Galway and Roscommon Education and Training Board (GRETB ) is the largest provider of Further Education and Training (FET ) in the West of Ireland, with 37 FET centres across both counties.
Whether you are finishing school, looking to gain practical experience, or considering a new career path, GRETB provides clear pathways to help you take the next step towards your goals.
Flexible learning options to suit you
GRETB offers a range of learning options to support different goals, commitments, and stages of life.
· Full-time learning: structured programmes designed to support progression to employment, apprenticeships, further education, or higher education.
· Part-time and flexible learning: courses that help learners gain new skills, qualifications, or personal development opportunities while balancing work, family, or other commitments.
· Informal community learning: local courses that support lifelong learning, personal development, wellbeing, social inclusion, and the opportunity to try new interests in a welcoming setting.
· Financial supports: depending on your personal circumstances and eligibility, you may be entitled to financial support while taking part in learning. GRETB staff can advise you on the options available and help you understand your eligibility.
Guidance and support for your future
If you are unsure where to begin, the GRETB Guidance and Information Service can help. This free, confidential service offers one-to-one support from qualified guidance counsellors and information officers.
The team can help you explore your strengths, identify your interests, and choose a pathway that fits your ambitions, whether that is further education, training, or employment. This service is open to anyone aged 16 and over, who is not currently in formal education, and provides independent impartial advice on local and national courses.
GRETB’s Learner Support and Inclusion Service also helps ensure that, as far as reasonably possible, learners receive the support they need to participate fully and succeed in their chosen programme.
Full-time options
Apprenticeships: Earn while you learn.
Apprenticeships are a practical route into rewarding and sustainable careers. They combine paid, hands-on work experience with classroom-based learning, allowing you to earn while you develop valuable skills.
These programmes provide real-world training in sectors where employers are actively seeking qualified staff. On completion, learners gain a recognised qualification along with direct industry experience.
Apprenticeships now extend well beyond the traditional trades. Alongside opportunities in areas such as electrical, plumbing, and carpentry, there are more than 70 apprenticeship programmes across sectors including ICT, hospitality, finance, engineering, logistics, auctioneering, and biopharma, with more in development.
Tertiary Degrees: A blended pathway to higher education
A tertiary degree allows you to begin your third-level journey within your local Further Education and Training centre, and progress to complete it in a Higher Education Institution. This route offers the support of a smaller FET learning environment in year one, followed by progression to university for the remainder of the degree.
GRETB currently offers tertiary access routes in nursing and a tertiary degree in software and technology. Learners begin Year 1 locally with GRETB in a supportive Further Education and Training setting, then after successfully completing Year 1, progress to Atlantic Technological University (ATU ) to complete the remaining years of their degree.
Tertiary access routes:
· BSc (Hons ) in General Nursing: Delivered in both Boyle, Co. Roscommon and Oughterard, Co. Galway, learners progress to the BSc (Hons ) in General Nursing Studies at ATU Castlebar.
· BSc (Hons ) in Mental Health Nursing: Delivered in Oughterard, Co. Galway, learners progress to the BSc (Hons ) in Mental Health Nursing Studies at ATU Castlebar.
· BSc (Hons ) in Intellectual Disability Nursing: Delivered in Boyle, Co. Roscommon, learners progress to the BSc (Hons ) in Intellectual Disability Nursing Studies at ATU St Angela’s, Sligo.
Tertiary Degree:
· BSc (Hons ) in Software and Technology: Year 1 is delivered in Galway Technical Institute, Year 2 to Year 4 are delivered in ATU Galway.
These routes are designed to make higher education more accessible by offering flexible study options, local learning centres, and a clear progression pathway into degree-level study, they are independent of the CAO with no points requirements.
Post-Leaving Certificate (PLC ) Courses
A Post-Leaving Certificate (PLC ) course is a one-year, full-time programme designed to help school leavers gain practical skills, academic knowledge, and work experience. These courses involve hands-on applied learning, with dedicated work placements to ensure learner's gain real word experience and skills.
PLC courses can support progression to skilled employment or further study and are directly aligned with industry needs. GRETB’s PLC programmes are available at Galway Technical Institute (GTI ) and Galway Community College of Further Education (GCC ).
Galway Technical Institute (GTI )
Located in the heart of Galway city, Galway Technical Institute (GTI ) is one of Ireland’s leading colleges of Further Education. With over 30 years of experience, GTI has a strong reputation for delivering high-quality, industry-focused training that prepares learners for work or higher study.
A one-year course at GTI offers learners the chance to gain practical experience, earn valuable qualifications, and prepare for employment, an apprenticeship, or university. Students who successfully complete a QQI Level 5 or 6 course can apply for over 250 reserved QQI progression places at the University of Galway, available on a competitive basis.
GTI offers courses in areas such as Beauty Therapy, Hairdressing, Animal Care, Office Administration, and Fitness Instructing. Many programmes also include work placements, Erasmus+ opportunities, and practical projects to build real experience. GTI welcomes both school leavers and mature learners who wish to retrain or upskill.
Galway Community College of Further Education (GCC )
Galway Community College of Further Education (GCC ) offers a wide range of QQI-accredited Level 5 and 6 courses designed to support progression to employment, apprenticeships, or higher education.
Courses are available in areas such as Business and Secretarial Studies, Computer Science and Creative Media, Film, Music and Theatre, Early Learning and Healthcare, Sport, Science, Engineering, and Horticulture.
GCC provides a friendly and inclusive learning environment, with small classes and dedicated support for every learner. Courses feature blended learning, work experience, and fully funded Erasmus+ placements abroad. No CAO points are required to apply for a GCC course. On completion, learners can convert their results into up to 390 CAO points, and progress to higher education, including ATU and University of Galway programmes.
Your next step starts here
GRETB opens doors to a wide range of opportunities, whether you want to gain a qualification, learn a trade, or prepare for university. With supportive staff, modern facilities, and clear progression routes, GRETB helps learners grow in confidence and reach their full potential.
No matter where you are on your journey, GRETB is here to help you take the next step. For more information, visit www.gretb.ie or email [email protected].
