We were delighted to collaborate with Donegal ETB at their recent FET professional development seminar, where more than 160 staff members came together to connect, share ideas, and strengthen teaching and learner support across the region.
Teachers, instructors, coordinators, guidance staff, management, and support teams all took part in the day. Together, they explored key priorities in further education and training (FET), including inclusion, learner engagement, well-being, progression, and digital skills.
From the outset, the seminar created a lively and welcoming environment. Participants discussed what matters most in FET today. In particular, they reflected on how to support diverse learners while maintaining high-quality, learner-centred practice.
Moreover, the event provided an opportunity to:
As a result, the atmosphere was energised, open, and solutions-focused.
As part of the programme, we delivered an interactive keynote and workshop focused on transversal skills. These included:
Importantly, we connected these skills directly to everyday classroom and learner-support challenges.
Rather than speaking in theory, we invited participants to work through real-life scenarios. Together, they co-created practical solutions that could immediately transfer back into their classrooms and centres.
Throughout the session, staff developed ideas such as:
Consequently, participants did not just discuss innovation — they actively prototyped it.
The workshop clearly demonstrated the power of shared expertise. When educators collaborate, simple ideas can generate meaningful change.
However, the impact did not stop when the session ended.
The seminar opened the door to continued professional learning and resource development. In doing so, it reinforced an important message: innovative thinking in FET does not begin and end at a seminar. Instead, it carries forward into everyday practice.
We left the event inspired by the insight, enthusiasm, and creativity of the Donegal ETB team. Above all, the day showed that educators are not simply delivering FET — they are actively shaping its future, one practical idea at a time.
