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Integrated Tutor Training
SHEP Tutor Training courses are advanced courses and are not offered every year.
There are two main types of SHEP Tutor Training course: i) the SHEP Integrated Specialised Tutor Training Course and ii) SHEP Specialised Tutor Training Courses (which have particular themes).
For further information on Specialised Tutor Training in SHEP please visit our website: https://socialandhealth.com/training/specialised-tutor-training/
It is possible to start Tutor Training with SHEP with either type of course.
The Integrated Specialised Tutor Training Course will continue to be our principal Tutor Training programme. It is recommended, though not required, for all those who wish to work with SHEP as facilitators to deliver Short courses on SHEP’s Community Education for Well-being Programme.
Many people who complete the Integrated Tutor Training course also complete other Tutor Training courses in order to expand the range of thematic areas in which they might facilitate groups.
**Open for Application: (CN004059) 2026 – 2027 Integrated Specialised Tutor Training**
We are very happy to draw your attention to a new training opportunity, the long awaited SHEP Integrated Specialised Tutor Training Course 2026-2028 (course code CN004059). You may be aware that we last held this course during 2016-2017 and we now invite interested and eligible persons to apply.
Applications will open today, Thursday, 2nd April 2026 and the closing date is Friday, 1st May 2026. The course will be delivered in a hybrid fashion, to accommodate applicants from different geographic spaces. Delivery will take place part-online and part in-person. Weekly sessions will be online (though a few initial sessions will be in-person). Weekend days will be in-person and based in SHEP ‘s Project training rooms in Cork.
Please see further details below (please note that an application does not guarantee a place on this course):
Course Description:
This SHEP Integrated Specialised Tutor Training Course 2026-2028 course integrates what were previously three stand-alone Specialised Tutor Training Courses: Introduction to Personal Development, Assertive Communication for Better Relationships and Managing Stress in Our Daily Lives, whilst introducing additional elements designed to provide a solid preparation for work as a Community Tutor. In addition, the course provides participants with a very significant opportunity to continue their personal development work in the context of practitioner training
Who can apply?
The SHEP Integrated Specialised Tutor Training Course 2026-2028 course is for those who would like an advanced-level training in group-work facilitation. Application information will be on the SHEP website during April 2026. Closing date is Friday, 1st May 2026. There will be a mix of applicants included in the course:
1. The course will be open to those who have completed the SHEP Certificate in Facilitation course (or those who can establish through SHEP’s Recognition of Prior Learning equivalence to the Facilitation course).
2. It is open to those who have already completed other Specialised Tutor Training Courses and who wish to augment their training.
3. It is also open to Coiscéim counsellors.
Duration
The course will involve c. 268 hours training time and an additional 54 hours in learning/practice groups. This integrated course will provisionally run on Wednesday nights (to be confirmed as soon as the schedule is finalised). The course will commence in Late-October 2026 and run to Feb/March 2028. It will involve c. 56 weekly evening sessions, each lasting two and a half hours, five weekends (Saturdays and Sundays 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.) and eleven one-day workshops.
Cost
• The full fee for this course is €2,100.
• A limited number of five reduced fee places of €1,500 are available (i.e. a reduction of €600). These will be allocated on a first come, first served basis to eligible applicants. To apply for one of the five reduced-fee places it is necessary to complete an Application for Reduced Fee place form (attached).
• Two Educational Bursaries are available which are funded by the Perry and Sandy Massie Foundation. These educational bursaries cover 86% of the course fee, reducing the fee to €300 (i.e. an educational bursary of €1,800). To apply for one of the two Educational Bursaries, it is necessary to complete the Educational Bursary Application form which is available on request from Course Co-ordinators.
Successful completion of both the course-work and apprenticeship components of this Specialised Tutor Training will enable participants to register as Community Tutors with the Social and Health Education Project and to deliver courses through its Community Education for Health and Well-being Programme. (Please note that the Project cannot guarantee availability of work as a Community Tutor). Previous participants have also found the course to be an invaluable preparation for related work in other settings.
Applications are now being taken. Forms are linked below and are also available on request.
Please complete and return your application marked: ‘For Attention of Course Co-ordinators’ to info@socialandhealth.com
Closing Date for Applications 5pm on Friday 1st May 2026.
Please contact Fern or Geraldine (course co-ordinators) if you have any questions or need clarifications.
Fern Higgins Atkinson: fern.higginsatkinson@socialandhealth.com
Geraldine Flanagan: geraldine.flanagan@socialandhealth.com
Application form (with reduced fee form and information sheet)
Important Information on SHEP Fees Payment Methods and FAQ
Poster ISTT 2026-2028: 