Student Success Celebrated at Awards Night in Buncrana Further Education and Training Centre

Thirty Further Education and Training (FET) students in the Buncrana area received course certificates at an Awards Night on 24 March, celebrating the exceptional achievements of students who finished NFQ Level 5 courses in 2025.

Certificates were presented by the Chairperson of Donegal Education and Training Board (ETB), Cllr Terry Crossan, across a range of courses offered in the Buncrana FET centre, one of eighteen managed by the ETB around the county.

These include Early Learning and Care Stage 1, eBusiness, Health Service Skills, Manual and Computerised Bookkeeping, Special Needs Assisting, Caring for Children with Additional Needs, Computer Skills, Irish Computer Society Driving License (ICDL) and Payroll.

The event brought together students, families, educators, and guests to acknowledge the hard work, dedication, and excellence of the students.

Former students who faced life and career changes spoke about their personal learning journeys. They outlined how their time in the Centre gave them the opportunity to develop new skills and confidence while being supported by the Centre’s teaching and support staff.

Before presenting their certificates, Donegal ETB Chairperson, Cllr Terry Crossan, spoke about the resilience and determination of the graduates. Reflecting on their educational journeys, he highlighted the challenges many students faced in returning to education as adults and praised their ability to overcome obstacles, unlock new opportunities for their futures, and rewrite their stories.

Cllr Crossan also commended the dedication of the staff who guided and empowered the students: “The certificates you hold today are more than qualifications – they are symbols of resilience, transformation, and new beginnings”, he remarked.

Graduates were encouraged to use the lessons of teamwork, self-belief, and perseverance as they embark on new paths in their careers and communities.

Donegal ETB Adult Education Officer Charles Gorney reflected on the evening, saying, “We are incredibly proud of our students and the impact our Centre and staff have made on their lives. Awards nights are always inspiring events. Not only was it an opportunity to celebrate the remarkable achievements of our students and the dedication of our staff, but it was also an event that showcased the wider societal impact Further Education and Training has on communities in the county.

“Credit needs to be given to these graduates for the dedication and commitment that they have given in completing the courses and undertaking this step in what will hopefully be a lifelong learning journey. We now look forward to seeing our students, both past and present, continue to thrive,” he added.

The event highlighted the range of courses offered in the FET Centre in Buncrana and, more widely, throughout the county by the ETB’s FET Service. Further information on courses provided in Buncrana can be found on their website course finder (www.donegaletb.ie/fetcoursefinder), or by calling the centre on 074 9362466 or emailing fetcentrebuncrana@donegaletb.ie.