Minister Haughey presents Quality Assurance Certificate to South West Gnó Skillnet  (C.F.C.D. Teo.) at FETAC Awards Ceremony.

The Minister for Lifelong Learning, Seán HaugheyTD, presented Quality Assurance Certificates to South west Gnó Skillnet (C.F.C.D. Teo.) and 73 other education providers from around the country at an awards ceremony which took place in Clontarf Castle on Dublin's northside on the 10^th of June 2010.

With changing patterns of work and life, today more than ever, individuals are required to upskill and to undertake learning in many diverse ways and at different stages in their lives.

While the availability of flexible and part-time opportunities is a great boon to learners, it is equally important that the certification received is a quality, recognised award such as FETAC awards.

Speaking at the awards ceremony, Minister Haughey said ‘I am delighted to be here,on what is, the eve of FETAC's ninth birthday.'

'I congratulate all those receiving FETAC Quality Assurance Certificates this afternoon.'

'Well done to each and every one of you.' 'It is a great achievement.'

'As providers, you play an important role in ensuring that high quality standards are met and maintained.’

'A FETAC award represents a highly sought passport that allows access to a whole range of opportunities in employment and further and higher education, not just in Ireland but also internationally.’

Ireland and the entire global economy are currently experiencing profound change.

In addressing the challenges of this change, everyone must continue to be encouraged and provided with progression opportunities and they must be assisted to return to education and continuously upskilled and reskilled.

Minister Haughey went on to say 'In the current challenging economic climate Government has focused deliberately on upskilling and reskilling people to ensure that we are in a position to take advantage of opportunities when they emerge as our economy recovers.'

'In this regard we must continue to target and prioritise resources to maximise effect across the education sector.'

Minister Haughey paid tribute to the quality of the relationships and co-operation between providers and FETAC as an awarding body, and ultimately the most important person in the equation, the learner.

The Minister also commended the providers for both their achievement, and the invaluable work being done in the area of Adult and Further Education.

'One of the most vital contributing factors in any type of education or training is a supportive environment.’ 

'The importance of co-operation, communication and collaboration between all the relevant stakeholders cannot be overestimated.’

'I wish you all continued success for the future,' said Minister Haughey.