On this page, you can find a range of information and resources, which can help you during your learning journey at Tipperary FET College.
IT systems
We will give you access to a Tipperary ETB email address and a Microsoft Office account if you need it for your course. Other IT systems and platforms may also be used on your course, for example, Moodle and Microsoft Teams.
There is a computer usage policy that outlines the rules and requirements for the safe use of our IT systems. Your coordinator or teacher will tell you about the computer usage policy.
As a learner on a Tipperary ETB course, you will probably have access to a range of computers, technology, equipment and facilities. You will need to know how to operate in a safe and secure environment while on your course. You will also need to know how to protect the ETB’s networks and resources from damage, loss or destruction.
That is why each centre has a policy on computer and technology usage. Your centre will tell you about this policy. All learners must follow this policy to make sure they use technology in a way that is:
- Responsible,
- Professional,
- Ethical,
- Lawful.
FET Digital Library
The FET Digital Library contains a range of resources that you may find useful to develop core skills, including:
- Computer skills,
- Communication skills,
- Grammar,
- Online learning,
- Security.
Study and Learning Handbook
The Study and Learning Handbook for FET courses is a useful guide to help you make the most of your time while studying.
This guide looks at individual learning styles, strengths and weaknesses and provides useful study tips and other supports.
Academic Writing Handbook
The Academic Writing Handbook is a useful guide to help you to develop good academic writing skills.
Referencing Handbook
The Referencing Handbook is an essential resource for learners, particularly if you are studying Level 5 and 6 courses. It explains how to reference the different sources of information.
Academic Integrity
Academic Integrity means being honest and responsible in the work you do. No matter the level of your FET course or training, academic integrity is a very important step to help build the skills you need for study and professional life. The three items below help you to make sense of what academic integrity is about:
Why should you care about academic integrity?
Academic integrity helps you to understand:
- Your role and responsibility as a learner,
- The support your college, centre or ETB can give you,
- And how academic integrity skills can help to prepare you for your future career.
Conduct is an important part of academic integrity. Conduct means being fair to classmates, teachers and yourself.
Academic Misconduct
Misconduct in academic integrity means inappropriate actions that break any rules in different kinds of assessment (e.g., exams, essays or course work) or any work you do as part of a course or your training. Think of misconduct as a “breach” or “offence” that can have bad consequences for you.
It is important that you understand academic integrity so that you avoid academic misconduct. We take academic misconduct very seriously and will investigate suspected cases. If academic misconduct is found, we will impose sanctions which could affect your mark, grade or qualification.
Examples of academic misconduct
Work experience
Work experience is an essential part of many FET (Further Education and Training) courses at Tipperary FET College. In some courses, you must complete work experience to gain certification.
Going on work experience gives you the chance to:
- See what the world of work is like,
- Learn more about the area or industry. For example, the latest technologies and equipment,
- See how the theory parts of your module link to real practice,
- Practice and further develop the skills that you have learned in class,
- Build contacts for employment opportunities,
- Do work experience that you can put on your CV.
Staff at your FET Centre will help you to prepare for your work experience.
Exploring suitable options
Before you go on work experience, the centre will make sure that they are satisfied with the employer and the place of work. The centre will check that the workplace complies with health and safety and employment regulations.
Preparing for work
Your teacher will help you to be more ‘work ready’. This includes helping you to:
- Look for work experience,
- Write a CV and cover letter,
- Prepare workplace skill,
- Manage your expectations.
Everyone working with Tipperary ETB will encourage and support you so you can take an active role in finding your own work experience.
Make sure your teacher or coordinator knows of any disabilities or special needs you have, so that they can link with the work placement to see if particular arrangements can be provided.
How to act professionally
We will give you the information you need so you can act in a professional manner at all times during your placement. Your teacher will explain general workplace requirements. They will tell you about an employer’s expectations in relation to, for example:
- Attendance and punctuality,
- Health and safety,
- Data protection,
- Appropriate clothes,
- Confidentiality.
Parental consent
If you are under 18 years old, you will need consent from your parents or guardians before you can go on a work placement..
Monitoring of work experience
Work placements are an important part of the learning environment. We have quality assurance procedures in place so that your work experience is as meaningful, valuable and safe as possible.
As part of our quality assurance while you are on work experience, a representative from your centre will contact your work experience supervisor. This can be a visit, a phone call or a remote meeting. They will talk to them about how your placement is going and what you are achieving. You can also discuss your progress, including any issues you have, with your teacher.
Your workplace supervisor may also talk to you about your progress, achievements or challenges. Please note that employers can confidentially contact your centre with any queries, issues or concerns they may have.
Attendance at your work experience
For some certified courses, you must attend work experience. Make sure you know the work experience requirements of your course.
Documentation
If you are doing a certified course, you must collect, obtain, or keep work experience documents during your placement. This may be, for example, time sheets, reports and learning diaries. Your teacher will tell you what you need.
Garda eVetting
If your work experience is in a setting where there are children or vulnerable adults, you must complete Garda vetting. In these settings, you must have Garda vetting before you can start work experience. You can find more information about Garda eVetting here.
Insurance
We will provide you with a 'Liability Indemnity Letter’ to give to your employer. This means you will be covered by insurance while working for them.
