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Galway and Roscommon Education and Training Board (GRETB ) is the largest provider of Further Education and Training (FET ) in the West of Ireland. In the 40 FET centres across both counties, full-time and part-time courses, apprenticeships, and traineeships are offered across a wide range of disciplines. Whether you are finishing school, looking to gain practical experience, or exploring a new career path, GRETB provides the stepping stones to help you achieve your goals. Guidance and support for your future If you are unsure where to begin, the GRETB Guidance and Information Service is there to help. This free, confidential, and professional service offers one-to-one support from qualified guidance counsellors and information officers. They will help you explore your strengths, identify your interests, and choose a route that fits your ambitions — whether that is further education, training, or employment. The service is open to anyone aged 16 and over who is not currently in formal education. It provides independent advice on courses both within GRETB and through other providers across Ireland. GRETB’s Learner Support and Inclusion Service also ensures that, as far as possible, all learners receive the support they need to fully participate and succeed in their chosen programme. Apprenticeships: Earn while you learn As the demand for skilled professionals continues to grow, apprenticeships have become a key route into rewarding and sustainable careers. These programmes combine paid, hands-on work experience with classroom-based learning, allowing you to earn while you develop valuable skills. Apprenticeships offer practical, real-world training in sectors where employers are actively seeking qualified staff. Once completed, you will have both a recognised qualification and direct industry experience — a powerful combination for future career success. Today, apprenticeships extend far beyond the traditional trades. While opportunities in electrical, plumbing, and carpentry remain strong, there are now more than 70 apprenticeship programmes across areas such as ICT, hospitality, finance, engineering, logistics, auctioneering, and biopharma — with many more in development. Tertiary degrees: A blended pathway to higher education A tertiary degree allows you to start your third-level journey within the Further Education and Training (FET ) sector and complete it in a Higher Education Institution (HEI ). These programmes combine the best of both worlds — smaller, supportive FET learning environments in the early years, followed by progression to university for the remainder of the degree. GRETB currently offers the first year of the Tertiary Access Route into the Bachelor of Science (Honours ) in General Nursing. This pathway is ideal for students who want a smoother, more supported transition into higher education while earning recognised qualifications along the way. Post-Leaving Certificate (PLC ) courses A PLC course is a one-year, full-time programme designed to help school leavers gain practical skills, academic knowledge, and work experience. Around half of the course involves hands-on learning, with a quarter dedicated to work placements. PLC courses are excellent preparation for either skilled employment or further study, and many are directly aligned with industry needs. GRETB’s PLC programmes are available at its leading Further Education colleges — Galway Technical Institute (GTI ) and Galway Community College of Further Education (GCC ). All PLC courses qualify for SUSI grants, and fees are a fraction of those in higher education, making them an affordable and accessible next step after school. 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 provides an excellent opportunity to explore your future, gain practical experience, and earn valuable qualifications. GTI offers both pre-university and career-focused courses designed to help you progress to employment, an apprenticeship, or university. Students who complete a QQI Level 5 or 6 course can apply for over 250 reserved QQI progression places at University of Galway, available on a competitive basis. GTI also offers courses in areas such as beauty therapy, hairdressing, animal care, office administration and fitness instructing. Many programmes 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 ) GCC offers a wide range of QQI-accredited Level 5 and 6 courses designed to help you move directly into employment, start an apprenticeship, or progress to 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 environment, with small classes and dedicated support for every learner. Courses feature blended learning, work experience, and fully funded Erasmus+ placements abroad. There are no CAO points required to apply for a GCC course. Upon completion, you can convert your results into up to 390 CAO points (and more for science courses ) to progress to higher education, including ATU and University of Galway programmes. Your next step starts here GRETB opens doors to countless opportunities — whether you want to qualify, learn a trade, or prepare for university. With supportive staff, modern facilities, and clear progression routes, GRETB empowers learners to grow in confidence and reach their full potential. No matter where you are on your journey, GRETB is there to help you take the next step. For more information, visit www.gretb.ie or email [email protected].
