Siobhán Murray has been appointed as the new Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Coordinator with Donegal ETB’s Further Education and Training (FET).
Recognition of Prior Learning, or RPL, is a process whereby skills and knowledge gained through life outside of formal education and training can be evaluated and validated.
This work will enable adults to match the skills and knowledge they have gained in their workplace or through community engagement to a national qualification, avoiding duplication of learning. Siobhán will be supporting applicants which wish to avail of the process.
A number of sectors have already achieved awards through the RPL process with Donegal ETB including those working in the food processing, tourism, retail and care sectors along with those in advocacy and volunteer groups.
Siobhán’s post is funded by SOLAS under its Innovation and Collaboration fund. A partnership with Limerick and Clare ETB, she will focus initially on the Care sectors in both regions.
Originally from Lifford, Siobhán has previously worked as a training consultant within various education settings including Higher Education, Further Education, Post Primary, health, community development and business sectors.
She holds a PG Diploma in Educational Studies from Trinity College Dublin and M.Ed. in Adult and Community Education from NUI Maynooth.
Speaking about her new role Siobhán said, “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with the Donegal ETB and support RPL applicants through the RPL process to achieve a quality assured qualification for all the skills, knowledge and competencies that they have, however they have achieved these.
“It is a great privilege to be part of this new initiative within Further Education and Training Services and I hope to assist many experienced workers in Donegal and Limerick/ Clare to achieve a qualification that they truly deserve.”
Siobhán’s role is part of the ETB’s Enterprise Engagement Service through its FET Service which is aimed at supporting employers across the county to further the skills base of their staff.
In congratulating Siobhán on her appointment, Donegal ETB’s Director of Further Education and Training, Cróna Gallagher said, “I would like to congratulate Siobhán on her appointment. We have supported a wide range of employers in the county to upskill their staff through our RPL process and I’m delighted that we’re able to strengthen our support services for employers through this dedicated post.”
Siobhán has taken up her appointment in recent weeks and employers wishing to contact her can do so by emailing rpl@donegaletb.ie
