Waterford College of Further Education

What Waterford College of Further Education does

No source data was provided in the input for Waterford College of Further Education in this extraction chunk. The aggregated content blocks contained no factual material about the institution's programs, operations, funding, governance, enrollment, or commercial activity. A factual description cannot be grounded in the input, and one is not produced here to avoid fabrication.

Name

Waterford College of Further Education

Legal name

Waterford College of Further Education

Website

https://wcfe.ie

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

No company identified from the provided source material in this extraction chunk; no factual description of Waterford College of Further Education can be grounded in the supplied input.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Further Education / Vocational Training

NAICS

Technical and Trade Schools (6115), Apprenticeship Training (611513)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Technical Universities with Computing, Data & AI Focus (EDAHAEAK)

Keywords

• Further education courses
• Vocational training programmes
• QQI certification
• Apprenticeship training
• Post-leaving certificate courses

Headquarters

HQ city

Waterford

HQ country

Ireland

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Course Fees and Student Contributions: Students pay course fees including student services contributions (typically €50-€350), examination fees, and additional costs for materials, kits, uniforms, and certification exams. Some courses are fully funded through ETB/SOLAS arrangements. The college also receives government funding through Waterford and Wexford Education and Training Board (WWETB).
2. Apprenticeship Programmes: National Hairdressing Apprenticeship and Accounting Technician Apprenticeship operate as earn-while-you-learn schemes with no tuition costs to apprentices. Employers pay apprentices a salary while college provides off-the-job training.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Waterford College of Further Education delivers full-time QQI Level 5 and Level 6 vocational courses across 14 departments (Animal Care, Art & Photography, Beauty Therapy, Business/Tourism/Hospitality, Childcare, Computing, Construction, Hairdressing, Healthcare, Media, Medical Sciences, Social Care, Sports, and Pre-University programmes), as well as National Hairdressing Apprenticeship and Accounting Technician Apprenticeship programmes. The college offers over 50 courses with progression pathways to SETU, University of Limerick, and international universities, supplemented by professional certifications (CIDESCO, ITEC, NCEF, AMADEUS).

Product overview

Waterford College of Further Education offers a diverse portfolio of further education programs across 13 department areas, providing QQI-certified courses at Levels 5-6 on the National Framework of Qualifications. The college functions as a multi-departmental further education institution rather than a single unified product, with programs organized by vocational areas including Animal Care, Art & Photography, Beauty Therapy, Business/Tourism/Hospitality, Childcare, Computing, Construction & Security Systems, Hairdressing, Health Care, Media, Social Care, and Sports. Programs range from one-year certificate courses to advanced certificates, with apprenticeship pathways in fields like Accounting Technician and Hairdressing. The institution also offers specialized preparatory programs (Pre-Further Education, Pre-Apprenticeship, Pre-University Teaching) and partnerships with universities for degree progression.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Animal Care Department Programmes QQI Level 5 and 6 programmes including Animal Science & Grooming, Animal Care & Grooming, and Advanced Animal Science, preparing students for careers in veterinary assisting, grooming parlours, kennels, and animal welfare organisations.
• Art & Photography Department Programmes QQI Level 5 and 6 creative arts programmes including Art and Design Portfolio, Advanced Certificate in Photography, and Photography and Moving Image, preparing students for careers in fine art, graphic design, and photography.
• Beauty Therapy Department Programmes QQI Level 5 and 6 beauty therapy programmes including Beauty Therapy Year 1, Advanced Beauty Therapy & Makeup Artistry Year 2, Alternative Health & Wellbeing Therapies, and Retail Practice with Beauty Consultant, with international certifications (CIDESCO, ITEC, CIBTAC, AIT).
• Business, Tourism & Hospitality Department Programmes QQI Level 5 and 6 programmes including Business Studies, Office Administration, Advanced Certificate in Business, Tourism and Travel, and Floristry. Includes the Accounting Technician Apprenticeship delivered in partnership with Accounting Technicians Ireland (ATI).
• Childcare Department Programmes QQI Level 5 and 6 early childhood education programmes including Childcare: Certificate in Early Learning & Care, Special Needs Assistant, Advanced Special Needs Assistant, Applied Psychology, and Legal Studies and Criminal Law.
• Computing Department Programmes QQI Level 5 technology programmes including Computer Systems & Networks and Multimedia Production, teaching PC maintenance, networking, operating systems, and web design.
• Construction & Security Systems Department Programmes QQI Level 5 and 6 programmes including Applied Ecology, Construction Technology Services & Energy Efficiency, Electronics Robotics & Security Systems Technology, and Furniture Design & Making.
• Hairdressing Department Programmes QQI Level 5 and 6 hairdressing programmes including Hairdressing & Barbering Year 1, Advanced Certificate in Hairdressing (RPL), plus the National Hairdressing Apprenticeship (3-year) delivered in partnership with NHA.
• Health Care Department Programmes QQI Level 5 and 6 healthcare programmes including BSc (Hons) in Intellectual Disability Nursing (in partnership with SETU), Healthcare Support, and Nursing Studies (aligned with NMBI requirements).
• Medical Sciences Department Programme QQI Level 5 Pharmacy Assistant programme preparing students for retail pharmacy sector employment.
• Media Department Programmes QQI Level 5 and 6 media programmes including Advanced Certificate in Audio Media and Film, Journalism Photography Creative Writing & Video, Sound Engineering & Music Technology, and Theatre Studies & Event Production (partnered with the Lir Academy, Trinity College Dublin).
• Social Care Department Programmes QQI Level 5 and 6 social care programmes including Advanced Social Care, Applied Social Studies, and Pre Third Level Arts, preparing students for youth work, care assistant, and residential care positions.
• Sports Department Programmes QQI Level 5 and 6 sports programmes including Fitness and Health (NCEF, University of Limerick), Sports Coaching & Physical Education, and Sports Therapy & Injury Management (ITEC).
• Pre-Further Education Programme One-year QQI Level 5 foundation course for students without formal qualifications, covering Personal Effectiveness, ESOL, Word Processing, and Customer Service, enabling progression to full WCFE courses.
• Pre-Apprenticeship Programme One-year QQI Level 5 practical training course for learners seeking construction industry careers, covering Wood Fabrication, Renewable Energy Systems, Electrical Cabling, CAD, and Safe Pass training.
• Pre-University Teaching Programme QQI Level 5 certificate in Education and Training for post-leaving cert and mature students, providing foundation for teaching careers with modules in Concepts in Education, Psychology, and Research Skills.
• Furniture Design & Making Course QQI Level 5 programme covering furniture making, wood turning, materials and finishes, preparing students for careers as furniture designers, makers, and restoration specialists.
• National Hairdressing Apprenticeship (3-year programme) Three-year earn-while-you-learn apprenticeship delivered in partnership with the National Hairdressing Apprenticeship (NHA), leading to QQI Level 6 qualification and progression to business/management degrees.
• Accounting Technician Apprenticeship Two-year earn-while-you-learn apprenticeship delivered in partnership with Accounting Technicians Ireland (ATI), with apprentices earning a salary of €27,593 while completing off-the-job training at WCFE.

Quantifiable outcome

• QQI Level 5/6 certification enables CAO application through Higher Education Links Scheme
• +2 more outcomes

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core, secondary and minor.

• SETU Waterford CampuscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSouth East Technological University (SETU) Waterford Campus offers preferential entry to students who successfully complete linked QQI FET programmes at WCFE. The progression scheme ensures equality of opportunity and smooth transition from further to higher education. Contact: Selma Robinson, [email protected], Tel: 051 302163.
• SETU Carlow CampuscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSETU Carlow Campus Further Education Progression Pathways ensures greater access to Higher Education for students who successfully complete a QQI course at WCFE and satisfy certain entry criteria. Contact: Siobhan Ryan, [email protected], Tel: 0599175706.
• University of SunderlandsecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborative progression opportunity allowing WCFE Media Production graduates to achieve a Level 8 Honours Degree. Students can access multi-million pound facilities, experience education internationally, and access scholarships. The degree can be completed in a shorter timeframe compared to Irish universities.
• Erasmus+minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSelected students have opportunity for two-week work experience projects in European cities. Programme includes cost of accommodation, meals and travel for participants. Enhances professional training and transnational work practice knowledge.
• Accounting Technicians Ireland (ATI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWCFE delivers the Accounting Technician Apprenticeship programme in partnership with ATI. This two-year fully funded programme allows apprentices to earn while they learn with a salary of €27,593. ATI processes applications and provides curriculum framework.
• National Hairdressing Apprenticeship (NHA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWCFE participates in the National Hairdressing Apprenticeship programme delivering Stages 1, 2, and 3 of the three-year apprenticeship. Applications must be made by salons directly to NHA. Graduates earn QQI Level 6 and can pursue further business/management studies.
• International Academy of Travel (IAOT)secondaryChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTourism and Travel programme endorsed by IAOT. Students receive supplementary training including IAOT Ready to Book, Ready to Check-in, and Ready to Fly certifications alongside AMADEUS and QQI qualifications.
• AMADEUS IrelandsecondaryChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTourism and Travel programme certified by AMADEUS for global distribution systems training. Students gain practical experience with industry-standard booking software used by airlines and travel agencies worldwide.
• CIDESCO InternationalsecondaryChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBeauty Therapy programme offers CIDESCO Beauty Therapy International Diploma - an internationally recognised qualification enabling graduates to work worldwide. WCFE students regularly receive awards at National and International Level.
• ITEC (International Therapy Examination Council)secondaryChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBeauty Therapy programmes accredited by ITEC for multiple qualifications including Beauty Specialist Diploma, Facial Electrical Treatments, and Photographic Make-Up. Graduates receive internationally recognised certifications.
• AIT (Awarding Institute of Therapists)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAdvanced Beauty Therapy programme is AIT Accredited for Lash & Brow Treatments, providing additional professional qualification alongside QQI certification.
• CIBTACminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBeauty Therapy Year 1 offers CIBTAC Diploma in Aesthetic Treatments as an alternative pre-requisite for progression to Year 2 Advanced Beauty Therapy programmes.
• The Lir Academy (Trinity College Dublin)secondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerTheatre Studies & Event Production course is partnered with the Lir Academy to facilitate workshops and collaboration throughout the academic year, providing students with professional theatrical training insights.
• Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNursing Studies programme prepares students for NMBI requirements. Students wishing to apply for Level 8 nursing programmes in Ireland must satisfy minimum NMBI requirements including O6 in Maths.
• University of Limerick (NCEF)secondaryChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFitness and Health programme includes Certificate in Exercise and Health Fitness (NCEF) accredited by University of Limerick. Also includes Irish Water Safety National Pool Lifeguard Qualification.

Scale indicators4 records

Regional players

• MTU (Munster Technological University): Southern Ireland technological university formed in 2021 from CIT and ITT, offering Level 6-10 programmes across business, engineering, computing, media, and creative arts. Regional progression destination for Munster-based FET colleges with similar curriculum areas (computing, media, art) to WCFE.
• TUS (Technological University of the Shannon): Midlands/Mid-West technological university formed in 2021 from AIT and LIT, delivering Level 6-10 programmes across technology, business, engineering, and science. Functions as a regional progression target for FET colleges in its catchment and competes for the same broad vocational student demographic at higher tiers.
• SETU (South East Technological University): Formed in 2022 from merger of Waterford IT and IT Carlow, SETU is WCFE's primary university progression partner with formal preferential entry articulation agreements. Operates at the next tier of Irish tertiary education (Levels 6-10) in the same South-East region, accepting WCFE graduates into Years 2-3 of bachelor programmes.

Direct peers

• Ballyfermot College of Further Education: Dublin FET college under CDETB delivering QQI Level 5/6 programmes with a comparable mix of vocational disciplines, similar apprenticeship offerings, and analogous progression pathways to nearby technological universities. Functions as a direct peer for school-leaver recruitment.
• Pearse College of Further Education: Dublin-based further education college under City of Dublin ETB (CDETB) offering QQI Level 5/6 vocational courses across a similarly broad multi-department portfolio including childcare, business, beauty therapy, media, and sport. Direct functional comparator in the Irish FET sector.
• Galway Technical Institute: Galway-based FET college under Galway and Roscommon ETB (GRETB) offering QQI Level 5/6 vocational courses in business, science, art, computing, and engineering with analogous progression to ATU (Atlantic Technological University). Direct Irish FET peer in the west of Ireland.
• Coláiste Dhúlaigh College of Further Education: Multi-campus CDETB FET college in north Dublin offering QQI Level 5/6 programmes across a comparable vocational portfolio (computing, business, art, media, sports). Direct competitor for Dublin and Leinster-based FET applicants with similar SOLAS-funded delivery model.
• Cork College of FET: Multi-campus further education college under Cork ETB delivering QQI Level 5/6 programmes across similar vocational disciplines (business, healthcare, beauty, childcare, computing) to school-leavers and mature students. Same Irish FET funding model via SOLAS/WWETB-equivalent structure and comparable progression routes to MTU.
• Limerick College of Further Education: FET college under Limerick and Clare ETB delivering QQI Level 5/6 vocational programmes with similar departmental breadth and progression routes to TUS (Technological University of the Shannon). Comparable Irish FET delivery model and student segments.

Others

• SOLAS: Irish state agency with statutory responsibility for funding, coordinating, and quality-assuring the Further Education and Training (FET) sector. As the body that channels government funding to ETBs (including WWETB which funds WCFE), SOLAS is an essential enabling/ecosystem participant rather than a direct competitor.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/WaterfordCFE
• Instagraminstagram.com/waterfordcfe/?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/waterford-college-of-further-education

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Waterford College of Further Education