Wednesday, 14.02.2007
Institution & Course Options
We take a look at the different institution and course options open to someone looking to take a nightcourse in Ireland...
Today's nightcourse student is spoiled for choice when it comes to further learning options. Practically every town in Ireland has an institution offering classes in a wide range of subjects, so whether you want to crochet in Kinnegad or wrestle in Westport, you are in luck. The course types available range from professional qualifications requiring a good deal of commitment and study, to more informal and social classes taking place one night a week for a few hours.
With all these options available, it's a good idea to do a bit of research to make sure you find the course type that suits your particular situation and availability. This article runs you through the choices…
Traditional Evening Classes
When most people think of an evening class they imagine the courses run by the local VEC (Vocational Education Committee) and held in schools, PLC colleges and community centres. Traditionally these courses have been short (8 - 12 weeks) informal taster or beginner courses in subjects such business, computers or languages, but the width and breadth of course content is going up each year, with many longer courses and professional qualifications now available. These courses often offer excellent value for money.
Private Colleges
There are a large number of high quality private colleges in many towns and cities around Ireland. Many private colleges offer intensive short courses or professional training, often in business, computing or professional subjects. These are generally tailored towards specific career areas, and colleges can specialise in a particular area - for example public relations, homoepathy or languages. Accreditation and reputation are important, and you should always make sure that the qualification and institution you are thinking of is approved and established.
Distance Learning
It is not always possible or practical for people to attend regular classes at a school or college at the same time each week, due to work, family, distance, soap opera and other commitments. That doesn't mean you have to rule out taking a class or gaining a qualification though, as today's modern technology opens up a whole range of distance learning subject choices and delivery options. Some bricks-and-mortar colleges offer distance learning opportunities, and there are also other dedicated distance learning institutions. Typically students study a course in their own time at their own pace, and nowadays, nightcourses can be delivered by email, through CD ROM or DVD, in real time online, as well as by the time honoured postal system.
Skills-Based Training
A number of national or public agencies provide skills-based training for adults in a wide range of vocational subjects.
FÁS adult education programmes are designed to provide practical training, with special emphasis on equipping people for jobs in the technical and vocational sectors of Irish labour market. FÁS training is open to unemployed people, and those who have a job but want to learn new skills. Typical programmes include joinery, web page design, childcare, carpentry, PC maintenance and repair, MOS and ECDL. For more information, surf to www.fas.ie.
Teagasc runs a wide range of agriculture and food related courses. Each year, over 10,000 people participate in these classes at its local offices in each county, studying everything from the safe use of pesticides to business management. You can find out more at www.teagasc.ie.
Fáilte Ireland offer courses for school-leavers and adults wishing to return to the workforce, as well as further education for those already involved in the tourism industry.
Other state agencies, such as Bord Iascaigh Mhara (www.bim.ie) Coillte (www.coillte.ie) and the Crafts Council of Ireland (www.ccoi.ie) also offer a range of specialist courses in their specific areas of work.
