What is Further Education and Training?

Further Education and Training provides a broad approach to learning and assessment. Qualifications at Carlow Institute include QQI, City and Guilds, ITEC. The main award offered at Carlow Institute is QQI Level 5 and 6, these awards are easily transferable and recognised on the NFQ Awards Framework, enabling access and progression within education.

KCETB has progression agreements with SETU. Also available is the Higher Education Links Scheme which for a select number of courses places and Round Zero Offers. The Higher Education Links Scheme also offers learners the opportunity to apply to Higher Education using their QQI qualification. Applications for all Higher Education courses are made through CAO. Applicants should check course links and entry requirements prior to embarking on any Further Education course of study.

Our courses cover many professional fields and are relevant to professional standards. You complete practical tasks to develop the technical, occupational skills required for work. You learn related theory and knowledge, to gain a thorough understanding of your area. You can develop wider skills including independent learning, team-working and research techniques as part of your courses.

At Carlow Institute, our courses are at Level 5 or 6 on the National Qualification Framework.

You will have many different ways to demonstrate the skills, competencies and knowledge that you develop. These include practical tasks, demonstrations, presentations, assignments, examinations, portfolios and creating items. Assessment takes place throughout the course, and you will receive regular feedback on your work with advice on how best to improve your skills.

Some courses lead to international qualifications from UK awarding bodies like ITEC, Edexcel and City and Guilds. These qualifications use UK levels, which are different to Irish NFQ levels, but the grid gives you a convenient way to compare.