Kerry Education and Training Board, promoting the development of learning society in all of Kerry. 

KETB Core Values

Our core values centre on ensuring that every person has a right to access education and training opportunities to realise their potential. We will actively implement these values through our actions and behaviours.

KETB Mission

To create and promote the development of a lifelong learning society in Kerry, so that all who live there have access to the education and training required to fulfil their potential and to meet their personal, social, cultural, economic and civic needs. Click here to KETB website

Tertiary Education Routes

FE (Further Education) to HE (Higher Education) – This new scheme allows you to start your degree course in a local FE College and then progress with guaranteed access to continue your degree studies in higher education institution (University or Institute of Technology). For Example, General Nursing degree which will start for one year in a College of Further Ed (PLC) in Kerry College of Further Education and finish up in for University or Institute of Technology for 4 years. Students will not go through the traditional progression route system, to see if they get a college place from a PLC for these specific courses. They will be guaranteed access subject to passing exams.

More information and how to apply go to https://nto.hea.ie/

Colleges of Further Education- Colleges of Further Education offer post leaving cert courses that are a mixture of academic, practical, and work experience. These courses are a great option as they are designed as a step towards skilled employment and, as such, they are closely linked to industry and its needs. The courses are full-time and last for one to two years and you receive a QQI level 5 or 6.

You do not apply for these courses through the CAO. All queries go through the FET Course Hub. https://www.fetchcourses.ie/

FET Courses- FET (Further Education and Training) is for anyone who is over 16 who wants to learn new skills or enhance existing skills to get the right job, progress to third-level or to support the achievement of personal goals.

FET offers a wide variety of life-long education options, including apprenticeships, traineeships, Post Leaving Cert (PLC) courses, community, and adult education as well as core literacy and numeracy services. FET courses and programmes are provided through the Education and Training Board network throughout the country as well as through other local providers including online through SOLAS’ eCollege.

Apprenticeships – An apprenticeship is the recognised way people train in a craft trade or profession. It gives you an opportunity to combine education with hands-on experience while earning a wage. Common apprenticeships include construction, electrical, engineering, hospitality or cooking, mechanics, or IT. There are two types of apprenticeships: Craft or Professional. Craft Apprenticeships:  You can train to become a plasterer or electrician etc.  While you are training, you work with an employer learning the necessary skills and receive a wage. Most apprenticeships last 4 years. Apprentices must be at least 16 years of age and have a minimum of grade D in any five subjects in the Junior Certificate or equivalent. However, employers may require additional minimum qualifications. To apply for a place on an apprenticeship, you must first register with SOLAS https://www.solas.ie/ . Professional Apprenticeships:  NFQ Level 5 to 9 is offered through the individual industries in areas as diverse as; financial services, accounting, medical devices, software development etc.

Garda Síochana- Applications for the position of Garda Trainee are made by way of an online application process which is managed by the Public Appointments Service https://www.publicjobs.ie./en/. Applicants must be 18 but not yet 35 years of age.  For education requirements and other information check out https://www.garda.ie/en/

Qualifax- All our course information is up-to-date and searchable which means you can easily find, compare, and share your choices with a guidance counsellor, parent or anyone else who is helping you decide what’s the next right step – and at your own pace, in your own time.

The Qualifax website is designed to let you:

For more information visit their website: https://www.qualifax.ie/