Protection for Learners
FETAC registered providers who intend to offer programmes of 3 months duration or more on a commercial and profit making basis, are required to put arrangements for Protection for Learners (PFL) in place.
The provider is required to:
- read the FETAC policy and procedures on Protection for Learners (PFl)
- agree a general policy and procedure for Protection for Learners (PFL) in their Provider
Registration application, Section B7
- ensure that specific protection for learner arrangements are put into place for each programme
and agreed with FETAC prior to offering the programme.
There are two Protection for Learner (PFL) options available to providers.
Option 1 - An Alternate Provider Arrangement
The provider must put all of the following 4 arrangements in place and agree them with FETAC prior to offering the programme:
1. Letters of Agreement with two alternate providers with whom they have arrangements in place to accept learners in the event of a programme ceasing using the pro forma letter.
2. A stated maximum number of learners to be enrolled on the programme (single or multiple courses) at any given time
3. Details of the information that will be provided to prospective and enrolled learners about the arrangements in place
4. A stated procedure for FETAC to access learner records in the event of a cessation of a programme.
Option 2 -A Bank Guarantee
The provider must put all of the following 4 arrangements in place and agree them with FETAC prior to offering the programme:
1. A bank guarantee for each programme, sufficient in value to cover refunds to all learners of fees using the
2. A stated maximum number of learners to be enrolled on the programme (single or multiple courses) at any given time
3. Details of the information that will be provided to prospective and enrolled learners about the arrangements in place
4. A stated procedure for FETAC to access learner records in the event of a cessation of a programme.
Applications can be sent to qa@fetac.ie. Only fully completed applications, with all 4 documents will be accepted.