Tuesday 31st May 2022 marked a milestone for educational development in Ballincollig as Cork College of Further Education and Training’s Ballincollig Centre was officially opened by the Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr. Colm Kelleher.
Cork College of FET is the exciting new identity for Cork ETB’s Further Education and Training Services. Cork College of FET has at its core the principle of ensuring that all learners are provided with the opportunities and supports necessary for their personal and educational development and growth, that the options available support the economic development of the region, and that the pathways for learning and development provided by Cork College of FET support a truly lifelong learning experience.
Cork ETB has had a key presence as an education provider in Ballincollig for many years, providing the Youthreach service for young people, offering alternative education supports and also Coláiste Choilm, winner of the young scientist competition on numerous occasions.
Originally built in 1987 to cater for 400 pupils, it now has a student population of over 1350. Coláiste/Gaelcholáiste Choilm is in a true sense, a college for the community. Through the years it has generously placed its facilities at the disposal of many clubs and organisations, and plays host to many local, regional and national events.
Speaking at the launch, The Lord Mayor, Cllr. Colm Kelleher, congratulated Cork ETB on the opening of the newest of the Cork College of FET centres. Cork College of FET Ballincollig Centre is an important and critical service for the future development of Ballincollig and its environs. Having worked closely with Ballincollig Family Resource Centre, for many years it provided an education service in the community house in Castlepark. As Cork ETBs remit has evolved and the needs of the learners and community of Ballincollig, have grown, Cork ETB committed to further investment in education in Ballincollig with the development of the Cork College of FET centre.
The opening and further expansion of the Cork College of FET Ballincollig Centre today by Cork ETB, demonstrates the commitment to meet and provide an education for all but also to meet the fast-changing educational requirements of employers.
The community of Ballincollig will have access to year-round learning options in their local Cork College of FET centre where they can share their experience with other learners. Part-time education options will be available to allow people to re-skill or up-skill and enter a new career or provide a pathway to further study in FET or HE.
Learning opportunities will be available in flexible modes, allowing learners to study in their own time using technology wherever appropriate.
Furthermore, a variety of community education options will link to longer-term pathways within FET and beyond. Centrally learner support and guidance will be tailored to individual needs and available within the local community setting.
Cork College of FET is central to facilitating personal development, vibrant and integrated communities, and a commitment to social justice that defines Cork today. This must continue to remain a core part of its fabric. Throughout Cork ETB’s history of further education and training, it has consistently demonstrated its agility and capacity to meet rapidly changing circumstances and needs. With real innovation over the next five years, Cork ETB is a critical driver of the next phase of social and economic development.
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