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).