Events, Further Education & Training

Student Welcome Day Held at Newest Further Education and Training (FET) Centre

Posted on by Donegal ETB
Person having blood pressure checked.
10
Oct
Person having blood pressure checked.
Health and Social Care tutor Anne Tinney checking the blood pressure of FET students.

Over seventy-five students attended a student welcome day at Donegal Education and Training Board’s newest Further Education and Training (FET) Centre at Business Park Road in Letterkenny on Tuesday 10 October.

Person talking to a group who are sitting at desks.
Adult Guidance Counsellor Deirdre McLoone talks to students about mental health supports.

The theme for the day was well-being and the importance of self-care, to coincide with World Mental Health Day. Students enjoyed talks on well-being supports provided by Adult Guidance Counsellor Deirdre Mcloone and digital well-being provided by Donegal ETB’s Well-being Advocate Christina McElheney with translation provided by Liliia Derevlova for Ukrainian students.

Three people sitting on tables with outdoor equipment and banners.
Personal trainer and nutritionist Kieran O’Neill with Gartan Outdoor Education and Training Centre instructor John Boyce and Director Marty McCann at the Student Welcome Day.

Information was available on the importance of nutrition and sleep from personal trainer and nutritionist Kieran O’Neill, while Gartan Outdoor Education and Training Centre (OETC) instructor John Boyce and Director Marty McCann provided information on outdoor programmes available at Gartan OETC. Students and staff also availed of health checks, provided by Health and Social Care tutor Anne Tinney and Tertiary Nursing tutor Jacqueline Barrett.

Two people being interviewed by another on a bus.
Students Valerie Keeve (IT) and Elaine McAteer (Tertiary Nursing) were interviewed by Highland Radio’s John Breslin on his ‘Around the Northwest’ programme which was broadcast from outside the centre.

One of the highlights of the day was the broadcasting of Highland Radio’s ‘Around the Northwest’ programme from the centre to highlight the new centre and the courses available there and through the wider FET Service. Before availing of a health check himself, presenter John Breslin interviewed Adult Guidance Counsellor Mairead McFadden and students Elaine McAteer (Tertiary Nursing) and Valerie Keeve (IT) about their experience, the benefits of further education, and why others should consider going back to upskill, reskill or pursue their dream career.

Lunch and goodie bags provided on the day ensured a welcoming atmosphere for centre students and visitors from other FET centres.

The event was organised by FET Student Support staff Sarah Webster and Clare Gallagher with help from Quality Assurance, Adult Guidance and Information and FET programme staff who were delighted with the response from the wider student body.

A group of people looking at a brochure.
Some of the staff at the event – Corinna Orsi (Quality Assurance), Jacqueline Barrett (Tertiary Nursing tutor), Sarah Webster (Student Support) and Joanne Whitelock (Quality Assurance).