KCETB Kilkenny and Carlow Education and Training Board
EN
EN GA
Tá an oibríocht seo á comhchistiú ag Rialtas na hÉireann agus ag an Aontas Eorpach
This operation is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union
KCETB Kilkenny and Carlow Education and Training Board
Rialtas na hEireann Government of Ireland
Co-Funded by the European Union
EN
EN GA 
Tá an oibríocht seo á comhchistiú ag Rialtas na hÉireann agus ag an Aontas Eorpach
This operation is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union

KCETB FET Learner Voice Forum

KCETB FET Learner Voice Forum

Kilkenny and Carlow Education and Training Board (KCETB) hosted a FET Learner Voice Forum on 29 April 2026 in the Ormonde Hotel, bringing together 35 learners from a range of FET centres across Carlow and Kilkenny, alongside KCETB staff. The forum was formally opened by Dr Lindsay Malone, who welcomed learners and staff and emphasised the importance of learner voice in shaping inclusive and responsive Further Education and Training (FET) provision.

The Learner Voice Forum provided learners with an opportunity to share their lived experiences of FET and to contribute directly to the development of learner supports and services. The focus of the forum included:

  • Learner supports
  • The FET learner handbook
  • What learners value most in their learning experience

The event created a safe, inclusive, and supportive space where learners could speak openly, share ideas, and offer constructive feedback.

FET learners and staff
Photograph: Patrick Browne

Director of Further Education and Training, Martha Bolger said, “The KCETB Learner Forum is a Learner Voice initiative designed to bring together adult learners from across Kilkenny and Carlow FET provision to ask their views on their FET experience. The purpose of the Forum is to ensure that FET is responsive to the needs of the region’s learners today and that we are able to respond to changing dynamics. I am grateful for the coordination of the Learner Voice under Ms Bernadette O’Rourke, Adult Education Officer.”

Learners took part in facilitated round‑table discussions, encouraging open dialogue, shared experiences, and collaborative thinking. Small group discussions supported meaningful participation and ensured that all learners had an opportunity to be heard.

The forum forms part of KCETB’s ongoing commitment to learner‑centred practice and meaningful learner engagement within FET. Feedback gathered during the Learner Voice Forum will help inform ongoing service and programme development, ensuring that learners remain at the heart of KCETB’s Further Education and Training provision.

The forum was closed by Bernadette O’Rourke, Adult Education Officer, who thanked staff for their work in supporting the event. She paid particular tribute to the learners present, acknowledging their openness, willingness to participate, and generosity in sharing their experiences, insights, and ideas throughout the day.

Skip to content