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  • Crafts and Hobby Courses

    Crafts and Hobby Courses

    Crafts and hobby courses can be very rewarding for those wishing to meet new people and learn some useful skills. Students of all ages can meet other like minded people once a week, with the social aspect often going hand in hand with a valuable learning experience which can often lead to new opportunities and sometimes even a change in career direction. There are a wide selection of crafts and hobby courses on offer that allow for a wide number of skills to be learned or improved.

    Crafts and hobby courses are usually held at local colleges and may be either a day or night course. There may be several time slots to cater for different lifestyles so that you have a variety to choose from. The course range offered is usually diverse and may include cake decorating, creative writing, knitting, crocheting, the basics of drama, sewing, dressmaking, painting, sculpting, sketching, English literature, flower arranging, wood working and a whole host of others.

    Some courses are relatively obscure, but the majority teach popular skills that come in handy in everyday life. These skills may not be career oriented, but they are extremely useful and can be integral in ensuring an individual’s personal development!

    Part time crafts and hobby courses can be an excellent option for those who have a hectic schedule because they are often only on once or twice a week. The majority of courses last between one and two hours, usually depending on whether they are scheduled on one or two days of the week, but very few last longer than that. Some may even be over the course of a weekend. The length of the courses varies from college to college. Some may last six weeks, others may last twenty to thirty weeks. The shorter courses do not tend to give a qualification at the end, whereas the longer courses may result in a qualification.

    The course itself will obviously have a set curriculum, but each one will often deal with a different area of the art or craft every week. There may be examinations at the end of the course, but that is unlikely because arts and crafts courses usually only have a practical exam, if indeed they have one at all.

    In terms of advancing a person’s career, crafts and hobby courses are generally taken for pleasure but they can lead to a passion that sparks a future business idea. There are businesses that were born out of a short course at a local college so the idea that they are just for fun and otherwise useless is often far from accurate. Many individuals use them to enhance their existing careers because a hobby or crafts course can act as a stress reliever and may lead to a person doing better at work as a result.

    View a range of Crafts and hobby Courses on Findacourse.ie

  • Evening Course Options

    Evening Course Options

    Evening classes can improve your lifestyle, boost your career, help meet new friends or lead to a new hobby. Part time courses can brighten up the dark evenings and get the year off to a positive start.

    The main motivation for engaging in evening courses are personal interest, enhancement of job prospects and gaining qualifications. Learning new skills and knowledge is not only affordable but is easily accessible through a broad spectrum of educational providers who all offer evening course programmes beginning in January and coming months.

    Prospective evening course students will find that almost any subject is taught in evening courses, although continuing education subjects such as information technology and business administration are prevalent and popular. For every student there is a course to suit and often there are some intriguing and unusual subjects as well as more conventional hobby classes.

    Some evening courses form part of a degree program, while other non-credit courses, allow students to learn new skills and brush up on old ones. Evening courses are mostly held on weeknights, although some courses operate at week ends as well.

    While some participants have high expectations of professional training, meeting like minded people and gaining qualifications, other participants are happy to explore topics at beginner level. Learning is stimulating for everyone and evening courses provide a great way for those who have been out of education for a while or who missed out on formal education to learn to study again in a relaxed setting. Those who are opting for more serious courses will find the tuition professional and the outcome every bit as successful as if studying on a full time course.

    Where to Study
    Each region in Ireland has an Education and Training Board (ETB) where the objective is to deliver community orientated education and evening courses are a large part of this brief. More information about your local ETB can be found at www.etbi.ie.

    Many second and third level colleges offer evening courses in a range of subjects including languages, domestic arts, crafts, yoga and a range of business and administration courses. Contact your local college to see if they run evening courses this Spring.

    Private colleges offer a vast array of evening course choices including MBA courses and post graduate offerings as well as other career enhancing courses across the whole range of career options. Courses of this type are ideal for those seeking to gain further qualifications and enhance job opportunities. Third level colleges also offer similar courses and will have similar admission policies to their day time courses.

    Most evening courses are short term (usually 8 to 12 weeks) and the cost is based on the subject and the materials required for the course. They can cost as little as 80 euro for a hobby class and in general are cheaper than day time courses which are more focused on accreditation. However even accredited courses can be cheaper when studied by evening, for example, an MBA course is likely to be up to 50% cheaper by opting for an evening or online part time option.

    Some Evening Course Providers on Findacourse.ie

    CMI (Communications and Management Institute) in Dublin, offers evening courses in everything from Fashion Buying and Merchandising to a Diploma in Criminal Forensic Psychology. There are also courses in Management and Team Leadership, as well as a Diploma in Addiction Studies.

    Moate Business College in Westmeath offers a lot more than just business courses. January evening courses at the college include; Computers for Beginners & Improvers, Millinery, Digital Photography, Train the Trainer, DIY Bike Maintenance and others…

    Malahide Community School in Dublin, offers part-time evening courses in subjects including French and computers as well as yoga and ballroom dancing. The classes run on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday nights from 7.30pm- 9.30pm.

    University of Galway offers a range of certified part-time courses, including the evening certificate course in TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language). Classes are held on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings from 7pm-10pm and coursework includes fifty hours of supervised teaching practice.

    Dunboyne College of Further Education in Meath offer a large selection of adult education evening classes. These include hobby courses, Fitness & Health, IT & Computers, professional courses as well as a range of talks & seminars.

    Dorset College in Dublin, offers a selection of courses including an ACCA Diploma in Accounting and Business, a CIPD Certificate in Human Resource Management and level 6 course in Leadership (Supervisory Management and Leadership).

    Some colleges have enrolment evenings for the courses which are a great way to see what is on offer and resolve any questions before signing up. Other courses accept online enrolment. Once enrolment is complete, attendance begins on the course start date.

    So many people have experienced improvements in their personal and professional lives through evening courses, sometimes leading to new adventures and careers. It is never too late to learn something new.

  • What is YouthReach

    What is YouthReach

    If you have left school without any formal qualifications, the Youthreach programme can provide you with opportunities for basic education, personal development, vocational training and work experience.

    The programme is generally full-time, although part-time courses can be arranged. You can concentrate on a core training area of your choice but basic subjects, such as English, maths and life skills, are generally covered by all trainees.

    Opportunities to improve literacy and numeracy are available at all Youthreach centres.

    How Youthreach works

    The course generally lasts from 1 to 2 years, although it can be flexible, depending on your individual needs. If you complete the basic training successfully, you will be awarded a Foundation Certification from Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) or the Junior Certificate. Having completed a Foundation Programme, you may continue to a Progression Programme. This will give you the opportunity to progress to the Leaving Certificate Applied course or a higher-level QQI award or you can choose to continue other skills training, such as an apprenticeship course.

    The courses take place in Youthreach centres managed by Education and Training Boards (ETBs) and SOLAS Community Training Centres. Generally, Youthreach centres are open for 35 hours per week (9 a.m. – 4.30 p.m., Monday to Friday).

    If you qualify for Youthreach, you may also be eligible for the Back to Education Initiative.

    Education and Training Boards

    Since 1 July 2013, Education and Training Boards (ETBs) replaced Vocational Educational Committees (VECs). All services provided by VECs will continue to be provided by ETBs. FÁS training centres will be transferred to ETBs on a phased basis with the establishment of SOLAS.

    Rules
    The criteria you must meet to access the Youthreach programme depends on whether you apply to a Youthreach centre managed by an Education and Training Board (ETB) or a Community Training Centre.

    ETB Youthreach programme

    To be eligible for Youthreach provided by your local ETB, you should be between 15 and 20 years of age. You must be unemployed and an early school leaver without any vocational training and who has not attempted the Leaving Certificate. Some exceptions can be made to this rule, for example if you are a lone parent.

    Community Training Centre Youthreach programme

    To be eligible for Youthreach provided by your local Community Training Centre, you should be between 16 and 21 years of age. However, young people under the age of 25 who are disadvantaged and unemployed may attend the programme with agreement from SOLAS.

    The training on offer varies from centre to centre, often depending on the facilities available. If you have an interest in a particular career, you should look around for a centre offering a suitable course rather than applying automatically to the centre nearest to you.
    Rates

    Courses are free and trainees aged over 16 receive a weekly allowance. You will get a travel allowance if you have to travel 5 km or more to the centre. You may also qualify for free childcare and a meal allowance – you should check with the centre.

    If you are over 18 years of age and you are currently getting a social welfare payment of more than €160, you will continue to get the higher amount while you are on Youthreach as long as you are eligible. If you were getting a reduced age-related Jobseeker’s Allowance (JA) before starting Youthreach any means that were deducted from your JA will also be deducted from your training allowance. This also applies to people getting a reduced age-related basic Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA).

    Youthreach courses are held year-round and you can apply to join a course at any time.

    Contact your local Youthreach centre or Community Training Centre and talk to staff about your training needs and interests. You can also contact your local employment services office or ETB. Staff members are available at these centres to help you with application forms if necessary.

    Information provided by citizens Information Board © reproduced under Licence
    Resources
    ETB Location Directory

    Courses without Leaving Cert

  • Online Business Courses in Ireland

    Online Business Courses in Ireland

    Many people choose to study business and related fields and gain qualifications which open up diverse and exciting career avenues for them. Online business courses can play a vital role in building a successful career in business fields such as accounting, business management, business technology and many others. All courses are developed by professionals, who structure courses with the aim to ensure that students are adequately qualified to set up their own business or use their skills for career progression. There are many niche-specific online learning courses that give both existing professionals, and those new to the field, the skills needed in a specific area of business.

    Online business courses are suitable for those already working in business or for those wish to gain a professional and accredited qualification in business through distance learning.

    There are a wealth of online learning business courses available to those interested in this area. Courses are aimed at those who wish to progress in their careers and enhance future career prospects.

    Some Online Business Course Providers

    • Kilroy’s College currently offer four highly regarded business courses, ranging from business administration to farm accounting. These courses aim to help you acquire key skills that every business will look for in today’s competitive business market.
    • University of Galway offer online business courses such as their online Commerce Degree or their Critical Business skills Diploma
    • The Open University Business School provides flexible, high quality management courses for professional. They are the world’s largest MBA provider with triple accreditation. An elite business school that offers you the opportunity to realise your full potential in business, whatever your starting point.
    • Online learning providers such as CMIT, offer prospective students the opportunity to partake in their QQI accredited Business Management course (just one of their online business courses on offer). Participants learn a range of business management techniques.
    • Griffin College offer online business courses in areas such as budgeting and procurement.
    • Pitman Training have a range of business related courses on offer in accounting, payroll, communications and management. You can complete the course in-centre or via their online learning portal.
    • The International Career Institute offer a variety of business related courses to prospective students, including e-business, book-keeping and business management.
    • IPASS offer a number of courses related to payroll, including: the Certified Payroll Technician (CPT) qualification. This provides payroll personnel with a nationally recognised qualification by which they can be evaluated. Successful students will obtain the Certificate in Payroll Techniques. This course is accredited as a Level 6 QQI special purpose qualification on the National Framework of Qualifications.

    Why study an Online Business Course?

    Regardless of what you do in your professional life, the chances are that it will involve some ‘business’. Employers therefore tend to look favourably on those who have demonstrated the initiative to educate themselves even if the course is at a basic level. Experts believe that the combination of specialist qualification and practical business knowledge are key ingredients towards a successful business career. Before embarking on an online business course, some considerations will include the aim of the qualification. Do you want a general understanding of how a successful business works? Or do you need to equip yourself with specialised knowledge and skills in a specific area? The answer to these questions will determine the best online learning business course for you.

    Find some online business courses on Findacourse at the following link – Online Business Course Listings on Findacourse.ie

  • CCNA Courses

    CCNA Courses

    The Cisco CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) certification, refers to a range of technical qualifications offered by Cisco (a multinational company specialising in IT, networking and cyber-security). These industry standard qualifications are favoured by IT employers because they demonstrate the job candidate’s technical acumen and competency in these areas.

    CCNA Certificates

    Cisco offers two entry-level certificates: the Cisco Certified Entry Level Technician (CCENT) and the Cisco Certified Technician (CCT) certificate. The CCENT certification is for network professionals who need to verify that they have the skills required for basic network support positions. The CCENT means that the holder can diagnose, repair and manage fundamental Cisco networking components. The CCT is available with three specialisations: CCT TelePresence, data centre and routing and switching.

    The most popular CCT certification is the routing and switching option because it concentrates on the skills required for on-site support and maintenance of Cisco brand equipment. This certification trains IT technicians to successfully work with Cisco routers, switches, cabling and related accessories. Both of these certificates help IT technicians start their careers in networking. They also provide the basic eligibility requirement to take a CCNA exam.

    CCNA Modules

    Cisco offers various options for networking professionals. Modules can include audio, video, cloud, industrial, wireless, data centre, service provider and routing and switching. For example, many companies now use cloud-based technology, the CCNA Cloud certification is designed for network engineers and administrators to become experts in this area. The CCNA security credential on the other hand is a basic requirement for network security professionals. Passing the exam means that IT job candidates have the skills required to secure IT systems and minimise network vulnerabilities within complex security infrastructures.

    The most popular option is the CCNA Routing and Switching certificate. As networks grow in complexity, the need for qualified network professionals who can implement infrastructure and manage network issues also grow. The curriculum of the CCNA Routing and Switching program is highly relevant and practical because the training modules are closely aligned with the daily tasks of networking professionals, the course teaches how to design and configure networks and also provides excellent training for support technicians.

    CCNA Benefits

    Cisco’s CCNA certificates offer trainees insightful and practical knowledge of core IT concepts. The courses also help existing networking experts to keep up-to-date with the new industry advancements and refresh their existing skills. CCNA certificates are a good addition on an IT professionals C.V and help prospective job applicants obtain interviews and employment.

    An Associate-level CCNA certificate is the first step on the Cisco certification ladder. The next step from there is the Cisco Certified Networking Professional (CCNP) series. This covers cloud, security, wireless, collaboration and routing and switching. From there the option of the Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) programme becomes available. For anyone considering a career as an IT professional, these certificates are considered amongst the most high quality networking certification currently available in the IT industry.

    For those interested in CCNA exams it’s worth remembering that Cisco CCNA certification exams generally require candidates to have at least one to three years of networking experience.

    Click to view CCNA Courses on Findacourse.ie

  • National Learning Network

    National Learning Network

    The National Learning Network offers flexible training courses and support services for people who will benefit from specialist support (those with a disability, mental health issues, illness or additional support needs).  There are over 50 centres around the country providing a variety of certified training courses for people who are unemployed and need skills training to get back to work. Jobseekers benefits and allowances are not affected by participating in any of these courses. Courses are delivered through blended learning, which means a mixture of on-site and off-site training.

    What are the benefits of NLN training courses?

    • Closely aligned to the Irish labour market, they give practical skills and experience to trainees
    • They offer nationally recognised  QQI, ECDL and City & Guilds qualifications
    • They are FREE, with Jobseekers able to keep their allowances and benefits for the duration of the course
    • They offer one-to-one training support, career guidance and advice and personal development modules. This helps build learners confidence and provides the practical skills needed to apply for jobs and succeed at interviews.
    • Courses are designed for jobseekers: Full-time duration lasting 12-24 months.
    • Work placement – choose the industry you want to work in.  The Employer Based Training courses combine practical on-the-job training with in-centre learning to improve your chances of getting a job when you finish the course
    • NLN offer a range of training options, In-centre training, blended learning:  learning in a training centre combined with training in a learner’s local community, online training from the home or skills training in a work environment
    • Courses include modules on CV development and writing cover letters, applying for jobs, securing and successfully completing interviews. Instructors will guide you on how to find jobs that suit your skill set and help you apply for jobs.

    NLN Supports

    • Learning supports: a dedicated key worker to support you, literacy and numeracy skills training, basic I.T.  skills training, are available to all students who require extra supports
    • Job seeking skills training: CV development, interview skills training, job search methods, support to find suitable further education and training options
    • Removal of barriers to learning:  offering advice and help on how to access allowances and support agencies in your local area such as community welfare groups, you local Intreo office, medical supports, transport links etc.  Courses are flexible, allowing you to make necessary appointments.
    • Certified Courses available: Art, Craft and Media, Business Studies, Computers and IT, Catering and Culinary Skills, Tourism & Hospitality, Sport & Leisure, Horticulture and Environment, Career Exploration and Employment.

    National Learning Network provides training and specialist support to people who, for a variety of reasons, may find it difficult to gain employment. Whatever your circumstances – whether you are long term unemployed, have an illness or a disability – National Learning Network can help you.

    NLN offer over 70 different training courses from art and cookery to computer and business skills in centres throughout the country.

    You can access training courses in a variety of ways: in your local centre, with a local employer; or even from the comfort of your own home. All National Learning Network courses are funded through SOLAS or the Health Service Executive and therefore most students receive an allowance for participation.

    NLN Opportunities

    National Learning Network has a wide range of training and further education courses that can open the door to exciting new careers and employment opportunities for you. From business and computer skills, through to graphic design, art and leisure studies, National Learning Network has the course where you can achieve your potential. The courses offer a variety of awards including FETAC (Level 1-6), ECDL, MOS and City & Guilds. National Learning Network facilitates students to recognise previous learning in order to gain a credit towards a full award.

    The vocational courses are funded by SOLAS and cover areas such as:

    • Arts
    • Craft and Media
    • Catering, Tourism
    • Hospitality and Leisure
    • Business Studies and Administration
    • Computer and IT
    • Horticulture and Environment
    • Career Exploration and Employment.

    NLN also offer a large number of rehabilitative training courses which  assist students in improving the quality of their lives. This is achieved through greater inclusion and involvement with the local community and through learning new skills. The rehabilitative courses are funded by the HSE.

    More Information:
    National Learning Network
    Roslyn Park College, Sandymount, Dublin 4
    Email: rpc@nln.ie
    Tel: 01-2613400
    Website: www.nln.ie

    View NLN courses in Dublin on Findacourse.ie

    View NLN website

  • Part Time Courses at Community & Comprehensive Schools

    Part Time Courses at Community & Comprehensive Schools

    There are numerous Community and Comprehensive Schools in Ireland which run a range of adult education evening and night classes at this time of year. Everything from art to zumba will be available in many of these schools, with a variety of QQI (formerly FETAC) courses on offer for adults who want to pick up formal qualifications and boost their employability. There will also be plenty on offer for those who wish to take up a new hobby or get fit in the company of others with dance or yoga classes.

    Most classes run in the evenings, though some schools also run day-time and weekend courses.

    Schools running QQI certified adult education courses – ranging from full level 5 and level 6 qualifications in Health Care Support, Animal Care, Special Needs Assisting and Early Childhood Care to component modules in Train the Trainer, Mental Health Awareness and Safety and Health at Work – include Carrigaline Community School, Kinsale Community School (Cork); Cabinteely Community School, Donahies Community School (Dublin); Scoil Mhuire Clane, Colaiste Chiaran Leixlip (Kildare); O’Fiaich Institute Dundalk (Louth); Boyne Community School (Meath) and Gorey Community School (Wexford).

    ​You can complete the full ECDL qualification at Cabinteely CS, Donahies CS, Gorey CS, Palmerstown CS, Scoil Mhuire Clane while ECDL Essentials is run at Ashbourne CS, Boyne CS, Newpark CS and St Colmcille’s CS. NUI Maynooth certified courses in Local History (Old Bawn Community School), Addiction Studies (Donahies Community School), Community Development and Leadership (Donahies ) and Psychology (Old Bawn, Donahies) are also available.

    ​O’Fiaich Institute and Scoil Mhuire in Clane run a range of ITEC Beauty courses, you can gain Irish Academy of Public Relations qualifications at Old Bawn Community School, O’Fiaich Institute, Malahide Community School and Hartstown Community School, while you can gain CompTIA certification and Microsoft office Specialist status at Scoil Mhuire in Clane.

    Irish Sign Language Association certificate courses are run at Old Bawn Community School; St Tiernan’s Community School offers IPASS Certificate in Payroll Technician, and you can undertake the Primary Course in Food Safety at Boyne Community School in Trim.

    Many schools also run certified First Aid courses.

    Most of these schools run Art classes, Computer courses and Cookery courses. ​Pilates, Yoga, Pottery, Patchwork, Digital Photography, Music, Mindfulness, Genealogy, Pottery and Language classes are also popular.

    Evening Classes at Malahide Community School
    Walk-in enrolment for all classes:
    Students can meet the course tutors at these session. Complimentary tea/coffee will also be available at this enrolment/open evening.
    The evenings run in September & January each year.
    View courses at Malahide College on Findacourse.ie

    View Evening Course Listings on Findacourse.ie

  • Advancing Skills – Apprenticeship Opportunities

    Advancing Skills – Apprenticeship Opportunities

    Third level education is viewed as the conventional route towards a successful career. However there are other routes to fulfilling careers. The National Skills Strategy brings an alternative path to career options by setting ambitious goals. These include 50,000 training and apprenticeship places before the decade’s end. Bringing the vocational and apprenticeship path into the 21st century will align Ireland with other countries who have established high status vocational options in education.

    Historically, Irish apprenticeships have been mostly within the construction sector, however in recent years efforts have been made to diversify across a wide range of industries and sectors. A full list of these is available here:  List of Apprenticeships in Ireland

    The overhaul of the system is timely considering that a recent report showed that approximately one in six students are not progressing beyond the first year of third level education. While there has always been a very high level of successful graduates from third level, over 40% of them are working in areas unrelated to their chosen college course.

    At the same time, in a thriving economy, there is a growing emphasis on skills to meet growing demands. Widening the scope of the apprenticeship and vocational options will be one strand that can provide attractive opportunities in areas such as IT, Science and Engineering.

    There is significant input and support from industry in the updated apprenticeship structure and the NFQ levels attained provide access routes back into education for the students following completion of apprenticeship if required.

    SOLAS are hoping that apprenticeships, by giving students learning and work experience, will result in a reduction of ‘dropouts’ from college. Guidance counselling will be critical in schools to encourage the take up of the new opportunities. In the short term, an extra two hours per week per 100 students is to be implemented.

    Apprenticeship Opportunities

    Apprenticeships are associated with practical and technical careers in various areas: engineering, motoring, construction, electrical and printing. This year, new apprenticeships across 25 industry sectors will be launched. Software development, catering, travel, medical devices, warehousing, and plastics are just some of the options available. Apprenticeships will also be on offer at third-level as well as training and further education establishments.

    Apprenticeship vs College

    Many of the new apprenticeships will include college-based lectures. The higher education pathways will have intensive off job training, therefore the differences between apprenticeships and college courses will not be so marked.

    Payment

    Rates of apprenticeship wages/allowances can vary depending on the type of apprenticeship and the industry you have chosen:

    Apprenticeships developed before 2016: While you are training on the job, your employer will pay you a recommended apprenticeship wage. The ETB pay a weekly allowance equivalent to that wage while you are training off the job. In some cases, the ETB will contribute to your travel and accommodation costs.
    Apprenticeships developed in 2016 and after: Your employer will pay you for the duration of the apprenticeship. The rate of pay is agreed between you and your employer.

    Application Process

    Information about Apprenticeships can be obtained from local ETB’s nationwide (www.etbi.ie). Information will will also be available in schools and through guidance counsellors.

    The prospect of improving the available skill sets to industry via new types of apprenticeships is an exciting one and will broaden the options for those students who are not entirely suited to a purely academic education. The opportunities are ideal to encourage entrepreneurship, innovation and a desirable skill set for the growing economy.

    More information about apprenticeships can be viewed here – Apprenticeship Information Feature

  • Courses Without Leaving Cert

    Courses Without Leaving Cert

    For those who are interested in continuing their education but have not completed or (or perhaps failed) their leaving certificate, there are still options out there which will allow progression of education.

    Youthreach

    If you have left school without any formal qualifications, the Youthreach programme can provide you with opportunities for basic education, personal development, vocational training and work experience. Youthreach seeks to provide early school leavers (15-20 years) with the knowledge, skills and confidence required to participate fully in society and progress to further education, training and employment.

    Youthreach operates, usually over 2 years on a full time year round basis, and delivers 35 hours Education and training per week for 45 weeks. The programmes are generally full-time, although part-time courses can be arranged. You can concentrate on a core training area of your choice but basic subjects, such as English, maths and life skills, are generally covered by all trainees.

    Opportunities to improve literacy and numeracy are available at all Youthreach centres.

    More information available at your local ETB centre.

    VTOS

    If you are over 21 years of age, are unemployed and have been getting certain social welfare payments for at least 6 months you can apply for the Vocational Training and Opportunities Scheme (VTOS). This scheme provides a range of courses to meet the education and training needs of unemployed people. It gives participants opportunities to improve their general level of education, gain certification, develop their skills and prepare for employment, self-employment and further education and training.

    VTOS is operated through local Education and Training Boards and is aimed in particular at unemployed people who are early school-leavers.

    The courses available range from basic education and training to advanced vocational training and there is a wide choice of subjects. The courses are full-time, about 30 hours a week (for example, 6 hours a day for 5 days) and can last up to 2 years. Many courses lead to qualifications such as the Junior Certificate, Leaving Certificate and awards at Levels 3, 4, 5 and 6 on the National Framework of Qualifications.

    More information available at your local ETB centre.

    National Learning Network (NLN)

    National Learning Network provides training and specialist support to people who, for a variety of reasons, may find it difficult to gain employment. For those who may have struggled in school due to conditions such as ADHD,  Dyslexia or Aspergers Syndrome, NLN offers a second chance at education.

    NLN tutors ensure all learning is done at a student’s own pace and in their preferred learning style. This may include visual for those who like to learn by looking, watching and seeing, auditory for those who like to listen, and kinaesthetic for those that like to try things by doing.

    More information available at www.nln.ie

    PLC Courses

    In general, you should have finished your secondary education and taken your Leaving Certificate examination in order to be eligible for a PLC course.

    However, you may be able to apply for a PLC course if you have not completed your Leaving Certificate. If you have work experience relevant to the course on offer or think you can demonstrate a particular ability in that area, you should write to the college where the course will take place. Explain your circumstances in the letter and ask to meet the co-ordinator of the course.

    You may be eligible for a means-tested student grant or a Back to Education Allowance, depending on your circumstances. Our document on Grants for students in further and higher education describes who qualifies for a grant and how to apply.

    Apprenticeships

    To be eligible for an apprenticeship you must be at least 16 years of age and you are expected to have a minimum of grade D in 5 subjects in the Junior Certificate or equivalent exam. However if you don’t have these qualifications, you may still register as an apprentice with an employer if you:

    • Complete an approved preparatory training course followed by an assessment interview.
    • Are over 18 years of age and have at least 3 years of relevant work experience, in which case you will also be asked to do an assessment interview.

    For more information contact your local ETB centre.

  • A Career in Childcare

    A Career in Childcare

    The demand for high quality childcare continues to increase in Ireland and as a graduate in this sector – you are entering a flexible career with a wide range of placements to choose from.

    A level 5 QQI award in Childcare could gain you employment in creches, nurseries, playgroups, early start programmes or as a classroom assistant in a special school. Of course your award can also be used as an educational passport to progress further in your career and travel up the national framework of qualifications or it can be converted into points which will allow you to apply for any number of courses in non-childcare disciplines in third level institutions. (see www.qqi.ie for further information).

    If you choose to specialise in an area like Montessori Education– you are broadening the age groups you can work with.  As a graduate in Montessori you can work with children aged 3-6 and 6-9 inclusively. The Montessori Education Higher Certificate in Arts course provides students with the relevant knowledge and skills to empower them to make a significant contribution within the highly acclaimed Montessori sector. The Montessori College AMI(Association Montessori Internationale) offers a full time three year course. At the end of year 3 you can work with children up to 12 years of age. This course is recognised by the Department of Education and Science for teaching in special primary schools for children with disabilities, as is the BA in Montessori Education in St Nicholas’s Montessori College in Dun Laoghaire.

    Portobello Institute also offers a number of different courses including certificate and diploma options with regard to Montessori training. It is important to note that this specialised area of childhood education continues to grow in Ireland. With experience, many teachers set up their own schools, and there are good opportunities for trained Montessori teachers in the rest of Europe and the USA.

    Throughout their career, childcare and Early Years workers can undertake work-based vocational and professional qualifications and go on to do part-time or full-time degrees. With appropriate training and qualifications staff can become supervisors, managers, open their own business or become Early Years Specialists. Therefore the idea of progressing further in the field you are passionate about is always an attractive option professionally and financially.

    University of Galway’s Early Childhood Studies and Practice degree course offers the student an extensive range of topics to study – ensuring the graduate will be skilled in a wide range of issues and areas that could see them employed in community and outreach settings to family and community resource centres or even in the policy development area. Graduates of this course may even progress further to higher diplomas or master degrees in Early Childhood Care and Education, Community Development and Family Studies and Support.

    An example of a progression route would be if a graduate of a 1 year course in Early Childhood and Education course went on to apply for and complete a BA Degree in Applied Social Studies and Social Care. Immediately career opportunities as a graduate expand and arise in the voluntary, statutory and private sectors – in areas such as health care, residential childcare, special education and judicial services.

    A variety of opportunities also exist to work with disabled persons, children, adolescents and older people in residential care, in day care and in the community. The BA in Applied Social Studies in Social Care is the nationally recognised qualification for working as a Social Care professional. Other related courses available in higher education to progress to include: Social Science, Psychology, Social and Community Development and other related disciplines.

    As a childcare graduate you should be able to find a job that suits your own circumstances, stage of life and work experience. You can work full-time or part-time to suit your family or other commitments. Whatever area of the workforce you choose, you will be doing a job that makes a difference to the quality of life for children, young people and their families.

    To see a wide range of childcare courses on offer around Ireland, use the following link – Childcare Course Listings on Findacourse.ie