Continuing Professional Development for Teachers and Trainers Working in Adult Education and Training

In-service support and training is administered by the Further Education Support Service and a grant to the Education and Training Boards is provided towards training in the specific programmes. In addition, support is provided through a number of professional and non-governmental organisations specialising in areas such as literacy and guidance etc.

Qualifications requirements for appointment as adult education organisers, co-coordinators and managers employed by the ETBs are growing. For example, the NALA/WIT Higher Certificate in Arts in Adult Education (NFQ Level 6) or equivalent qualification is part of the criteria for appointment as an Adult Literacy Organiser. Community Education Facilitators must have a qualification of at least national certificate standard in order to meet the recruitment criteria. Adult Education Officers are required to hold qualifications recognised for the purposes of appointment as teachers in post-primary schools. Adult education guidance counsellors must undertake an appropriate one year full-time post-graduate programme.