Training courses are available for those who wish to change their lives

THERE has never been a better time to broaden your horizons, expand your mind and potentially begin an entirely new career.

Training courses of all types, catering for people from all walks of life, are available for those who wish to make 2020 the year they take the first step towards changing their lives.

There are now third-level opportunities for almost every demographic in the country and the average college-goer is now just as likely to be an experienced former professional as a teenager living away from home for the first time.

Whether you’re interested in changing career completely, in upskilling, reskilling or simply adding more strings to your bow there is something out there for you. And whereas many third-level institutions are primarily associated with lengthy degrees and a traditional autumn enrolment, there are numerous options for those who wish to continue working while they study or combine their education with life as a parent.

Night-classes and part-time courses run all-year round now and offer the kind of qualifications and certificates highly sought after by employers. And with many companies actively searching for older, more experienced members of staff there should be no impediment to making 2020 the year you open a new chapter in your life and take the first steps towards the career you have always wanted.

A New Year also brings with it the start of a new academic year and the opportunity for those sitting their Leaving Cert to plot out their paths.

Regardless of where your strengths lie or what your skillset is there is something out there, whether it be a four-year degree course with an option to go on to a Masters or a shorter, more focused course designed to prepare you for life in the workforce.

And although the new college year seems a long way away now is the time to consider your third-level options and life after school. With the Irish economy now offering a wide, diverse range of career options there is an increasing number of varied courses on offer for prospective students.