Admission
A range of Admissions Policies for Kerry ETB colleges/centres have been developed over time. These policies set out the type of information given to learners about the course:
- Entry requirements
- Selection criteria
- Programme content and duration
- Award details and requirements
- Fees, grants and allowances
It is the intention of Kerry ETB to have a single admissions policy and a uniform procedure for FET provision. The Programme Governance Board will place a particular focus on policy and procedures relating to programme admission.
- a) For current validated programmes, programme access criteria would form the basis of course minimum entry requirements. Colleges/centres will publish entry criteria setting out:
Minimum requirements for general learning
The Qualification that will be accepted as indicating that the general learning requirements are met.
Minimum discipline-specific learning requirements
The subject related qualifications that will be accepted as indicating that the minimum discipline-specific learning requirements are met.
Minimum language proficiency requirements
The course entry requirements will reference the language through which the course is being delivered, and what evidence is required from applicants who are non-native speakers to demonstrate language proficiency.
- b) Specific programme entry requirements will be detailed in validated programme documentation for new programmes
The QA Unit will support the development of the single admissions policy and uniform procedure for FET provision. Admission reports will be drawn up at centre level following each new cohort of learner admission. Information on non-standard entries, qualifications and comments on induction and/or admission processes will form part of the report. Data on course admissions will inform the development and improvement of quality assured admission processes.
Applications for Kerry ETB Programmes (with the exception of Apprenticeship Programmes) are recorded on a single uniform Learner Record Form or are completed electronically by the applicant through fetchcourses.ie . The application process and recording of same for Apprenticeship programmes is through a National registration process managed by SOLAS.
Transfer
Opportunities to transfer to and from one programme to another programme offering certification at the equivalent level currently exists. Details regarding specific transfer arrangements associated with a given programme are generic as opposed to programme specific and Kerry ETB is mindful of the fact that knowledge, skill and competence acquired in a particular programme context/field of learning may not necessarily transfer to a different programme context without additional learning. Currently centre managers determine whether the knowledge, skill and competence previously acquired through a particular programme is transferable without additional learning (e.g. determining transferability of credits). All new programmes detail the transfer of credits and it is the intention of Kerry ETB to clarify the transfer of credits that apply to all validated programmes. The programme module credits that will transfer to a named programme without additional learning will be defined.
Progression
Kerry ETB reports annually on the outcomes for learners using the Funding Allocation Requests and Returns (FARR) system. Centre managers hold the responsibility for tracking learner progression:
a) Reporting on year of completion
b) Recording the progression status of learners post course completion
A particular focus has now been placed on learner progression through the governance system. Data relating to progression will feed forward to both programme development and programme improvement. The Programme Governance Board will review consolidated reports on learner progression for wider planning and programmatic review; specifically, to inform changes to admission and induction processes
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Kerry ETB has made advances in the recognition of prior learning, including prior experiential learning. Because of the progress which has been made in this area Kerry ETB is now operating under the following QA Policy and Procedures for the Recognition of Prior Learning.
Complaints
Kerry ETB has also made advances in setting out a formal Complaint Procedure. Complaints provide an important source of feedback on the performance of the Kerry ETB’s services and members. Kerry ETB Quality Council will monitor the registration of complaints and the progress towards resolution. Centre Managers will include a section on complaints in their annual reports to the Quality Council- ensuring that complaint trends are monitored and that relevant quality issues are identified and addressed.
Customer Charter
Kerry ETB have developed a Customer Charter to describe the level of service that can be expected from Kerry ETB as a public service organisation.
