Kennedy PLC students told of countless work opportunities

THE Brandon House Hotel smacked of the Oscars with the excitement and sparkle of Kennedy College Further Education Awards ceremony.

Cameras flashed, gowns flowed as the learners made their entrance to the ballroom. The invited guests and college staff also donned academic attire of cap and gown and looked the picture of class at the night which was well attended by staff, family and friends.

Guest speakers included Sean Connick, CEO Dunbrody Project; Denis Kennedy, Kennedy College - board of management; Karen Hennessy, Head of Wexford Campus at Institute of Technology Carlow; Denise Lennon Hennessy, Principal of Kennedy College; Niamh FitzGibbon, director of Abú Montessori, New Ross; Chloe Kelly, a current Level 6 Learner and PLC Co-ordinator Jim O’Connor.

Mr Connick spoke of his personal journey into the world of tourism and of the many opportunities that are opening up in this area for further education students in the future. The launch of a partnership between the local tourism centre, the Dunbrody and Kennedy College was a key element of his speech. Kennedy College’s new course in tourism and its partnership for the work experience element with the local tourism office and the Dunbrody was highlighted.

Ms Hennessy spoke of the many exciting opportunities that are available to students through the Institute of Carlow/Wexford partnership, and the access and link routes now available to Level 5 and 6 graduates and her hopes that Kennedy College graduates will link in with the college.

Principal Denise Lennon Hennessy spoke of

Jane Phillpot with children Sophie and Tadhg.

the courageous and rewarding journey that each of the graduates embarked on when enrolling in their chosen further education course and of the success and pride that they should now feel having graduated.

Chloe Kelly, a current Level 6 learner, spoke eloquently of her sheer delight at having chosen to undertake a Level 5 Childcare Course in Kennedy College last year and the opportunity in employment that this has opened up to her.

Niamh FitzGibbon spoke on behalf of Childcare employers and how honoured she is to take further education students on work experience at the montessori school.

Kennedy College PLC tutors, front, from left: Mairead Dunne, Dominic Hearne, vice-principal; Denise Lennon-Hennessey, principal and Christina Meyler. Back, from left: Jim O’Connor, PLC co-ordinator; Mary Cushen, Michelle Walsh, Sarah Logan and Pat McGrath at the Kennedy College PLC awards in the Brandon House Hotel.

Early Childcare and Education Level 6 award recipients, front, from left; Joanna Dzialosynska, Chloe Kelly, Christina Meyler, tutor and Brittany Purcell. Back, from left: Maria Malone, Pat McGrath, Orla Molloy, Catherine Good, Jim O’Connor, PLC coordinator and Anna Byrne.

Carol White, Duncannon and Orla Molloy, Ramsgrange.