Working Life

Community Education Facilitators (CEFs) work within the Education and Training Boards (ETBs) to give support to local community groups.

• Maintaining an ethos appropriate to adult learning.

• Assisting the planning, development and management of the local community education service in accordance with the overall plan for the service.

• Promoting the development and nurturing of new community based learning groups.

• Providing assistance and support to new and existing community education groups in the form of technical, administrative and educational inputs.

• Developing and encouraging partnerships and links between community education and statutory and other providers.

• Promoting the role of the community education sector in supporting outreach and referral to the statutory sector.

• Initiating and facilitating community education programmes and initiatives at outreach centres.

• Liaising on quality assurance, accreditation and certification issues.

• Helping community education interests to access funding.

• Networking of groups, both nationally and locally, supporting their participation in community fora, and facilitating a co-ordinated input from the sector into the work of SOLAS, ETBI and other relevant bodies.

• Sharing good practice from the sector and supporting the mainstreaming of relevant lessons into national policy and practice.

• Monitoring initiatives, reporting to the CE/FET Director/AEO and SOLAS on developments and provision.

• Acting in a representative capacity if required on matters relating to community education.

• Assisting in the management of resources, e.g. financial, premises, materials, personnel etc. as appropriate, relevant to the needs of the local programme.

• Keeping records and preparing reports and submissions in consultation with the AEO/Director of FET as appropriate, including using Management Information Systems (FARR and PLSS).

Further Information

• Community arts worker- from: GradIreland
• Community Education Co-ordinator- from: N.C.S. [UK]
• Community education officer- from: GradIreland

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Social

The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.

Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.

 Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

 Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

A degree is usually necessary: the profession is generally open to all degree disciplines. Subjects such as sociology, English, communications or social work could be advantageous. Teaching qualifications can also be beneficial.

Voluntary community work experience is useful: a thorough understanding of a local community, excellent interpersonal and organisational skills and a patient, friendly manner is vital to the job volunteering opportunities.

Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research. 

Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.

Example search terms include: customer service, management, facilitation.

Search for FET Courses

PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.

Example search terms include: teaching, community development, social studies, facilitation.

Search for PLC Courses

Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate) 
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.

Example search terms include: teaching, community development, social studies, facilitation.

Search for CAO Courses

Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).

Example search terms include: teaching, community development, social studies, literacy, facilitation.

Search for Postgraduate Courses

Professional Development 

Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.

Community Education Facilitators Association (CEFA) is the professional representative association for CEFs.

ETBI Local Education Training Board structure & employers.

ILDN Local Partnership Development Network structure & employers.

Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed who may provide training related to this career.

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €34k - €70k

Salaries vary by employer (state/ private), role, duties, location, and experience. 

Data Source(s):
Gov.ie/ ETBI / ILDN (Partnerships)/ Forsa

Last Updated: July, 2024

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Senior professionals of educational establishments; Education advisers and school inspectors; Teaching, special needs, and other educational professionals n.e.c.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Despite a strong employment growth in the five-year period for this occupation (which includes special needs teachers, nursery managers/owners and school principals), employment levels fell slightly since 2021.

Budget 2023 announced that by the end of 2023 there will be 686 additional posts for special education teachers. This occupation has a high share of persons employed aged 55 years and over which may see increased replacement demand in future years.

• SOLAS

  • Castleforbes House, Castleforbes Road, Dublin, 1
  • (01) 533 2500
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Education and Training Boards Ireland (ETBI)

  • Piper's Hill, Kilcullen Road, Naas, Co Kildare, Ireland
  • +353 (0)45-901070
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here