The establishment of QQI under the Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Act 2012 and the ETBs under the Education and Training Boards Act 2013 saw the emergence of a new landscape in FET. The Further Education and Training Act 2013, further provided for the establishment of SOLAS, the dissolution of FÁS and the transfer of training functions to the newly formed ETBs. In Kilkenny and Carlow, the two independent VECs became Kilkenny and Carlow Education and Training Board, with responsibility for second level and further education and training across the two counties.
Following the amalgamation process, KCETB had nine legacy agreements with QQI. At the early stages of re-engagement with QQI the strategic decision to develop one quality assurance agreement for KCETB was made. This was based on the experience of the previous approach adopted in Kilkenny to have one agreement for the then VEC. It was considered that this was the best way to embed an effective quality culture within the organisation.
Since 2020, KCETB has worked towards establishing policies and procedures which bring effective, consistent and transparent practices to all FET centres and which are compliant with national guidelines and standards of best practice. The list of these policies and procedures can be found here. Further work is taking place in 2024 to reimagine our Quality Assurance Oversight Committee to support furhter progress as KCETB enters a new phase in our quality journey.
