Skills to Compete (part-time) Courses
Skills to Compete
September 2025 Part-Time BTEI Skills to Compete FREE courses
The Skills to Compete programme is part-time and available free of charge to BTEI applicants (those in receipt of a qualifying social welfare payment and/or with a current medical card). This is a fresh new approach, based on a flexible menu that allows you to pick and choose the courses that you want from a list of options. You can choose to undertake 1 module and attend 1 afternoon/morning per week or you can do 2, 3 or 4 modules at a time. You can choose to undertake modules from the same general area or you could choose from a mixture of sectors.
These classes will be run subject to sufficient numbers enrolling.
Course Content
September 2025 :
Office & administration courses:
- Reception Skills – Level 4 – 4N1867
- Computers for beginners (Computer Applications) – Level 4 – 4N1112
- Career Planning – Level 4 – 4N1109
Gardening-based courses:
- Growing Vegetables – Level 4 – 4N0671
- Safe Horticultural Practice – Level 4 – 4N0719
- Plant Identification – Level 4 – 4N1186
Architecture, woodwork & furniture making courses:
- Design – Level 4 – 4N1139
Education & Childcare:
- Special Needs Assisting – Level 5 – 5N1786 (ONLINE)
Course Overview:
Career Planning: This QQI Level 4 module will help you develop an achievable career plan based on your knowledge of self and the word of work.
Growing Vegetables: Join the Grow Your Own movement with this QQI Level 4 course that will help you plant, grow and maintain a range of vegetables.
Plan Identification: This introduction to horticulture module will help you identify, care for, and maintain a range of plant types.
Design: Foster an appreciation for and working knowledge of the principles of design with this QQI Level 4 module that introduces the learner to design skills.
Woodcraft (QQI Level 4): Learn to plan, design and make woodcraft projects, while using woodworking tolls and equipment safely.
Special Needs Assisting (QQI Level 5): Perfect for those looking to work as an SNA, this accredited Level 5 course will give you the skills, knowledge and competence to work as a Special Needs Assistant. Please note this course is offered in a blended (online) format via Zoom. Participate from anywhere in Ireland, no travel or commuting.
Certification
QQI Level 4 & 5 Component Certificates
Duration
From September to December & January to May – part time
Entry Requirements
We are now taking applications for our Skills to Compete part-time courses starting in September 2024. Applicants can apply online. TO APPLY? Click on Apply Now, then in the Department drop down select BTEI part-time courses and then in the course list select your Flexi of choice. For more information, email BTEI@pearse.cdetb.ie
Course Charges
Free to those eligible under the BTEI initiative (i.e. those in receipt of a Social Welfare payment and/or with a valid medical card).
Front Office, IT and Reception Skills
Front Office, IT and Reception Skills
Front Office, IT and Reception Skills
Level 4 Component Certificate (4M2070)
Front Office, IT and Reception Skills is an excellent course for refreshing/updating skills for anyone who has been out of formal education or the workplace for a period of time.
It also offers fantastic learning opportunities and skills for anyone hoping to continue their studies at a higher level. Progression paths include moving onto many QQI Level 5 Business courses in our college.
The Front Office, IT Reception Skills Course is a part-time QQI Level 4 course (and it is a BTEI course). It is designed for people seeking to work in the reception and business areas.
Course Content
Reception Skills (4N1867); Customer Service (4N1989); Business English (4N1108); Communications (4N0689); Word Processing (5N1358); General Office Skills (4N1116); Career Planning (4N1109).
Certification
QQI Level 4 component Certificates in General Learning (4M2010)
Duration
1 year – September to May (part-time)
Entry Requirements
The Back to Education Initiative (BTEI) provides part-time Further Education programmes for young people and adults. This course is free to those who are eligible for BTEI. The applicant must have an up-to-date medical card and/or be in receipt of a social welfare payment.
Where can I go from here?
Many of our students successfully secure employment working as office administrators, clerical officers and receptionists in a variety of companies. Other students choose to continue their studies on our QQI Level 5 Business, IT & eCommerce course to further enhance their office skills and employability.
Course Charges
Free to those eligible under the BTEI initiative (i.e. those in receipt of a Social Welfare payment and/or with a valid medical card).
Skills for Life & Employment
Skills for Life & Employment
Skills for Life & Employment
General Learning QQI Award (4M2010)
This is a QQI Level 4 part-time BTEI course which will enable learners to come back into education and training and prepare them for employment. This course runs over two years.
Course Content
You will take a variety of subjects including Customer Service (4N1989), Horticultural Science (4N0682), Historical Studies (4N3306), Personal Effectiveness (4N1132), Functional Maths (4N2138), Numeracy Support.
Certification
QQI Level 4 Award in General Learning (4M2010)
Duration
2 years – September to May (part-time)
Entry Requirements
The Back to Education Initiative (BTEI) provides part-time Further Education programmes for young people and adults. This course is free to those who are eligible for BTEI.
Applicants will be contacted to come for an interview.
Where can I go from here?
There are opportunities to progress to QQI Level 5 courses in Pearse College such as Food & Bio Science, Pre-University Marketing & Business, Architecture and Coding and Software Development. Alternatively, learners could progress to our Adult Leaving Certificate Programme.
Course Charges
Free to those eligible under the BTEI initiative (i.e. those in receipt of a Social Welfare payment and/or with a valid medical card).
by adminJuly 25, 2021 All Courses, Health, Sport and Science Department, PART-TIME COURSES0 comments
Sports and Fitness (part-time)
Sports and Fitness (part-time)
Sports and Fitness (part-time)
Sports, Recreation and Exercise QQI Award (5M5146)
This part time Sport & Fitness course over 2 years is FREE to anyone in receipt of social welfare payments and to medical card holders and offers the chance to pursue a career in the sport & fitness industry.
The course is split into 2 groups, Fitness and Sport, with an emphasis placed on gaining the relevant qualifications and experience. Several theory-based modules, require students to gain a deeper understanding of the various elements in the sport and fitness industry and are perfect for those who wish to pursue further courses of study. These elements combined provide students with a wide-range of further education and workplace opportunities. If students successfully complete the 2 years, they will also receive the QQI Level 5 award in Sport, Exercise and Recreation.
Course Content
Sports Anatomy and Physiology (5N4648); Leisure Facility Operations (5N4667); Kinesiology (5N4545)); Leisure Facility Administration(5N4666); Work Experience (5N1356); Word Processing (5N1358)
Certification
- QQI Level 5 Award in Sports, Recreation and Exercise (5M5146)
Duration
2 years – September to May (part-time)
Entry Requirements
This course is aimed at those in receipt of a social welfare payment. Prior interest or experience in sport or fitness is important, a leaving certificate or equivalent qualification would be an advantage but is not essential.
Applicants will be called for an interview with the Course Co-Ordinator.
Third Level Links/Progression
Progression to Pearse College’s Level 6 Advanced Soccer and Sports Psychology Course. Successful graduates may also apply through the Higher Education Links Scheme for diplomas/degrees in nutrition, science or related areas. For more information, click here
Course Charges
This course is free to those eligible for BTEI.