Debbie Pearson, a young mum from Raphoe, Ireland, had always worked in fashion retail. However, after a number of stores closed, she was made redundant in 2015. Debbie knew she needed a fresh start and was eager to build her skills but was wary that – as a parent – upskilling can be particularly hard to find the time for.

Debbie had performed well in art at school, so she decided to embark on an artistic path and take on a part-time QQI Level 5 Art and Design course. Thanks to the European Social Fund (ESF) and Government of Ireland, the course was available through Donegal Education and Training Board’s (ETB) Further Education and Training (FET) Service under its Back to Education Initiative (BTEI). BTEI provided individuals with the opportunity to combine learning with family, work and other responsibilities, and has helped more than 75,000 people fulfil their potential.  

Debbie has high praise for her teacher, Cróna, who guided her through her two years on the course – and encouraged Debbie to attend college in order to pursue her interest in fashion design. 

‘I never dreamed of going to college, but one day Cróna said to me, “Apply for LYIT [now ATU]”, and I did,’ she says. ‘I applied to do Graphics and ended up on common entry; that’s when I chose to study Fashion.’

Her experience with the Donegal ETB’s FET Service prepared her for college, and Debbie easily settled into learning as a mature student. Now, after four years of working towards a Level 8 degree in Fashion with Promotion, Debbie still finds that she uses her graphic design skills on a daily basis and is grateful to Cróna for her mentorship.

In June 2020, Debbie won the Designer of the Year student award for her Retro Vintage collection. The award was sponsored by McElhinney’s, a local department store in Ballybofey that focuses on fashion. Her designs were featured in the front window of the store. 

Debbie is eager to highlight how taking part in the Donegal ETB’s FET Service course contributed to her achieving these milestones.

‘I’m so happy that I’ve got this far. The [Donegal ETB’s FET Service] course was one of the best things I could have done. Without it, I never would have gone to college – it opened the doors for me.’

Debbie’s story is one of many. The success of BTEI highlights the importance of FET Services in empowering people to fulfil their potential.