Minister Seán Fleming, officially opened the new Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board (LOETB) Information Hub in Portlaoise town centre on Friday last.
The Information Hub is centrally located in Portlaoise town and is “an ideal place” for people who may have queries in relation to further education and training (FET) options to call in and make an appointment with a member of the LOETB Adult Guidance Team.
LOETB’s Adult Guidance Service offers free, impartial and confidential guidance and information to students and anyone considering a return to education.
Minister of State, Seán Fleming expressed his delight, of having the Information Hub based in the centre of town, mentioning how Portlaoise town is growing in population and continues to grow every single year.
In describing the Adult Guidance Team in the Information Hub, the Minister said “for people who want to advance their education, increase their career opportunities, you are the link in Laois”.
Programmes are available on a part-time or full-time basis and range from QQ1 Level 1-6. LOETB also provide short uncertified programmes in many local communities, in our FET Centres across Laois and Offaly and in local libraries.
People can gain a greater understanding of progression options available to them through Further Education and Training in LOETB and find out more about the pathways and links to third level colleges.
Joe Cunningham, Chief Executive of LOETB described the Information Hub in Portlaoise as “a great addition to the Further Education and Training Service”.
“We are pleased to not only welcome the Minister of State, Seán Fleming to officially open the Information Hub, but also it has been wonderful to see so many of the local agencies attend today for the occasion.”
Joe expressed how “important it is to get the message out there that the Hub does not just provide information about our courses, but for anyone who wishes to retrain, reskill, take a different direction from an educational point of view, that they are aware that we have information on all those options for them.”
The LOETB Information Hub has many resources available, including iPads which can be used to research course options independently or with support. Study spaces are available to reserve, where Wi-Fi or devices can be made available.
If you wish to avail of any of these services, you can call in to the Information Hub which is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.
Alternatively call 057 8630093 or email laoisinfohub@loetb.ie.
You can check out a selection of images from the official opening, as captured by photographer Paul Moore.
SEE ALSO – Another blazing row as local politicians discuss live streaming of council meetings