education Initiative?
The Back to Education Initiative (BTEI) provides part-time Further Education programmes for young people and Adults. The aim is to give people an oppurtunity to return to learning with family, work and other responsibilities

When are BTEI programmes available?
Flexibility is the key word. Programmes can be offered on a part-time basis, in the mornings, afternoons, evenings or at weekends.

What courses are available through BTEI?
Courses offered can include:
subjects in the junior or leaving certificate e.g. Junior and leaving Certificate English and Mathematics
&leisure etc. which are certified by the Further Education and Training Awards Council (FETAC)
A student can take one and up to a maximum of 5 modules in any one year. A module is considered to be roughly 40 to 80 hours. A module is considered to be roughly 40 to 80 hours.In some cases work experience may be included.

Who can take part in BTEI programmes?
Anyone who has left full-time education can take part in a course being offered in the centre, but prioity will be given to those with less than upper seconf level education

How can i join BTEI programmes?
Contact the Centre and find out what courses or modules are available.

What will a BTEI course cost?
All those with less than upper second level education are entitled to free tuition. Those who have obtained upper second level education and are in receipt of unemployment payments and means tested social welfare benefits, and holders of medical cards and their dependants are also entitled to free tuition. If either of these categories do not apply fees will be charged. 
Level 3 & 4 modules (40 hours tuition)      €75
Level 5 modules (80 hours tuition)            €150


Social Welfare and BTEI
Generally it is accepted nationally between the Department of Education & Science and Social, Community & Family Affairs that recipients of Social Welfare retain their entitlements while attending BTEI facilitated courses.
Kerry Education Service is required to confirm the details supplied by all those participating on a course delivered under the Back To Education Initiative with the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs.

How is certification achieved?
All courses offer access to certification at FETAC levels 1 to 6 through the National Framework of Qualifications. FLexible approcahes will allow you to build up credits over time and achieve recognised qualifications.

Class Size
Class size can be from 7 number to 16 approx. The smaller class size is reserved for a group where none of the participants have senior cycle secondary education. It would be rare to have a group where all or none do not have a Leaving Certificate so it would be reasonable to expect that class size would average at around 10 to 12 number.

Progressing to another KES Course
Courses delivered under the BTEI Programme are designed to prepare learners for the next level of progression (e.g. Level 4 courses are preparatory in nature to courses at Level 5).
Courses delivered under the BTEI Programme provide learners with the opportunity to go forward for a FETAC Component Award. Achievement of a component award has relevance and value in its own right. In addition learners can link Component Awards (e.g.combine modules) over a period of time and go forward for a full FETAC Certificate which is known as a Major Award.


For information on Courses delivered under the BTEI Programme, please contact the following:
Contact Details:  Marianne Marshall, BTEI Co-ordinator
Email: mmarshall@cokerryed.ie     Tel:  066 7121488

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