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The University is currently exploring new forms of teacher education within the workplace (O’Hagan, 2008).  The development of a work-based learning transformative learning partnership is central to the work of the provision for post compulsory FE teachers in the North of Ireland.  By 2012 the Department of Education and Science in the Republic of Ireland (Teaching Council, 2008) aim to offer a new form of award in support of qualified teaching status for FE teachers.

Ulster in cooperation with six regional colleges of FE are the sole provider for teacher education mapped currently to both DEL requirements, Lifelong Learning UK requirements and the qualifications authority for teacher recognition, the General Teaching Council for Northern Ireland.

The previous SCOTENS project established a forum for exploring the needs of the sector, north and south and offered opportunities for wider developments including the establishment of a forum for post compulsory education and the provision of advanced learning methodologies for providers to take cognisance of in the future (O’Hagan and McAleavy, 2009).

This project aims now to pilot a specialised model of mentorship in line with FE partners north and south.   

Mentorship is a form of workforce development supportive of shared learning and the development of improvements through cooperative experiences and exchange ideas.

The project will explore a model of peer mentoring in support of Cavan FE teachers and Belfast FE teachers, through the formalised certification of mentors at Ulster in support of the formation of a community of practice across boundaries.