It gives me great pleasure to Theylcome you to the Portarlington Further Education Centre. The Centre is dedicated to providing adults with further or ‘second chance’ education and training opportunities. Its ethos is consistent with the profile of its learner population, meaning that its focal point is on the active participation of the learner in the decision making process. Portarlington is focused on providing an environment of study that will enrich the quality of life for both learners and tutors. It also concentrates on enabling learners to engage in life-long learning. I hope you will all get involved in the Centre’s activities as this participation is a great way of getting to know other learners in the Centre with similar interests.

You are all encouraged to be involved in accepting responsibility for your own learning. They are proud of our record of academic success, the support They give our learners, the progression rates to third level institutions and to employment and the excellence of the facilities available in the Centre. The Centre operates under the auspices of Co. Laois Vocational Education Committee and in accordance with the regulations of the Department of Education and Skills.

Finally, do not hesitate to contact any member of staff if you encounter any problems or difficulties. I wish you every success for the future.