Adult education

Overview

Adult education courses are designed so that you can return to education in flexible ways that take account of your particular needs and circumstances as an adult. Whether you want take part in further and third-level education or continuing education and training, there are part-time and full-time courses available to suit your individual circumstances.

You don't need formal qualifications in order to take part in the majority of full-time and part-time courses that are on offer. These include programmes like the Adult Literacy Scheme, courses for early school-leavers, opportunities to return to study for the Leaving Certificate or other examinations and a wide range of vocational training linked to business and industry.

There are some courses, however, that are generally only open to you if you have completed your secondary education. These include Post-Leaving Certificate Courses and college-based training courses for apprentices, as well as full-time and part-time third-level courses.

There is a wide range of information available on training opportunities offered by FÁS in FÁS Training Courses, FÁS Community Training Workshops, FÁS National Traineeship Programme and Statutory Apprenticeship Training.

You can also take part in skills training linked to government agencies such as Fáilte Ireland, Coillte , Teagasc and Bord Iascaigh Mhara. The Crafts Council of Ireland also runs a series of courses that may be of interest to you.

Other useful information can be found in night classes and Youthreach.