Kerry Education and Training Board (KETB) are participating in celebrations this week to mark the anniversary of the establishment of the Education and Training Board nationally.

Kerry ETB, employs over 1,300 staff, provides education and opportunities for over 15,000 learners annually from their 37 locations in the county, including primary, post-primary and further education and training.

The inaugural ETB Week will culminate in ETB Day today (Thursday) and will see Kerry ETB and other education and training boards around the country host events across their schools, offices and centres. The first ETB Excellence Awards in Croke Park will take place also today and will be hosted by RTE's Ray Kennedy.

Kerry ETB are delighted to have been shortlisted for two awards. The Bright Mind App has been shortlisted for the Equality Award. It was developed by two Transition Year students from Castleisland Community College. 

Students also launched the ETBI Patrons' Framework on Ethos to Kerry ETB board members on Tuesday, addressing how the Patrons Framework benefits their daily lives in school. There will be various activities across Kerry ETB schools during the week, including an ethos treasure hunt, art competitions and quizzes.

To complete the week tomorrow (Friday), ETB day staff coffee mornings in aid of BUMBLEance, are being organised at local schools, centres, campuses and offices.

"Kerry ETB was established 10 years ago this year to provide education, training and youth work services across the county," Cllr Jim Finucane, Chairperson of Kerry ETB, said.

"We have since grown and currently provide education to over 15,000 annual learners, with the scope of our services expanded significantly. We now have three community national schools, eight post-primary schools, five Kerry College Campuses, five Further Education and Training centres and a very extensive range of youth and community education services across the county.

"ETB Week, led by ETBI, gives us all a chance to reflect on the development of the organisation over the past 10 years. The provision of our education and training opportunities is very important. As a county-based organisation, we fully recognise the potential of our provision to enrich and change lives, create opportunities for people, and enhance our communities," he added.

"We look forward to continuing our journey into the future, creating and promoting the development of a life-long learning society in Kerry," Kerry ETB CEO, Colm McEvoy, added.