Anne McHugh is proud of the role which the Donegal Education and Training Board (ETB) plays in the lives of so many in our communities. The Ballyshannon native tells us of the challenges of being Chief Executive – a role that is busy and complex, but one that she loves.
Hi Anne, thanks for doing this interview. Could you tell us a little about yourself, please?
I’m from Ballyshannon and started my working life as a secondary school teacher of Gaeilge and Geography following my studies at UCD and St Patrick’s College, Maynooth, as it was then known.
I always had an interest in new directions and trained as a Special Education teacher and latterly as a teacher of drama.
I made the move to management as a Deputy Principal in Crana College, Buncrana and came to Letterkenny as Principal of Errigal College two years later. Having spent six years in the role of Principal I joined the Administrative Office team of Co Donegal VEC as Education Officer and since then I’ve had the great pleasure of becoming the Chief Executive of Donegal Education and Training Board (ETB).
Could you explain briefly what makes the ETB special or different from standard schools – is it the age profile of students, the wider range of subjects, a more adaptable structure..?
Donegal ETB runs 15 of the 27 second-level schools in Co Donegal and our schools are similar to the others in that the subject and programme offering is the same as well as the profile of our students. But we are different in that we are co-educational, multi-denominational and subscribe to the values of community, respect, equality, care and excellence.
In many parts of the county the only school in an area or town is an ETB school, so we pride ourselves on our ability to cater for everyone.
We are the state provider of education within the county and in addition to our schools, we are the largest Further Education and Training (FET) service in the county. We also manage Gartan Outdoor Education and Training Centre and Donegal Music Education Partnership and have legal responsibilities for youth work.
What kind of age breakdown is there among ETB students in 2024?
Our age breakdown ranges from 1st year post-primary to senior citizens who may be taking a community education course in their local hall.
Our most recent figures indicate almost 6,000 students in our schools and over 19,000 students in our FET service which includes full and part-time, evening courses, apprenticeships and those in employment who are upskilling with our service. Along with our music and outdoor education services, over 35,000 people undertook courses with Donegal ETB in 2023 (2024 figures are not yet available).
The Council obviously makes up a large part of the ETB board. Is there a preference for Councillors with experience in education, or is it just as valuable to hear from others what kinds of training might be relevant to their local areas?
The 12 councillors on our board each bring really valuable, local knowledge and expertise to the table which I believe is essential if we are to provide a suitable and relevant service to all of our communities.
They are part of the communities where our schools and centres are located and many of them serve on the Boards of Management – this assists with our spirit of partnership which reflects one of our core values of community.
The standard school syllabus is sometimes seen as good but maybe inflexible. Does the ETB more actively watch what kinds of training/courses are needed and continuously adapt its range of options? (For example, if you heard a large new IT company was coming to Donegal, would you offer more relevant training?)
Our Enterprise Engagement Unit is very proactive when it comes to linking with companies, large and small, to ensure that we can provide what industry requires. We respond quickly and are really flexible in how we deliver training and this is exactly what industry needs.
We have strong links with the County Council, IDA, Enterprise Ireland, IBEC, Chambers of Commerce and others, including on a national level which helps us to make good solid decisions.
There are ETB courses on Drugs and Alcohol Awareness. Was that born out of interest among people working with that issue, or out of sheer modern social necessity?
The work started almost 20 years ago and has evolved as we have responded to shifting needs in the area. The courses are a good example of a local response to what is happening on the ground and we pride ourselves on being flexible as we serve our communities.
Donegal ETB has quite a good reputation, and just lately it was announced that seven of your school projects have qualified for the Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition in 2025. How much are those achievements a source of pride, and do they help attract more interest/students?
We are incredibly proud of all the achievements of our students and the availability of a wide range of co and extracurricular activities across our schools and centres, without doubt, helps us enormously to attract students.
I cannot stress enough that the success of our schools and centres is down to top quality leadership of staff who are invested in their school communities and really want to get the very best out of our students. I must also mention the vital and excellent support that our administrative staff provide across the areas of HR, ICT, finance and corporate services to all staff which allows schools and centres to concentrate on the key area of teaching and learning.
Is it a difficult job, and what are the things that make it worthwhile for you?
My role is busy and complex for sure and no two days are ever the same but I love it! I love it most of all when I meet students and hear their stories of how our wonderful staff work with our students, young and old, to guide them to achieve their goals and ambitions.
Are there any big plans for 2025 you can tell us about in advance?
We are always looking to improve and innovate and this will continue for 2025. We have a large number of significant building projects which will be progressing through 2025. We are also planning to make some changes to our FET Service in terms of making it even easier to navigate so watch out for that announcement.
Quick-fire:
What motivates you?
Being able to contribute to making our county a great place to live
What do you look for most in a friend?
Trust and fun
What angers or disappoints you?
Inequality and arrogance
Do you have a motto or philosophy you try to live by?
Carpe diem
If anyone else would like to take part in this interview, to raise a profile or an issue, please contact Paul at Dnthirddegree@gmail.com
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