O’Shea Encourages People in North Cork to Explore Education and Training Opportunities at Charleville FET Centre

Cork North West TD welcomes commitment to further develop course provision, with potential for additional QQI Level 5 and Level 6 programmes in 2027

Deputy John Paul O’Shea TD has encouraged people across North Cork to explore the wide range of education and training opportunities available at Charleville Further Education and Training (FET) Centre, highlighting its important role in providing accessible learning opportunities and supporting local employment and skills development.

Deputy O’Shea said the centre provides an important resource for people wishing to develop new skills, pursue further qualifications, return to education or improve their employment prospects without having to travel outside their local area.

The Charleville FET Centre currently offers a broad range of programmes, including QQI Level 5 courses in Healthcare Support, Nursing Studies, Business Administration, Beauty Therapy and Community Health Services.

In addition, learners can access part-time courses, Adult Literacy, English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), Community Education and a range of non-accredited courses.

Deputy O’Shea said “Further Education and Training plays a hugely important role in opening up opportunities for people at every stage of life. Whether someone is leaving school, looking to change career, returning to the workforce or simply interested in developing new skills, the FET sector provides valuable pathways to education, training and employment.

“Charleville FET Centre is an important part of the education and training network in North Cork. It provides opportunities locally for people who might otherwise have to travel considerable distances to access further education.

“I would strongly encourage anyone considering further education or training to make contact with the centre and explore the programmes available. There are opportunities across a range of sectors, including healthcare, business and community services.”

Deputy O’Shea also welcomed confirmation that Cork Education and Training Board (ETB) is committed to supporting the continued development of FET opportunities in Charleville, with the centre’s future development to be considered as part of its 2027 planning process.

Subject to funding and programme allocations, Cork ETB hopes to respond to identified local education and skills needs, including the potential development of additional QQI Level 5 and Level 6 programmes, where demand and resources permit.

Deputy O’Shea continued “I particularly welcome the commitment from Cork ETB to keep the future development of Charleville FET Centre under active consideration as part of its 2027 planning process.

“There is potential to build on the existing provision and to introduce additional courses, particularly at QQI Level 5 and Level 6, where there is sufficient local demand and resources available.

“It is important that the range of courses provided reflects the needs of the local community and the employment opportunities available across North Cork and the wider region.

“Further Education and Training must remain accessible within our towns and communities. Centres such as Charleville provide an important opportunity to upskill, reskill and gain qualifications close to home, while also helping to meet the skills requirements of local employers.

“I will continue to support the development of education and training opportunities in Charleville and will be encouraging Cork ETB to build on the existing range of programmes as it plans for 2027 and beyond.”

Charleville-based Fine Gael Councillor Aileen Browne also welcomed the commitment to the continued development of the FET Centre, saying “I am delighted to see the range of opportunities currently available through Charleville FET Centre and believe it has an important role to play in supporting people throughout Charleville and the surrounding communities.

“Access to education and training locally is extremely important. It gives people the opportunity to gain new qualifications, develop their skills and improve their employment prospects without having to travel long distances.

“I would particularly welcome the introduction of additional QQI Level 5 and Level 6 courses in 2027. There is an opportunity to build on the existing provision and ensure that the centre continues to respond to the needs and interests of local people.

“I will continue to work alongside Deputy John Paul O’Shea and Cork ETB to support the development of the centre and to ensure that Charleville remains an important location for further education and training in North Cork.”

Deputy O’Shea also highlighted the significant national investment being made in the FET sector, with more than €1.236 billion allocated to SOLAS in 2026, excluding capital funding, and over €1.077 billion provided to Education and Training Boards nationwide.

He said this investment demonstrates the importance Government places on further education and training as a driver of economic growth, workforce development and stronger communities.