Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board

Special Needs Modules Available Part-Time from September 2026

Portlaoise Institute will offer Special Needs modules at Level 5 and Level 6 on a part-time basis from September 2026.

These modules are ideal for anyone interested in developing their skills and knowledge in supporting learners with additional needs.

Click here for more information about the courses:
https://www.portlaoiseinstitute.ie/?page_id=9557

Click here to apply now:
https://mitams.enrol.ie/portlaoiseinstitutefe2026/

Take the next step in your education and career with Portlaoise Institute.

A fantastic milestone for the Men's Shed Mountrath, celebrating their newly completed kitchen designed and built with the support of LOETB tutor Jack Byrne.

These photos capture a special moment as the group enjoy their first breakfast together in the new space, a well-earned reward after all their hard work and dedication.

This project is a great example of the skills, teamwork, and community spirit developed through Community Education.

Congratulations to all involved.
fans Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board Mountrath Community Forum Mountrath Tidy Towns

We're hiring! LOETB is currently recruiting for a Spanish Teacher on a pro rata contract (22 hours per week), based at Oaklands Community College, Edenderry, Co.Offaly.

Apply now: https://loetbcareers.thehirelab.com/LiveJobs/JobApply/8858?source=1&externalAgency=-1
📍Oaklands Community College, Sr Senan Avenue, Edenderry, Co Offaly
💶 Teachers Incremental Salary Scale will apply
🕒 Closing Date: 24/06/2026 12:00 pm

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗱𝗼 𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗼𝘆𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗶𝗻 𝗘𝗮𝗿𝗹𝘆 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗱𝘂𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀?

In this video, Nicola, Manager of The Rainbow Castle, Portlaoise shares her experience of working with LOETB learners completing their NFQ Level 5 and Level 6 professional practice placements.

🎬https://youtu.be/Iylq7Qdasck?si=-c-DS0qsWcGblUfo

Nicola highlights the strong foundation learners bring to the workplace, including their knowledge of:

👶 Child development
🧒 Children's rights
🎨 Play and creative activities
❤️ Holistic care and wellbeing

Professional practice is a key part of the Early Learning and Care programme, giving learners the opportunity to apply their learning in real childcare settings while being supported by experienced supervisors and mentors.

Many graduates go on to secure employment in the sector, while others continue their educational journey.

Hear directly from a local employer about the value of practical learning and why Early Learning and Care graduates are making a positive impact in childcare settings.

Applications are now open for September in LOETB Portlaoise Institute and Tullamore Further Education & Training Centre

Discover how the Early Learning and Care Programme prepares learners for real careers in childcare. Discover how the Early Learning and Care Programme at LOETB prepare...

📍 𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗣𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗹𝗮𝗼𝗶𝘀𝗲

Laois and Offaly ETB Adult Literacy is pleased to see the 𝗔𝗟𝗟 - 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗦𝗼 𝗙𝗮𝗿 conference taking place in Portlaoise today.

It is wonderful to see colleagues from services across the country coming together to share experiences, strengthen partnerships and celebrate the progress made in supporting learners nationwide.

We are also delighted to welcome Minister of State at the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Marian Harkin to what is promising to be a day of inspiration, collaboration and reflection on the journey of adult literacy in Ireland.

Wishing everyone attending a successful and enjoyable conference.

Congratulations to the team at the Midlands Park Hotel who have completed a programme in Vocational English Language Skills and received their certificates recently.

The programme was developed by Oksana Prozorova from our LOETB Resource Team and delivered in local hotels throughout the academic year. It aimed to support staff in building practical communication skills for the workplace.

Well done to all participants and thank you to the Midlands Park Hotel for their continued support. This programme highlights LOETB's strong relationship with local employers and their invested in staff development.

📢 Applications Now Open for September 2026!

Portlaoise Institute is currently accepting applications for 6 full-time Healthcare courses starting in September 2026.

Take the first step towards a rewarding career in healthcare and explore the full range of courses available through our Healthcare Department.

👉 View the Healthcare Department course page here:
https://www.portlaoiseinstitute.ie/?page_id=3764

👉 Apply online here:
https://mitams.enrol.ie/portlaoiseinstitutefe2026/