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METRO Further Education Supplement
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ACK to school – three words which, when placed together, once became the most terrifying phrase in the English language. And for many of us it still is. In today’s further education supplement, Metro talks to National College of Ireland president Paul Mooney, who claims fear of the classroom may be the sole obstacle blocking many people from realising their full potential. As Ireland moves towards a knowledgebased economy, the term ‘lifelong learning’ is becoming more commonplace – we even have a minister for it. According to Seán Haughey, the Government is devoted to educating and upskilling all adults, whether they are looking to join, return to, or move up the career ladder. Midwife Clare Flynn, site supervisor Ian Gillian and manager Fiona Cox are examples of people who returned to education to move to better jobs. With Hillary, Michelle and Pitbull Palin all jostling away beneath that transparent and increasingly tenuous roof, we look at how the Government and Fás hope to improve women’s access to the workplace. Also inside, Metro looks at some of the new courses offered by the National College of Ireland ahead of its open evening tomorrow night in Dublin’s IFSC, including its Certificate in Employment Law and Practice. There is also a breakdown of postgraduate courses and where to find them, as well as a look at other options available to workers, such as career breaks and overseas voluntary work. And its not all just diplomas and degrees – if you simply want to further your education or pick up a new set of skills, we look at some of the other courses available, from interior design to Indian head massage.
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METRO Monday, September 8, 2008
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Overcome classroom fears and achieve your goals Become an Accounting Technician And you’re in business IATI is the professional body for Accounting Technicians in Ireland. Our qualification is your passport to a rewarding career in accountancy or business. With flexible courses nationwide, you can obtain this professional qualification in as little as 2 years.
Ms Fiona Geoghegan MIATI
Fear factor: Paul Mooney says that the main obstacle for people returning to education is fear
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ou might not be grateful for the reminder, but summer is drawing to a close and autumn is almost upon us. September marks the beginning of a new academic cycle and it’s not just the kids who are preparing themselves for a return to the classroom. Thousands of adults from all walks of life are also considering heading back to education. Their reasons are varied: some are looking to further their careers, change direction or return to the world of work. Others seek a boost in self-confidence, to meet new people or develop new skills. It’s not always easy though. For every person who signs up for some form of adult education this autumn, dozens more will consider it but fail to make the leap. Returning to the classroom can seem extremely daunting, particularly to those who have been out of the education system for some time. Paul Mooney, president of National College of Ireland, has first-hand experience of the doubts facing adult learners. He ‘couldn’t wait’ to leave school and, aged 13, embarked on a series of jobs that included assistant to a welder and a stint as a bicycle courier. Eventually, he settled on a trade as a butcher. It wasn’t until 1979, nine years after he first left school, that he returned to education at NCI – the same institution that he now heads up. According to Mr Mooney, the main barrier for people coming back to education is fear. ‘It can be fear of keeping up with the course work, doubt in your own abilities, or concerns over juggling study with other commitments at home or at work,’ he says. ‘Some people are afraid because they didn’t do well in school first time around, or just didn’t enjoy it. But it’s a very different experience as an adult.’ Mr Mooney’s own life changed course following his return to education. After his four-year course in Industrial Relations with NCI, he went on to complete a PhD (also in IR) in Trinity College – while working
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1. Don’t sell yourself short
‘Don’t underestimate the skills that you already have,’ he says. ‘I didn’t have my Junior or my Leaving Cert, but I still had plenty of things to bring to the table.’ Many adult learners have a highly developed skill set, which includes time management and problem solving skills. Adult learners also tend to be practical, motivated and focused. ‘Making that early leap of faith is the key.’
2. Be realistic
Pick a course that’s at the right level for you, and be realistic about how the demands of study will affect your home life. Talk to your family and anyone else that will be affected by your return to education. ‘You might need additional support while you’re doing the course. That could mean being let off with the dishes from time to time, having an extra bit of quiet time to get on with your studies or even getting some coaching. There is huge support available to people returning to education,’ says Mr Mooney.
3. Brush up on new technology
Don’t be afraid or intimidated by technology. Word processing, e-mail and the internet can all play a big role in the college experience. ‘The good news,’ says Mr Mooney, ‘is that there are a lot of free courses available in these areas. National College of Ireland runs a free basic computer course in partnership with Fás, called Know IT – and there are a lot of other introductory courses out there that can also help.’
4. Get organised
Mr Brian Danby MIATI
Places still available on Courses in Business, Accounting, Media,Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, IT & Repeat Leaving Certificate IATI - and you’re in business
in human resources and consultancy. He has advised companies on organisational development in more than 20 countries and five continents, publishing widely on the same topic. He attributes at least some of his success to his decision to return to education: ‘There’s a self-confidence that comes from academic success. You have more of a belief in yourself, a belief that you can do whatever you set your mind to.’ Mr Mooney took over as NCI president in early 2007 and, unsurprisingly, is an enthusiastic supporter of what is sometimes referred to as ‘second chance’ education. He offers the following practical advice to adult learners:
CDVEC
Rathmines College, Town Hall, Rathmines. ph: 01 4975334 www.rathminescollege.ie
‘Many adult learners will have to juggle academic obligations with the demands of work and family life. Here’s where your time managements skills will really be put to the test,’ says Mr Mooney. Buy a calendar and hang it in a prominent place in the home, so other family members can easily keep track of your whereabouts. Make sure you leave yourself plenty of time for your studies so you don’t start to feel overwhelmed.
5. Don’t be afraid to ask for help
If you are having trouble with the transition to education then remember that there is plenty of support available. Get to know your lecturers, talk to the student support staff or make an appointment with the college counsellor. ‘Don’t let things mount up,’ suggests Mr Mooney. ‘Tackle the issue head on and you will feel more in control of the situation. Let us know what you need and we will try to help. The only failure in life is not trying.’
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CONGRATULATIONs AND GOOD LUCK TO ALL
Seán Haughey TD, Minister for Lifelong Learning
AS MINISTER for Lifelong Learning, I warmly congratulate all those who are embarking on the next stage of their learning journey. Now, more than ever before, learning is truly a lifelong process that runs from cradle to grave, encompassing formal, non-formal and informal learning. In Ireland, our high-quality education system was a key factor in the transformation of our economy into one of the most successful modern economies in the world. However, as recent economic reports have highlighted, we are now facing new challenges. Lifelong Learning is one of the most effective ways of overcoming these new challenges. The benefits are clear – learners
acquire new skills that enable them to participate more fully in society and our economy. The importance that this Government attaches to Lifelong Learning is reflected in my dual responsibilities at both the Department of Education and Science and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, and in national policy documents such as Towards 2016, the National Skills Strategy and the Programme for Government. Government expenditure on adult and further education has been increased by over 50 per cent – from €256million to €392million between 2002 and 2007. This increased expenditure ensured that in 2007 nearly 49,000 places were provided in further education courses, compared with less than 44,000 places in 2002. In addition, the adult literacy programme provided for 44,000 learners in 2007, compared with 28,000 in 2002. There are now new and more exciting learning opportunities with options to suit everyone at every level and every age, full-time or part-time. I strongly encourage you to seek out educational pathways in your community and to engage in the rewarding process of Lifelong Learning.
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Learning for life T
here is no such thing as a job for life any more, so lifelong learning is a concept we should all become familiar with, particularly in today’s changing economy. New skills and ideas are essential for everyone, whether you’re in a job for three years or for 30, and although your employer can help you upskill within the workplace, it is essentially up to you to make sure you have what it takes to continue up the career ladder. In Ireland we have always had a high level of education and now, thanks to an increasing emphasis on PLC and FETAC courses, there is much more accessibility to education and our workforce is becoming much more highly skilled. However, despite this, it is important not to become complacent – education doesn’t end when you leave the classroom or walk out the door of university; it should continue for life. It is also important to keep your skills relevant. For example, there are very few jobs these days that don’t require the use of a computer, so it is important to equip yourself with the tools to make yourself a more dynamic employee. Lifelong learning doesn’t have to mean taking years out of your life to
get a degree – although many employers will facilitate this – there are many routes to education, such as evening classes, distance learning and in-service training. In fact many employers actively encourage upskilling, especially if it is relevant to the employee’s current position, and may provide sponsorship or study leave options. For Dublin woman Celene Dunne, who works in the social care sector, in-service training put her on the road to an honours degree from the Dublin Institute of Technology. Her employer allowed her two days leave per week to complete the course and it enabled her to move on in her profession. She said: ‘There was a full-time course for students coming in from CAO, but the course that I did was all people working in
the sector, say in residential centres for people with learning disabilities, working in childcare, working with the homeless. ‘There were benefits for me, of course, in that I moved from being an unqualified worker to being qualified and progressed up the scale, but there was also a benefit for the employer as they now had a qualified worker who had upskilled. ‘It also meant that you learned new theories and methods that you could bring to team meetings, new ways of doing things that you were learning in college.’ Following her degree, Celene took a career break for a year to do a degree and is full of praise for DIT and the assistance she received. She said: ‘I did have to take a year off work and defer my mortgage, but DIT offers a great programme and now they’ve made it even better because you can do it in less time.’ It’s important to keep upskilling relevant to the job you’re doing. You should also make sure any extra courses or classes you take in a bid to upskill are accredited by a registered awarding body, such as FETAC, so that your employer and future employers will recognise them.
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on the front lines of management
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S a midwife in the Coombe Hospital, 27-yearold Clare Flynn balances a busy personal and professional life. So when she decided to develop her management skills, she needed a course and a college that fitted in with her busy life. She chose the Certificate in First Line Management at National College of Ireland, which equips people with the necessary skills to be effective supervisors, team leaders and first line managers. ‘The course has really helped my understanding of the management process,’ she says. The programme can be taken part-time over two years, or in one year through the day release option. The latter worked best for Clare: ‘The day release option gave me the flexibility I needed. It meant I didn’t need to worry about college after a busy ten-hour shift.’ According to NCI marketing director Robert Ward, this course is always a popular choice. ‘At the end of the day, most people are looking for that additional qualification to help them along as they develop their career. Many students have found that the qualification helped them to further their careers or in some cases to change career direction. We work closely with industry and as a result have a reputation for providing programmes that are particularly relevant to the world of work.’ Ian Gillan, a 27-year-old site supervisor, agrees. He liked the fact that the classes were practical and that the lecturers had all
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worked in industry. ‘Going to NCI opened doors for me and helped me get the job I have today. Previously, I was a site carpenter working on a bench or on a building site. The course gave me the foundation I needed and taught me to manage and motivate people. I now manage a team of 20.’ Fiona Cox also changed jobs after completing the Certificate in First Line Management. Formerly a nurse in the Mater Hospital, she is now involved in training and people management. ‘There was a good mix of people on the course, with people from industry, construction and healthcare. ‘I wanted more responsibility and the higher income that came with a managerial position, but I lacked the training and the qualifications. The practical course content and support I received made all the difference.’ From this month, the Certificate in First Line Management course will be available at over 40 locations countrywide, through the National Campus Network. Dublin centres include Malahide Community School, Palmerstown Community School, Plunket College in Whitehall and Old Bawn Community School in Tallaght. Visit www.ncirl.ie or call 1850 221 721 for more details
Midwife clare Flynn (above, left) developed her skills with the national college of Ireland certificate in First Line Management. Ian Gillan (above, right) was promoted after gaining his ncI qualification
An army of it graduates desPITe the recent economic downturn, helped me to progress in my career.’ some industries are still crying out for The college also offers two Bsc qualified graduates to fill jobs in their degrees in software systems and sectors, particularly in information Business Information systems, which will technology. Given the significant growth appeal to IT professionals looking to in IT in Ireland, there is a shortage of deepen their level of knowledge, or those qualified graduates in this seeking to move into the area. Indeed, technology is dynamic world of so central to the world we information and live in that IT graduates are communications always in demand. technology. national college of ncI also offers the Ireland has responded to Higher diploma in this demand by developing science in computing in a range of IT programmes, e-Learning, which from Higher certificates provides an excellent and diplomas to degree foundation in e-Learning, and postgraduate courses. and is geared towards courses are offered people with an interest in through the school of technology-enhanced computing and also learning, as well as ethrough the centre for Learning practitioners. research and Innovation in This month, the college Learning and Teaching. will also introduce a new curragh camp Instructor Ma in Learning and sgt william Fitzgerald did a Teaching, aimed at Masters in the school of learning and teaching Curragh Camp Instructor Sgt computing, which he William Fitzgerald did a Masters professionals in industry described as cutting-edge: at National College of Ireland or education. The course ‘I was coming back to is an attractive addition education for the first time to the college’s existing in many years and found everyone at ncI programmes in the learning and teaching really supportive. I work in the training arena. all courses will run from the area for the defence forces and the college’s IFsc campus, and are now course allowed us to utilise the enrolling. technology we have much more Visit www.ncirl.ie for more details, or call effectively. doing the Msc has really 1850 221 721
new course
A wide rAnge of new courses Are now being off
A whole new w
her Education
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fered by the nAtionAl college of irelAnd, writes karen dunne
world of study
Works in theory: Orlaith Wixtead says her course is very practical
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T the National College of Ireland (NCI) this month, history is being made with the introduction of a brand new course, a Certificate in Employment Law and Practice, the first of its kind in Ireland. Aimed at those working in human resources as well as managers, this part-time course focuses not only on the legal aspects of employment law but also on the practical implementation of the law. Rachel Doherty, director of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) Certificate Programme at NCI, said students learn the theory but also how to put it into practice. ‘Mixed in with the theory are skills sessions, and then in the exams, two of them will be skills based,’ says Ms Doherty. ‘So, for example, one of the exams will be to sit down with an actor who will pretend to be an employee and the student will have to tell him that he is being made redundant. ‘The student will have to deal with the shock and horror that news like that brings, tell them their legal entitlements, what the company is going to do to help them get a new job, all that sort of information.’ The certificate is aimed at human resource practitioners and line managers, particularly those with large numbers in their teams, and runs for 16 Saturdays between the end of September and mid-February. The driver for the introduction of the course was the increase in the amount of employment legislation in Ireland, as well as the NCI wanting to offer more courses from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development. Ms Doherty says: ‘We already offer certificates in Personnel Practice and Training Practice and the CIPD in the UK has a whole suite of courses that it offers, so we thought this was a great next one that we could bring
here. There’s been a lot of interest, the numbers are going very well.’ She adds: ‘The Certificate in Training Practice is very popular and appeals to people who may be experts in their subject matter and now need to learn how to train others. We also get many students who are already in the training field and who want to gain a qualification in the area. As with all the CIPD certificate courses, there is theory but also very practical work.’ One of the most popular courses is the Certificate in Personnel Practice, which gives a great practical grounding in all areas of human resources. Participants on the courses find them very beneficial, particularly because all the lecturers are HR practitioners themselves, so they know exactly what it’s like to work in the sector. Orlaith Wixtead, a student of the course, works in the HR department of an Irish bank. She says: ‘The CPP is not overly focused on theory but is very practical. The scheduling is flexible enough for me to fit in with my busy full-time job. The skills and knowledge I developed through the course have been so helpful for me in my work.’ Ms Doherty says: ‘We would see people doing these courses and then moving on to their desired area of employment and even hear from students that they learned something on a Saturday and then implemented it in their workplace on the Monday.’ NCI is a Platinum Partner with the CIPD, which means the college maintains very close links with the renowned body. Ms Doherty says: ‘Not all HR qualifications are CIPD-certified and many employers insist on a CIPD qualification for their HR staff.’ NCI is hosting an open evening tomorrow from 5pm to 6.30pm where you can find out more about these courses and the many others on offer. www.ncirl.ie
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Monday, September 8, 2008 METRO 17
considering part-time study? nci open day may be for you
PART-time study offers people the opportunity to develop new skills or broaden their knowledge base – and in the current economic climate, more and more people are choosing to avail of these opportunities to ‘recession proof’ their CVs. And it’s not just the individual who benefits: the link between education and economic growth means that the quality of our workforce impacts greatly on our future prosperity, and on Ireland’s competitiveness in the global market. If you’re considering a return to the classroom, why not drop in to tomorrow night’s open evening at the National College of Ireland in the IFSC. For more than 50 years, the college has provided graduates with the skills and knowledge to meet the changing needs of the Irish economy. The current part-time offerings range from certificate to degree and postgraduate programmes across a range of specialist subjects: business, human resource management, accountancy, finance, computing and community studies. These are offered through the college’s three schools: the School of Business, the School of Computing and the School of Community Studies. For Declan Naughton, who studied the BA in Human Resource Management, the decision to return to education was life changing. ‘It gave me the scope and flexibility to change my career and I moved from retail to banking,’ he explains. ‘Without my qualification, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity.’ Darren Galvin had a similar experience when he studied the MSc in Learning Technologies. He says: ‘Following the course, I moved from a technical role to a people and development role. The NCI course looked at learning solutions such as Wikis, blogs and podcasts, which are really relevant to what we are doing today at Intel.’ When Marzena Czyzewska enrolled in a
part-time BA in Financial Services, what struck her was the supportive environment in the college. ‘Coming from Poland, I have been really impressed with the atmosphere in NCI,’ she says. ‘Everyone is so friendly and if you have any questions you can ask the lecturer after class or by e-mail. There is less distance between the lecturer and the students. I have also made some good friends and am really enjoying the course.’ So if you want to step up your career, develop new skills or build on an existing qualification, call into an NCI Open Evening and discuss your options with faculty and staff. The events take place from 5pm to 6.30pm tomorrow, and again on September 17. NCI Open Evening, tomorrow, 5pm to 6.30pm, NCI, Mayor Street, IFSC, D1. Tel: (01) 449 8500. www.ncirl.ie
national College of Ireland student Marzena Czyzewska was impressed with the supportive atmosphere at the college
Joint effort to educate couple
John and nicola kelly studied together at national College of Ireland
THIS november, the national College of Ireland will officially launch its School of Community Studies. This new development represents a formal effort to consolidate and expand the work the college has been doing in this area for more than 50 years. nCI says it is dedicated to widening participation through community education and engagement, and offers a wide range of courses across four broad areas: personal development, professional practice, community development and social interest. For nicola kelly, previously a stay-at-home mum from dublin, nCI’s work preparation course gave her so much more than a qualification. ‘It was an amazing course and has changed my life. It has given me confidence, a love of learning and the desire to go further, to want more in life, to want to go and have a career.’ nicola now works in the Larkin unemployed Centre, which offers a range of community-based services. She enjoyed her experience so much that she encouraged her husband, John, to return to the classroom too. Speaking about the nCI Certificate in employment Skills, John says: ‘There was a lovely atmosphere and everyone mixed together. The tutors were brilliant and we also had mentors who we could talk to if there were any concerns. We both did different courses but we worked together and helped each other out.’ Other courses available include the Ba in active Citizenship, the diploma in Community Organising and the Foundation Certificate in Social Studies. For many programmes, there are no specific entry requirements and entry will be determined by an interview with the applicant. The full list of courses is available at www.ncirl.ie
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COURSES
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WANT TO KNOW WHAT POST-GRAD COURSES ARE ON OFFER? KAREN DUNNE FINDS A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITY
Time to become a class act
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F you’re already working but would like to further your skills or progress up that career ladder in areas such as business, finance, IT, sales and marketing, there are a range of professional courses, both full and part-time, to choose from.
courses on offer. The DCU Business School has a range of postgraduate courses which can be done fulltime or part-time. Find out more on www.dcu.ie
UCD
Dublin Business School (DBS) specialises in the provision of postgraduate programmes in the areas of art, business and the humanities. Located in DBS’s Dame Street premises, this facility provides students with a state-of-the-art teaching and learning environment. The college also runs its own professional evening diploma programmes in arts, business, IT, law, media and psychology. Last year DBS acquired Portobello College, located on the banks of the Grand Canal, Rathmines. Its evening classes include the Higher Diploma in Legal Studies and the LLB (Hons) Law Degree which takes three years. Find out more on www.dbs.ie
University College Dublin offers a graduate school in each of its five disciplines – Arts and Celtic Studies, Human Sciences, Business and Law, Engineering Maths and Physics and Life Sciences. They have programmes available at certificate, diploma and Master’s level. Graduate research opportunities are available at Master’s and Doctoral degree levels. Many of UCD’s high-level business courses are run at the UCD Smurfit School in Blackrock, County Dublin. The MBA programme is designed for professionals with three years experience and can be taken full-time (12 months) or part-time (24 months). For further information on both UCD and the Smurfit School visit www.ucd.ie
Trinity College
Whether you’re a former student returning for a Master’s or a member of the workforce wishing to progress, Trinity College offers a range of postgraduate courses in arts, humanities, social sciences, business, science and engineering. Courses can be both full and part-time so that your studies can fit around your working life. Examples of courses on offer include: business, drama, film, music, education, English, history, languages, literatures, law, theology, chemistry, engineering and physics. For further details on timetables, fees and starting dates visit www.tcd.ie
DIT
The Dublin Institute of Technology has a range of business, arts, science, tourism and food courses in its nine city centre campus locations. Many courses are part-time and can be done in the evening and DIT has a good record for in-service training. Part-time postgraduate courses include: Applied E-learning, Criminology, Applied Irish, Hospitality Management, and Spatial Planning. Full-time courses include Advertising, Business, Digital Media Technologies, European PR, Journalism and Public Relations. For more information visit www.dit.ie
DCU
Dublin City University offers more than 80 programmes, divided almost equally between undergraduate and postgraduate courses. Postgraduate research supervision is provided on a range of subject areas across all disciplines. There are 10,000 registered students at DCU, a figure which includes full-time undergraduates and postgraduate students as well as students on the Distance Education degree programmes. Full and part-time courses are available in many areas. There are also many postgraduate
Dublin Business School
National College of Ireland (NCI)
The National College of Ireland is based in the Irish Financial Services Centre and has programmes in business, management, financial services, informatics and humanities. At NCI there is a School of Business, School of Computing and School of Community Studies. There are a number of short programmes in finance designed to introduce participants to the financial services industry, each running for a set period over a number of weeks. For further details visit www.ncirl.ie
Griffith College
Griffith College is an independent educational institution with links to awarding bodies including HETAC, City and Guilds, ACCA and ICM. The college incorporates a Professional Accounting School and a Professional Law School. The accounting school runs courses accredited by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants while at the law school, you can prepare for the Incorporated Law Society of Ireland Final Examinations. Griffith College also offers a range of short-term evening courses and full-time courses. For more information, visit www.gcd.ie
Dún Laoghaire College of Further Education
Dun Laoghaire offers a range of professional courses. There are also courses available in Writing Skills for Journalism, Desk Top Publishing, Web Design, Radio Programme Production and TV and Video Production and a range of lifestyle classes. Visit www.dlcfe.ie
Westmoreland College
Westmoreland College provides courses both for those taking their first step towards third-level education and postgraduates, seeking to acquire specific professional skills. The college aims to offer courses which are tailored to meet the needs of full-time employees. Courses include a Diploma in Marketing, Advertising and PR (one year) and a Diploma in Journalism and Media (one year). You can also take part in studies including tourism, management, business and legal and financial. Visit www.westmorelandcollege.ie for more.
Irish Academy of Public Relations
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Founded in 1992, the Irish Academy of Public Relations and its sister college The Irish Academy offers a range of PR courses, journalism courses, classes in event management, television presenting and grammar to post-graduate level. There are also two specially designed online courses in grammar, specifically written to meet the needs of journalists and sub-editors. Further details from www.irishacademy.com
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Monday, September 8, 2008 METRO 19
There’s a course for everyone E
ven if you’re not after a degree or a diploma but would like to continue your education and learn new skills, there are plenty of courses and classes out there – everything from computers to cocktail making.
VEC
The City of Dublin Vocational Education Committee (CDVEC) and the County of Dublin VEC run a huge variety of courses in schools and colleges around Dublin in areas such as Ballsbridge, Ballyfermot, Cabra, Coolock, Crumlin, Finglas, Inchicore, Killester, the Liberties, Marino, Rathmines, Ringsend, Terenure, Whitehall, Tallaght and Clondalkin. Evening and part-time courses include art, creative writing, photography, computers, languages, accountancy and yoga. Many of these courses are accredited by FETAC or other awarding bodies, with some even being awarded by the National University of Ireland at Maynooth. At Ballyfermot College of Further Education, among others, there are classes in painting, Indian head massage, life coaching, shorthand, journalism, community development and leadership,
In the mix: You can find courses in everything, including cocktail making
counselling studies and addiction studies. Over at Ballsbridge you can study drawing, Spanish, Italian, history of art, bridge, creative writing, dressmaking and assertiveness. Coláiste Dhúlaigh campuses offer courses in business, education, IT, languages, music, arts and crafts as well as health, fitness and well-being. Dún Laoghaire College of Further Education runs evening courses in business subjects as well as languages, interior design, wine appreciation and even golf.
TCD
Everyone should get the chance to walk along those hallowed cobblestones at Trinity College, and what better way than with any one of
a number of extramural courses on offer there. Classes range from Greek, Polish, Chinese and sign language to European painting, Irish art, literature and journalism, philosophy and even gardening. There are courses on offer in religion and theology and you can also learn about the New Testament. Many of the courses run in the evening. For example, last year the History of Dublin class ran for 16 weeks, from 7.30pm to 9pm one evening a week, so night classes needn’t take over your whole life.
UCD
There is something for everyone at University College Dublin, as a plethora of courses and classes are
on offer, sure to cater for all. How about learning about antiques, archaeology, art or architecture? Or you could do life drawing or paper crafting, just in time to learn how to make your own Christmas cards. Keeping to the art theme, there are classes on offer about Caravaggio and the Renaissance, or more business-based courses about the stock market and law. You could take up a part-time course in drama, the environment, film, folklore, history or literature. There are also studies in media, personal development, politics and creative writing.
DIT
A little bit of what you fancy does you no harm and there is a lot on offer at the Dublin Institute of Technology, everything from baking to law. You could take up a course in business studies, accountancy, cocktail making, culinary arts, computers and hotel management. There is a course on food photography on offer as well as a marketing class. Or how about retail management, welding, wine studies or woodturning?
Distance learning
CMIT, the Dublin College of
Management and IT is a leading provider of certificate/accredited elearning and distance learning for those of you who don’t have specific time each week to do a course, or for those of you who prefer studying from the comfort of your own sofa. FETAC registered, CMIT offers a choice of courses, including event management, marketing, psychology, counselling, computers, web design, fiction writing and tourism. You can study at your own pace and will get support and advice along the way.
IADT
Dún Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology has leading courses in visual and media arts, digital media and technology. You can choose to study life painting, digital photography or creative writing, and there is even a class on online selling on websites such as eBay. Participants will learn how to put an item up for sale, they’ll be instructed in digital photography to make their item look its best, and they’ll follow their auction until the end of the course, so as with all of the other subjects on offer across the city, you will finish the course with a great sense of satisfaction.
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Getting a helping hand in going back to work R
eturning to work after having a family can be a daunting task, particularly in today’s competitive market, and can throw up a whole host of worries. These include whether skills will still be up-to-date, or how to balance work and home life. However, re-entering the workplace need not be such a major headache thanks to new Government supported work / life balance policies, flexible employers and retraining and upskilling options. The Fás Expanding the Workforce Programme (ETW) aims to improve women’s access to, and involvement in, the labour market. The focus of the programme is twofold – to progress women into employment as quickly as possible and to support employers in examining and improving work practices. Funded in part by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, the ETW programme has been developed to overcome the barriers faced by women considering a return to work. According to Fás, low levels of confidence and self-esteem are a ‘significant stumbling block’ for women going back to work. When it comes to the issue of a woman having no recent work experience, women are helped to realise that despite being out of paid employment for a time, ‘many women have learnt transferable skills through other avenues, such as evening courses or voluntary/social work’. While childcare is an issue, Fás says it is not ‘as big a barrier for this target group as initially thought’ as many women re-
entering the workforce are in their late 40s or 50s and so their children are mainly raised; younger women generally tend to return to work when their children have reached school-going age. The benefits to women from the ETW programme include personal development, career planning and skills training as well as assistance finding work experience, while for employees Fás offers an extensive database of women returnees. Supporting women returning to the workplace is also strongly advocated by Women in Technology and Science (WITS), which promotes women in science in Ireland. The group’s new ReEnter programme was launched by the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Micheál Martin, in February. Since its inception 18 years ago, WITS has worked to promote science and technology as career choices for women. The programme consists of a ten week educational programme delivered by the Open University, followed by mentoring and networking. After its launch, the Re-Enter programme recruited 20 participants during a series of workshops in four centres across the country. Those women attended a tutorial in the Tallaght Institute of Technology in April and then began their course. Meanwhile, many individual companies have re-training or re-entering facilities, so if you’re worried about returning to work, it is
worth speaking with your manager or human resources department to see what is the best approach. Once you’re back at work however, it is important to get the right balance – your employer should also encourage this. After all a happy worker is a productive worker. The National Framework Committee for Work Life Balance Policies says work life balance consists of ‘the implementation of working arrangements and policies which assist workers in combining employment with other aspects of their lives’. This committee was established under the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness and continues under the National Agreement, Sustaining Progress. Members include several Government departments as well as Ibec, Congress and the Equality Authority. Working arrangements can be anything from job sharing to flexitime, term-time working and e-working. Equality is the key, so work life balance policies and arrangements apply to both men and women. ‘Women and men can have the same demands on their time in the workplace and in their family and personal life,’ the committee says. ‘The importance of facilitating equality of opportunity for men and women in the workplace underscores the desirability of developing policies that can assist both parents in reconciling work and family life.’ So while returning to work after having a family isn’t as easy as 1-2-3, it certainly isn’t an insurmountable problem. •Visit your local Fás office for details of its ETW programme and visit www.witsireland.com for details of WITS 2009 Re-Enter programme.
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WHO DO YOU WANT TO BE?
FANCY A CAReeR BReAK?
Why not volunteer to work for a charity abroad TIRED of the same old nine-to-five? Wish you had the time to go off and explore the world or even just kick back and enjoy life with your kids? Well, a career break could be just the thing. A career break is a period of unpaid leave granted by your employer for a specific time – many companies have specific schemes set out in an employee’s contract while other companies can agree to the break on a case-by-case basis. The main benefit is that your job is guaranteed, in most cases, at the same level on return, so you can head off into the sunset without worrying that you’ll have to go job hunting the second you return. Employees take career breaks for a variety of reasons such as travel, college, volunteering with a charity, or even to care for family. Apart from reducing your stress levels, a career break can also give you time to figure out what it is you really want from your job – you may find you miss your work and can’t wait to get back to it, or you may discover new skills that may point you in a different direction. For the employer, career breaks help to prevent burnout, reinvigorate workers and can even bring new skills back into a company. It is essential, however, that career breaks are planned properly and well in advance, and that both sides know exactly what the terms of the contract are. So once you’ve agreed your career break, what exactly are you going to do and where are you going to go? Of course that depends on the individual, but many people combine travelling with working in other countries, in a bid to see the world while keeping their finger on the pulse of the sector they’re in. According to Teachers International Consultancy, a Welsh company specialising in international teacher recruitment, when it comes to teaching, just because you’re on a career break doesn’t necessarily mean you have to leave the classroom. Andrew Wigford of TIC said: ‘A career break is an incredible opportunity for an Irish teacher to work in a school in another country.’ Extra skills teachers can expect to pick up, Andrew says, include languages, developing a global outlook and teaching children from multiple countries in one classroom. If you’re looking to take time off completely from your sector but still want to work your way around the world, then you might consider doing a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) course. It is important to look into what accreditation you need beforehand though, as these days being a native English speaker is not enough – you need to have a formal qualification. Once you have this, organisations such as TEFL offer a comprehensive database of opportunities as they arise and can help secure employment before you set out on your travels. You might consider volunteering on your career break – many organisations are crying out for professionals to use their skills abroad to help others. VSO recruits professionals for one to two years at a time, anybody from teachers to architects to business people, to work in poorer countries abroad – and what’s more, while you are encouraged to fundraise to contribute to the cost of sending you overseas, VSO does pay for flights, medical insurance, training, accommodation and a local salary. Aside from these options of course, many people simply take career breaks to travel the world or even stay in Ireland to rear their families – remember it’s your career break so once you get your employer on side, you can tailor it to suit you.