Written by
Published on
October 3, 2025
Share This
A Visit to Ballycommon Technology and Training Centre
Recently, our Lorraine O’Connor our Community Education Officer, visited Ballycommon Technology and Training Centre (BTTC) and met with Centre Manager Deirdre Arnold to explore the centre’s impactful work in the heart of rural Offaly
Supporting Learning and Community Development
Just 10km from Tullamore, BTTC is a community-owned rural social enterprise serving the Tullamore & Edenderry Municipal District. Established in 1999 by residents, the centre was founded to meet the evolving training and development needs of the rural community as it entered the digital age.
Over the years, BTTC has grown into a vital hub for education, inclusion, and community development. As a not-for-profit CLG and registered charity, it operates with a sustainable business model, generating traded income while remaining deeply rooted in its social mission. It is also a proud member of the Social Enterprise Network for Offaly and a part of a Community Service Programme funded through Pobal and the DRCDG.
The centre’s work is guided by two key pillars: Advancement in Education and Services for Older Persons, with additional focus on community development and stand-alone projects tailored to local needs.
Training Opportunities for All
BTTC supports a wide range of cohorts across the county, including migrants, women’s and men’s groups, the long-term unemployed, and individuals seeking to upskill. More than 1,000 learners have received training from them in the last year. Its retrofitting training programme is particularly noteworthy, equipping learners with practical skills for sustainable employment.
As an Authorised Training Organisation (ATO) for SOLAS Safepass Training, Ballycommon also offers:
- QQI-accredited and non-accredited courses
- ICDL certification
- Skills for Work programmes
- IT and personal development training
- Career planning support
Through partnerships with organisations like Laois Offaly ETB and various funding partners, (BTTC) delivers external training and in-house training, extending its reach and impact.
Beyond its education programmes, the centre provides:
- A free weekly drop-in IT clinic
- Remote working facilities through the Connecting Communities Hub
- Meeting room hire with an interactive smart screen and high-speed broadband
- Kids Clubs and seasonal camps (Robotics, Coding, Green Screen Animation)
- Craft clubs for women and men
- Support for the Daingean Community Employment Scheme
Making an Impact in Rural Offaly
The dedication of Deirdre Arnold and her team shine through in every aspect of BTTC’s work. Programmes like those offered here are lifelines for rural communities—helping to combat isolation, foster opportunity, and build resilience and place people into employment.
The number of learners supported into employment and further education is a testament to the team’s commitment and to Deirdre’s tireless efforts in building strong relationships with local businesses and the wider community.
We are proud to have BTTC as a valued member of the Community Education Network and commend them for their outstanding contribution to local development. It’s no surprise that BTTC were recently nominated by Offaly County Council for the IPB Pride of Place Awards 2025 – Inclusive Community – and will take part in the finals in Limerick this November.
News
The very latest news from the adult and community education sector
News
AONTAS Community Education Against Disinformation Project Nominated for Media Literacy Award
16 October 2026
AONTAS Community Education Against Disinformation Project Nominated for Media Literacy Award Written by Rachel Ryan Published on October 16, 2026...
Blog
Beyond Funding: Building Capacity, Skills and Expertise for Lasting Change Through the AONTAS Community Education Network
9 October 2026
Beyond Funding: Building Capacity, Skills and Expertise for Lasting Change Through Our Community Education Network Written by Lorraine O’Connor Published...
Blog
Reducing Barriers with Learn with NALA Accreditation
9 October 2026
Reducing Barriers with Learn with NALA Accreditation Written by Brian Desmond Published on October 9, 2026 Share This Attended by...
Blog
The People Behind the STAR Awards: Social Change
9 October 2026
The People Behind the STAR Awards: Social Change Written by Brian Desmond Published on October 9, 2026 Share This (Part...
News
AONTAS Members Have Their Say on New National Learner Survey
9 October 2026
AONTAS Members Have Their Say on New National Learner Survey Written by Rachel Ryan Published on October 9, 2026 Share...
News
What does Budget 2027 mean for adult and community education?
8 October 2026
What does Budget 2027 mean for adult and community education? Written by Conor Thompson Published on October 8, 2026 Share...
Written by
Published on
October 3, 2025
Share This
A Visit to Ballycommon Technology and Training Centre
Recently, our Lorraine O’Connor our Community Education Officer, visited Ballycommon Technology and Training Centre (BTTC) and met with Centre Manager Deirdre Arnold to explore the centre’s impactful work in the heart of rural Offaly
Supporting Learning and Community Development
Just 10km from Tullamore, BTTC is a community-owned rural social enterprise serving the Tullamore & Edenderry Municipal District. Established in 1999 by residents, the centre was founded to meet the evolving training and development needs of the rural community as it entered the digital age.
Over the years, BTTC has grown into a vital hub for education, inclusion, and community development. As a not-for-profit CLG and registered charity, it operates with a sustainable business model, generating traded income while remaining deeply rooted in its social mission. It is also a proud member of the Social Enterprise Network for Offaly and a part of a Community Service Programme funded through Pobal and the DRCDG.
The centre’s work is guided by two key pillars: Advancement in Education and Services for Older Persons, with additional focus on community development and stand-alone projects tailored to local needs.
Training Opportunities for All
BTTC supports a wide range of cohorts across the county, including migrants, women’s and men’s groups, the long-term unemployed, and individuals seeking to upskill. More than 1,000 learners have received training from them in the last year. Its retrofitting training programme is particularly noteworthy, equipping learners with practical skills for sustainable employment.
As an Authorised Training Organisation (ATO) for SOLAS Safepass Training, Ballycommon also offers:
- QQI-accredited and non-accredited courses
- ICDL certification
- Skills for Work programmes
- IT and personal development training
- Career planning support
Through partnerships with organisations like Laois Offaly ETB and various funding partners, (BTTC) delivers external training and in-house training, extending its reach and impact.
Beyond its education programmes, the centre provides:
- A free weekly drop-in IT clinic
- Remote working facilities through the Connecting Communities Hub
- Meeting room hire with an interactive smart screen and high-speed broadband
- Kids Clubs and seasonal camps (Robotics, Coding, Green Screen Animation)
- Craft clubs for women and men
- Support for the Daingean Community Employment Scheme
Making an Impact in Rural Offaly
The dedication of Deirdre Arnold and her team shine through in every aspect of BTTC’s work. Programmes like those offered here are lifelines for rural communities—helping to combat isolation, foster opportunity, and build resilience and place people into employment.
The number of learners supported into employment and further education is a testament to the team’s commitment and to Deirdre’s tireless efforts in building strong relationships with local businesses and the wider community.
We are proud to have BTTC as a valued member of the Community Education Network and commend them for their outstanding contribution to local development. It’s no surprise that BTTC were recently nominated by Offaly County Council for the IPB Pride of Place Awards 2025 – Inclusive Community – and will take part in the finals in Limerick this November.
News
The very latest news from the adult and community education sector
News
AONTAS Community Education Against Disinformation Project Nominated for Media Literacy Award
16 October 2026
AONTAS Community Education Against Disinformation Project Nominated for Media Literacy Award Written by Rachel Ryan Published on October 16, 2026...
Blog
Beyond Funding: Building Capacity, Skills and Expertise for Lasting Change Through the AONTAS Community Education Network
9 October 2026
Beyond Funding: Building Capacity, Skills and Expertise for Lasting Change Through Our Community Education Network Written by Lorraine O’Connor Published...
Blog
Reducing Barriers with Learn with NALA Accreditation
9 October 2026
Reducing Barriers with Learn with NALA Accreditation Written by Brian Desmond Published on October 9, 2026 Share This Attended by...
Blog
The People Behind the STAR Awards: Social Change
9 October 2026
The People Behind the STAR Awards: Social Change Written by Brian Desmond Published on October 9, 2026 Share This (Part...
News
AONTAS Members Have Their Say on New National Learner Survey
9 October 2026
AONTAS Members Have Their Say on New National Learner Survey Written by Rachel Ryan Published on October 9, 2026 Share...
News
What does Budget 2027 mean for adult and community education?
8 October 2026
What does Budget 2027 mean for adult and community education? Written by Conor Thompson Published on October 8, 2026 Share...