AEGI (Adult Education Guidance Initiative) West Galway

Contact Details

Overview of Service Provided:

The main focus of the service is to provide a comprehensive guidance service to adults participating on Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS), Basic Education and Community Education Programmes including the Back to Education Initiative (BTEI). The service is available free of charge to those participating in the above programmes.

The Adult Educational Guidance Service (AEGS) provides practical and relevant information, advice and guidance to adults at all stages of learning.

It does this by:

• Encouraging adults to further their education by helping them to choose a course that matches their criteria
• Assisting the adult learner to achieve their goals on their chosen course by supporting them throughout the course duration
• Helping the adult learners to plan for the future, taking into account their personal, vocational and educational goals

Role of the Co-ordinator:

• Coordinates the day to day operation of the service including planning, supervision of staff, management of premises and resources and maintenance of records.
• Supports staff developments supervises information services and staff, establishing quality standards and guidelines in line with national practice.
• Provides an outreach service to adult education centres in the Co. Galway area.
• Markets and promotes the guidance service including the development of promotional materials
• Develops appropriate networks and partnerships with local agencies in the field of education, training, welfare and community services.
• Monitors the service reporting to the CEO and AEOS.

Role of the Information Officer:

• To offer administrative support, maintain information resources and deal with initial public enquiries.

Role of the Guidance Counsellor:

• To develop and implement a programme of guidance provision which supports the aims and objectives of the project.
• To establish links with agreed client target groups and deliver guidance services to individuals and groups.

Target Group:

• Participants in the Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme.
• People attending Community Education Programmes including those in the Back to Education Initiative.
• Those in Basic Education Programmes.

The Service will:

Consolidate all the services offered and continue to expand its service as resources allow.

Outreach Facilities:

The Co. Galway V.E.C. Adult Education Guidance Service was set up in 2003. The service is available in Galway in three main centres in Gort, Oughterard and Tuam but it also can be reached through seven other centres throughout the County.

The Accommodation and Information Points include the following:

1. Oughterard: Guidance Information Office, Guidance Information Officer’s Office, Guidance Counsellor’s Office
2. Gort: Coordinator’s Office, Information Room
3. Tuam: Guidance Counsellor’s Office, Information Point
4. Ballinasloe: Information Point
5. Loughrea: Information Point
6. Lawrencetown: Information Point, use of Resource Room
7. Letterfrack: Information Point, use of Resource Room
8. Ros Muc: Information Point, use of Resource Room
9. Moycullen: Information Point, use of Resource Room

The service is also in discussions for expansion into the following areas: Headford, Ballygar, Lackagh, Abbey-Duniry, Portumna, Cor na Mona, Ros Muc, Cill Chiaran, Letter Mullen, Minna, Spideal, Lurgan, Furbo, The Aran Islands, Innishbofin, Roundstone, Cashel, Clifden, Casla and Ballyconneely.

Resources & Expertise Available:

Two qualified Guidance counsellors, Information Officer.
Psychometric Testing and quality one to one guidance and support is given in a relaxed confidential manner.

Times / Months available:

Available throughout the year.

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