ATP- Access, Transfer and Progression

QQI require that all training providers offering QQI-accredited training have measures in place to address Access, Transfer and Progression.

Access, transfer, and progression refers to the conditions under which a learner may:

– Enter/access our programmes

– Transfer to other programmes offered by FPTS (or any other training provider), or

– Progress to a higher-level programme.

Access

To access programmes provided by FPTS candidates will be expected to meet the following criteria:

– Candidates must be 18 years or older at the commencement of the programme.

– Have achieved a minimum of a Level 4 qualification (or equivalent).

– In the absence of a minimum of a Pass Grade at Ordinary Level in Leaving Certificate English the candidate must  provide evidence of competence in written and spoken English (e.g. B2+ CEFR).

Learners who may not be able to demonstrate compliance with the entry criteria may request access by means of Recognition of Prior Learning (see link)

Transfer

FPTS is currently the only FE training provider in Ireland that has training programmes in polymer processing validated by QQI. For this reason, the only transfer options are those that exist within our own programme provision.

Transfer normally means transfer from a major award programme at one level, to another major award programme at the same level.

– Because there is only one polymer processing major award at Level 5 in the Republic of Ireland, (which is Plastics Injection Moulding – 5M3080) there are no transfer opportunities to other related award programmes.

– The FPTS Level 6 awards are in Programmable Logic Controllers and Industrial Electrical Systems. These component awards are part of the Maintenance Skills Technology (6M5154) major award. This award is currently offered by four training providers (source: QQI Infographics). If a learner completes one or both awards successfully with FPTS, they may transfer to the Maintenance Skills Technology major award programme with one of the other providers.

Progression

Learners may progress to the Level 6 polymer processing award programme offered by IT Sligo, however, completion of the FPTS Level 5 or Level 6 programmes do not offer preferential or advanced entry to the IT Sligo programme. Advanced entry means the possibility of gaining exemptions from modules or assessments.

FPTS deliver two Level 6 modules on behalf of IT Sligo, but these are only offered through IT Sligo, and are not offered to the general public. Consequently, the only learners holding these awards are those already participating in the IT Sligo programme. Consequently, our L6 awards do not offer an opportunity for progression.

It should be noted that Athlone IT is the only other institution in Ireland offering nationally accredited training in polymer processing. They offer a Level 8 Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical and Polymer. Entry to this programme is through the CAO system with Level 5 as the minimum requirement. Again, as the FPTS programmes are Level 5, there is no access or advanced entry benefits which would facilitate progression