We were delighted to collaborate recently with Donegal ETB at their FET Professional Learning & Development Seminar, where over 160 employees from teachers and instructors to coordinators, guidance, management, and support teams came together to connect, share ideas, and explore key priorities in teaching, learning, and supporting learners.
The seminar provided a buzzy, friendly space for staff to discuss what matters most in FET, from inclusion and learner engagement to wellbeing, progression, and digital skills. It was a chance to learn from one another, celebrate effective practice, and spark fresh thinking across centres and programmes.
As part of the programme, we led an interactive keynote and workshop focused on transversal skills such as creativity, collaboration, communication, and problem-solving and how they can make a real difference in classrooms and community settings. Built around the challenges staff experience every day, the workshop invited participants to explore real classroom and learner-support issues and co-create simple, practical solutions.
From confidence-building routines and peer-support ideas to quick digital skills exercises and creative problem-solving prompts, staff worked together to prototype approaches they can take straight back to their classrooms and centres. The session highlighted the power of shared expertise and the impact of practical, hands-on ideas.
The energy and creativity in the room reflected a strong commitment to learner-centred practice and collaboration. The workshop also opened doors for continued professional learning and resource development, showing that innovative thinking in FET doesn’t stop at the seminar, it carries forward into everyday life.
We left the event so inspired by the insights, enthusiasm, and creativity of Donegal ETB team. The day made it clear to us that educators are not just delivering FET, they’re shaping it together, one practical idea at a time.
