On Friday last the Abbeyleix Further Education and Training Centre (FETC) held its annual graduation ceremony at the Abbeyleix Manor Hotel.
The ceremony was a celebration of the hard work and dedication of the FETC’s graduates, who have completed a wide range of courses in the areas of Art, Animation, Information Technology, Horticulture, Craft, Business, Biosciences, Return to Learning and Nursing Studies and Healthcare Support.
Three past learners gave inspirational speeches at the ceremony, sharing their personal stories of how their time at the FETC has helped them to achieve their goals.
Bridget Ivory spoke about her journey from studying Business to undertaking a Financial Services apprenticeship.
Mary Palmer, a practicing solicitor, spoke about studying both Leaving Cert and Nursing Studies in the centre, and progressing to study Law in IT Carlow.
Recent Biosciences graduate Connor Fitzpatrick spoke of how attending the PLC course in Abbeyleix had helped him to hit the ground running at Maynooth University.
All three speakers offered inspirational advice to the graduates, encouraging them to follow their dreams and to never give up on their goals.
They also spoke about the importance of education and the role that the Abbeyleix FETC has played in their own lives.
In addition to the speeches, the ceremony also featured the presentation of certificates to graduates in their respective courses.
The certificates were presented by Anne Marie Keane, Laois Offaly Education and Training FET Manager.
Ms Keane congratulated the graduates on their achievements and praised their dedication and hard work. She also spoke of the importance of lifelong learning and encouraged the graduates to continue to pursue their dreams.
Centre Manager Helen Kavanagh spoke of the importance of marking the achievements of the Learners which were a testament to the hard work and dedication of the learners, as well as the support of their families.
Ms Kavanagh thanked in particular the commitment of the centre staff, a sentiment which was echoed by all learners on the night.
While reflecting on the wonderful achievement of the Abbeyleix win at the national tidy towns awards Ms Kavanagh spoke of the centres commitment to supporting the community by providing educational opportunities which are innovative and responsive to the needs of the community.
The Graduation Night was a celebration of the hard work and achievements of the FETC’s graduates.
It was also an opportunity to showcase the centre’s strong track record of success, with many of its graduates going on to secure employment or places at third level education.
Abbeyleix FETC offers a wide range of courses from QQI Level 4 to Level 6 programmes. To find out more visit www.abbeyleixfetc.ie.
You can check out a selection of images below from the event from our photographer Paul Dargan.
SEE ALSO – Check out the Abbeyleix Further Education and Training Centre website here
