Civic Centre FREE COURSES

If eligible
Main Street
• for VTOS
Bray • for BTEI

Phone: (01) 5242796 / 0871666074

Email: baec@kwetb.ie
Web: www.baec.ie / www.kwetb.ie
 Welcome This centre is a Further Education & Training Centre and is part of Kildare &
Wicklow ETB.

WELCOME
to Bray
Adult
Education
Centre
What marks this centre out is it’s a VTOS centre, the only VTOS centre in Bray and
north Wicklow.

But what’s VTOS?

VTOS is The Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme. It offers people on

payments from DEASP the chance to take on a full-time course fully supported by
the state.

With VTOS, the ETB takes over the Job Seekers claim and pays it for the length
of the course. The maximum time allowed is two school years. This includes the
summer between the first year and the second year.

While people are on VTOS, they don’t have to be actively seeking work. Instead
they’re trying to get the skills needed to find better work than they’ve had before.

People on Disability Allowance, Illness Benefit and One Parent Family Payments
can get VTOS support too. It’s also available for people in Credits and for Dependent
Spouses of DEASP claimants. Normally you need six months on your claim to
qualify.

Some other features of VTOS

● Free Education / Training

● Childcare support
● All courses are fully certified.
● The courses are one-year long, so you can do two in your VTOS time if
you want to.

● All normal DEASP entitlements still apply (Medical Card, rent assistance,
childcare assistance, Fuel Allowance, etc.).

AND

If you’ve been made redundant and are on Job Seeker’s Benefit for
nine months, you don’t have to wait. You’re immediately eligible for
VTOS and your nine months is frozen until your VTOS time is finished
– even if that’s two years later.

All in all, VTOS takes care of you. It makes sure you have the time and space you
need to get the best out of your learning opportunity.

Bray Adult Education Centre is part of Kildare & Wicklow ETB. All around Ireland
the ETBs provide a wide range of learning opportunities for people of all ages. The
ETB tradition goes right back through the history of the state. KWETB is playing its
part in modern Ireland to ensure that the people of Bray and north Wicklow are well
supported in their efforts to learn for life and develop the skills for work that help
them to live fulfilled lives.
Our Full Time Courses

COMPUTERS
We recognise that computers are everywhere nowadays. It’s hard to live at all Course 1:
without some ability to use them. But we also recognise that not everyone can use
them.
Computers
We’re here to help you make the big change. In nine months, you’ll be comfortable
using the computer for a wide range of different life skills.
for
Beginners
This course teaches you how to use computers in everyday life. It’s both for work and Near-
and for all those other parts of modern life that make computers useful, even
necessary. Beginners

View of Bray Head from a computer room

The subjects covered in this course include:

● Computer Literacy

● Word Processing

● Internet Skills

● Communications

● Mathematics

● Career Preparation

● Personal Effectiveness

The name of the award on offer is: Employability Skills [QQI code 3N0935]
 Course 2: Working in a modern workplace requires strong computer skills and being
comfortable with the Internet. This Level 5 course gives students all the skills

e-BUSINESS
e-Business
they’ll ever need. The focus is on making sure the students are ready for more or
less anything.

There’s breadth and depth in this programme. A wide range of skills is offered
but each one of them is covered thoroughly. In nine months the students are
comfortable communicating on-line by using many computer applications. They
can also design their own web sites and present their work using correct software
in the correct way.

Above all, what this course gives its students is the confidence to go out and get a
great job – but also the competence to do that job well.

A well-equipped computer room

The subjects covered in this course include:

● Web Authoring

● e-Business Studies

● Word Processing

● Spreadsheet Skills

● Database Skills

● Communications

● Work Experience

● Full ECDL

● Presentation Software

The name of the award on offer is: e-Business [QQI code 5M0828]
 Course 3:

COMPUTER SYSTEMS
This is a hands-on computer maintenance course. It’s for those who want to
become trained in how to repair, improve, maintain and network a computer.

Students learn what’s inside the computer. This part of the IT industry is for Computer
specialists. The skills on offer here are in big demand.
Systems &
The main certification from this programme is the CompTIA A+ qualification. Networks
This has very wide recognition in the industry. It can be an immediate passport to
employment or a stepping-stone to higher learning in computing.

& NETWORKS
In addition, using the two-year structure of VTOS, the course allows the student to
gain a QQI Major Award within the Irish system

The view from inside

The subjects covered in this course include:

● CompTIA A+

● Computer Systems Hardware

● Operating Systems

● Work Experience

● Mathematics for Computing

● Web Authoring

The name of the award on offer is: Computer Systems & Networks [QQI code
5M0536]
SKILLS for WORK
Course 4: Getting prepared to go back into work after an absence can be daunting. This
course is the ideal way to do it.

Skills for The course is a package of workplace skills that can be used in almost any job.
Work In nine months the students on this course will be ready for anything. They’ll also
have the opportunity to take a second course with us in a more specialised area.

SE
This course is a real confidence-builder.

UR
W CO
NE

A clean & well-equipped classroom

The subjects covered in this course include:

● Career Planning

ITY
● Workplace Safety

UN
● Customer Service
PPORT
O
NEW
● Mathematics

● Communications

● Personal Effectiveness

● Computing (including Spreadsheets)

● Work Experience

The name of the award on offer is: Employment Skills [QQI code 4M0857]
This is a full-time English course. It is designed to give students the opportunity Course 5:
to develop their skills in English and it prepares them for work.

English is one component of this course. Business English is another, and English

ENGLISH
Communications is another. These three components offer all the most important
opportunities to improve the standard of English. But the programme has more. It
also offers computer skills and skills to help students as they learn to use their
English in typical work situations.

This is more than an English course. After nine months the choice will be either to
get a job or to stay for a second year in another programme. Whichever option is
chosen, English will no longer be a problem.

The subjects covered in this course include:

● English as a Second Language

● Business English

● Communications

● Career Planning

● Team Working

● Customer Service

● Mathematics

● Work Experience

● Workplace Safety

The name of the award on offer is: Employment Skills [QQI code 4M0857]
 Course 6: This is a chance to develop the basic skills needed to make progress in Art.
Everyone has an artistic side. This course is for those who have never really had
the chance to explore theirs.
Creative
CRAFTS & DESIGN
Arts, Crafts Students explore ideas and skills through 2D work and 3D sculpted pieces.
CREATIVE ARTS,
& Design After nine months, every student will have a collection of work crossing over
for many disciplines in Art, Crafts and De-sign plus the opportunity to participate in
exhibitions.
Beginners
and Near- An added bonus is the opportunity to learn how to market completed Art works.
Beginners No experience is necessary for this programme.

Pottery waiting for the glaze

The subjects covered in this course include:

● Drawing

● Ceramics

● Art & Design

● 2D and 3D Mixed Media

● Desktop Publishing

● Personal Effectiveness

● Mathematics

● Marketing

The name of the award on offer is: Employability Skills [QQI code 3M0935]
 CREATIVE CRAFT
Those who complete the first year of Creative Arts, Crafts & Design with us are Course 7:
offered a more advance programme.

Newcomers with previous experience may also wish to apply for this programme. CREATIVE
This is an opportunity to develop existing skills and progress towards professional
CRAFT
or higher educational achievements. Advanced
Arts, Crafts
& Design

Works in Progress: recent paintings by students

The subjects covered in this course include:

● Drawing

● Painting

● Design Skills

● Textiles

● Entrepreneurial Skills

● Sculpture

● Work Experience

● Team Working

● Appreciation of Art, Crafts & Design

● Print Making

● Communications

The name of the award on offer is: Creative Craft [QQI code 5M1981]
Course 8: This course opens doors to those who want a career in Healthcare.

HEALTHCARE SUPPORT
Healthcare
Support
Healthcare is a growth industry in this country. Locally, jobs are plentiful.

The course involves 18 hours in class per week plus two full days in a Healthcare
facility for hands-on experience and training.

The students on this course are known for the depth of their understanding and the
high quality of their care skills.

Civic Centre location: learning in the heart of town

The subjects covered in this course include:

● Care Support

● Care of the Older Person

● Care Skills

● Activities of Living Patient Care

● Safety & Health at Work

● Communications

● Nursing Theory & Practice

● Work Experience

The name of the award on offer is: Healthcare Support [QQI code 5M4339]
This is a course leading to a full award in the area of Special Needs. It is much Course 9:
more than the standard Childcare course. It is a Childcare specialism leading to
excellent employment opportunities.
Special
Childcare remains a growth industry. Special Needs is receiving increasing sup-
port. So demand for the skills on offer here is high.
Needs in
Childcare

SPECIAL NEEDS
This course opens many doors.

IN CHILDCARE
One full day every week in a Childcare facility (such as a crèche) is part of this
programme. Invaluable experience and training is delivered in this way.

The view to the north-west

The subjects covered in this course include:

● Children with Additional Needs

● Special Needs Assisting

● Child Development

● Early Care & Education Practice

● Child Health & Well-being

● Early Childhood Education & Play

● Communications

● Work Experience

● 1st Aid Response

● Communications

The name of the award on offer is: Early Childhood Care & Education [QQI
code 5M2009]
 Course 10: In this Level 6 programme participants will get training in inclusion. They will

EDUCATION & SUPPORT

develop special skills to enable people who are often excluded to overcome the
barriers and take part in formal learning and in work.
Inclusive
Education Students will acquire the knowledge, skills and competencies to implement best
practice in a range of caring and educational environments. They will learn
& to help others, both children and adults, overcome the barriers in education and
Training workplaces.
NEW - INCLUSIVE

This will be the passport to employment. Where learning meets social care, skilled
people are needed. Our successful participants will be ideal candidates for the

E
many jobs in:

RS
OU
- Preschools

C
NEW
- Primary schools

- Secondary schools

- Public and Private health sectors for adults and children with disabilities

ITY
TUN
POR
OP
NEW
The subjects covered in this course include:

● Inclusive Education Practice

● Disability Awareness

● Differentiated Learning & Instruction

● Work Experience

● Communications

● Special Needs Assisting

● Learning Difficulty Awareness

● Assistive Technology

The name of the award on offer is: Inclusive Education and Training [QQI code
6M2263]
Our Part Time Courses
This course is funded by the Back to Education Initiative (BTEI). Only eligible Course 11:
applicants may participate [see P.18]. Please talk to us at Reception about eligibility.

It’s true that computers are everywhere nowadays and it’s hard to live without some Part-Time
ability to use them. But for some people, taking on full-time learning is not possible.
Computing
This course provides a perfect nine-month opportunity to make a huge move. You for

COMPUTING
can go from little or no computer skill to being very comfortable using a computer. Beginners
and Near-

PART TIME
This course teaches you how to use computers in everyday life. It’s both for
work and for all those other parts of modern life that make computers useful, even Beginners
necessary.

The subjects covered in this course include:

● Computer Literacy

● Word Processing

● Internet Skills

● Communications

● Mathematics

● Career Preparation

● Personal Effectiveness

The name of the award on offer is: Employability Skills [QQI code 3N0935]
 Course 12: This course is funded by the Back to Education Initiative (BTEI). Only eligible
applicants may participate [see P.18]. Please talk to us at Reception about eligibility.

Part-Time This is a Level 4 programme. If you can use a computer already but have no
certificates, this might suit you very well.
Computing
for the The emphasis is on the most important computer applications: Word Processing,
Experienced Spreadsheets and Database. Some IT theory is also included so you can learn
about the machine you’re using as well as knowing how to operate it.
User
It’s not necessary to be an advanced computer user for this course. Just some
COMPUTING
normal ability to use a PC or a laptop will be plenty.
PART TIME

A typical computer room

The subjects covered in this course include:

● IT Skills

● Computer Applications

● Word Processing

● Spreadsheets

● Mathematics

● Communications

The name of the award on offer is: Information & Communication Technology
Skills [QQI code 4M0855]
This course is funded by the Back to Education Initiative (BTEI). Only eligible Course 13:

WORKSHOP CRAFTS
applicants may participate [see P.18]. Please talk to us at Reception about eligibility.

This course is a nice combination of Level 4 and Level 5 subjects. It mainly Part-Time
focuses on wood crafts.
Workshop
This is suitable for people with an interest in crafts. It’s a very hands-on course. Crafts
The opportunity to exhibit is built into this programme.

PART TIME
The subjects covered in this course include:

● Wood Turning

● Wood Carving

● Marquetry & Inlay

● Technical Drawing

All subjects are accredited by QQI. Certificates at Levels 4 and 5 are on

offer.
PART TIME COMPUTER
Course 14: This course is funded by the Back to Education Initiative (BTEI). Only eligible
applicants may participate [see P.18]. Please talk to us at Reception about eligibility.

Part-Time This is a chance to learn about programming and programming languages.

Computer
Students will learn about programming that has already been developed and they
Programming will also learn to construct reliable software of their own. They will learn to test this
software before use.
PROGRAMMING
Industry standards are at the heart of this programme.

This is a part-time option. It can open doors to work in this field or lead to further
studies.

RSE
COU
NEW ARTS
ST Y 2021
U AR
JAN

The name of the award on offer is: Programming Design Principles [QQI code
5N2927]
FUNDING: VTOS (full-time) or BTEI (part-time)
V.T.O.S ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
YOUR PASSPORT TO THE FUTURE
Courses are available at NFQlevels 3,4 and
Q. What is the Vocational Training 5.
Opportunities Scheme (V.T.O.S)?
A. The vocational Training Opportunities Sceme is Courses are of one and two years duration.
a special range of courses designed to meet the Courses are tailord to suit both those
education and training needs of unemployed seeking accreditation and those who are
people. making the sometimes difficult re-entry into
Q. What are the aims of the Scheme? the education system.
A. The aims of the Scheme are:
Financial support with childcare is available
a) To give unemployed people education and
training opportunities which will develop their for parents who wish to return to learning
employability on VTOS.
b) To prepare people to go to paid employment
or further opportunities leading to paid We encourage and assist our learners to
employment develop their own learning approaches.

Q. Can I join the Scheme? All courses are certified.

A. You can apply to join if you are:
a) Aged 21 or over Courses are designed to offer major awards
b) on a jobseekers payment signing for Credits for in nine months. The delivery is modularised,
at least six months with the first half completed in full before
c) receiving a One-Parent family payment or the second half commences.
certain other DSP payments
Q. What will it cost me? The BAEC also has a number of Part-Time
A. Courses are provided free of charge Courses funded by the Back to Education
• You will receive a payment equal to your Initiative. Please ask for information if these
social welfare entitlement had you stayed on the would better suit your needs.
live register (Lone Parents and people on disability
allowance will continue to draw their payments DISCLAIMER: Kildare-Wicklow ETB reserves the right to
close a class, vary the times or make other changes for
in the normal way from the Department of Social any reason which it deams necessary.
Protection.)
• You will get travel (for distance of 3 miles) and
meals allowance
• You will be given books and materials free of
charge
Q. What does the programme involve?
A. Courses are full time. Courses last up to two
years. Courses include a wide range of subjects
and activities.
Q. What opportunities will V.T.O.S. offer me?
A. • The chance to get an education suitable for an Employment: computing,
adult leading to a Major Award at Level 3,4 or 5 on office work, arts/crafts etc.
the NFQ. Vocational Training
Opportunities Scheme Level 6 in PLC (e.g.
• The chance to seek better quality employment at Bray Institure of Further
with confidence in my new skill certificates. Bray Adult Education
Education
Centre
• The chance to make the move into Higher
Higher Education:
Education, to gain a degree or national diploma Degree courses at UCD,
that can secure my future. Trinity, DIT, NCAD etc.
 Part-Time Bray Adult Education Centre is a core VTOS centre. Most of its courses are full-time.
PART TIME LEARNING / BACK
But some part-time options are also offered.
Learning:
The part-time options are funded by The Back to Education Initiative (BTEI).
TO EDUCATION INITIATIVE
The Back to BTEI is here to give individuals the opportunity to combine a return to learning with
family, work and other responsibilities.
Education
Initiative Eligibility
[BTEI] The participants eligible for free tuition are people (or their dependants) who:

● have less than upper-second level education

or
● are getting a Jobseekers payment or means-tested DEASP payment

or
● are getting Working Family Payment (Family Income Supplement)

or
● have a medical card

or
● are eligible for VTOS or Youthreach.

If you are getting a social welfare payment, you may keep your payment and
participate in BTEI as long as you continue to satisfy the conditions attached to your
payment. If you are getting a jobseeker’s payment you will need to apply for the
Part-Time Education Option.

The view to the north - DEASP office from the centre

Our students are well supported by the FREE adult Guidance service. Adult
This service operates at 1A Brennan’s Parade (on Albert Avenue). Guidance
Service

ADULT GUIDANCE
The Guidance Officer is a frequent presence in Bray Adult Education Centre.

Are you considering doing a course or changing your

career, do you need guidance?

SERVICE
It may help to discuss your thoughts & concerns with a
Guidance Counsellor
We Provide:
• One-to-one career/educational guidance
to help people make informed life
choices.
• Information on all local and national
courses.
• CV preparation and interview skills.
• Student application procedures for
colleges.
• Information and advice on education
grant, rights and entitlements.

The service is:
• Free
• Friendly
• Professional
You can contact us:
1 Brennans Parade, Bray, Co. Wicklow
Tel: 01 276 4638
email: guidancebray@kwetb.ie
www.kwetb.ie
www.facebook.com/wicklowadultguidance
 Kildare & Wicklow Education and Training Board
Key Information:
Naas: KWETB Offices Wicklow: KWETB Offices
Aras Chill Dara Church Street
Devoy Park Wicklow Town
Naas, Co. Kildare Co. Wicklow

Tel. 045 988000 Tel. 0404 60500

Fax. 045 879916 Fax. 0404 62556
e-mail: admin@kwetb.ie e-mail: admin@kwetb.ie

European Union
Investing in your future
European Social Fund
Co-funded by the Irish Government and the European Social Fund as part of the ESF Programme for Employability Inclusion and Learning 2014-2020

Phone: (01) 5242796 / 0871666074

Email: baec@kwetb.ie Web: www.baec.ie / www.kwetb.ie