Learners’ Voices Take Centre Stage in Waterford and Wexford

Over 70 adult learners gathered at the Tower Hotel in Waterford City for the Waterford and Wexford regional meeting of the National Further Education and Training (FET) Learner Forum. The event provided an inclusive and welcoming space for learners to share their experiences, reflect on their learning journeys, and contribute to shaping the future of further education and training.

The National FET Learner Forum is run by AONTAS, the National Adult Learning Organisation, in partnership with SOLAS, the Further Education and Training Authority, and local Education and Training Boards. The forums place learners at the centre of conversations about further education and training and ensure that learner feedback directly informs improvements across the FET sector.

Speaking at the forum, Mary Walsh O'Shea, Adult Education Officer at Waterford and Wexford Education and Training Board, said:
“Your feedback is important to us. What you share today helps guide our planning and priorities and will influence the areas we focus on over the next 18 months. Your input also feeds directly into the work of our Learner Council, as they look at the changes and improvements we can make going forward.”

Learners spoke very positively about the opportunity to share their views and contribute to improvements in further education and training. Participants highlighted “I love that we can improve the quality of courses with our feedback and these discussions” and “Listening to us and finding solutions to our needs.” Others noted “Knowing that we all have a voice and we matter” and “I'm glad to meet new people and that we can be heard.”

Many learners valued the inclusive and engaging atmosphere of the forum. Feedback included “Inspiring, engaging and very interesting” and “Everything was well organised, and clear and easy to understand. I met lots of new people who were very interesting and nice.” Learners also highlighted “Friendly staff and lovely place” and “Friendly communication, pleasant atmosphere, coffee and cakes.”

The role of facilitators and the inclusive nature of discussions were particularly appreciated. Participants shared “Our facilitator was very inclusive and she encouraged all of our opinions” and “Very kind facilitators. A quiet place to interactively discuss all our topics.” One learner noted “I really enjoyed the interactions at my table with different cultures. Our facilitator was amazing at communicating even with those of us where English is not our first language.”

Learners also valued the opportunity to connect with others and hear a wide range of experiences. Participants commented “It was enjoyable listening to other people's experiences” and “It was lovely to meet people from other courses and to hear their opinions.” Others reflected “Listening to the shared experiences of the group.”

Many learners reflected on what they had gained from participating in the forum. Participants shared “We are all equal and we all have qualifications in life” and “We all have different experiences and different learning needs.” Others noted “The issues facing each individual in the learning process” and “There are lots of courses available in FET.”

Key themes discussed during the forum included the vital role of tutors and staff in creating supportive learning environments, as well as the value learners place on gaining new knowledge and skills across a wide and diverse range of courses.

Learners also provided constructive suggestions for improvement, including enhancing the advertising and visibility of FET courses and supports, with many noting that they had learned about opportunities through word of mouth. Participants also highlighted the need to increase the availability of courses and class hours for ESOL learners.

If you are thinking of returning to education, further information is available on the AONTAS website or through Waterford and Wexford Education and Training Board.