Last week 82 adult learners from Galway and Roscommon gathered at the Connacht Hotel in Galway City for a regional meeting of the National Further Education and Training (FET ) Learner Forum. The event offered a platform for learners to share their experiences, discuss their learning journeys, and contribute to shaping the future of further education in Ireland.
The National FET Learner Forum is a collaborative initiative led by AONTAS, the National Adult Learning Organisation, in partnership with SOLAS, the Further Education and Training Authority, and local Education and Training Boards. Throughout 2025, hundreds of learners from across Ireland will take part in regional forums, offering valuable insights into the experiences of adult learners nationwide.
Speaking about the forum, Brenda Ivers, Adult Education Officer from Galway and Roscommon Education and Training Board (GRETB ) said: "The forum allowed learners an invaluable space to share their thoughts, experiences and perspectives, which will influence policies and practices. The large attendance combined with the geographical and service spread of learners, allowed for broad perspectives of both individual and collective voices to be heard, representing the diversity of education and training opportunities within GRETB.”
Facilitators at the event noted that learners were highly positive about their courses and the opportunities provided by GRETB. Many learners shared their appreciation for the diverse mix of participants in the classes, as well as the opportunity for local and migrant communities to come together. Migrant learners in the Gaeltacht areas expressed their enjoyment of learning Irish, while some also highlighted a demand for additional English classes.
If you are thinking of going back to education, you can find further information on the AONTAS website. You can also check out the range of programmes available at the Galway and Roscommon Education and Training Board on their website.
