Duhallow set for a new era of ‘blended’ training

CULLEN native Patricia O’Riordan was in the spotlight recently when she was complimented for her role in developing and running the new QQI Tourism and Business course at the Go Kerry Tourism and Business event attended by Minister Brendan Griffin at the Rose Hotel in Tralee.

Manager of Go Kerry Grace O’Donnell introduced the new course, which Patricia designed for the Cork and Kerry Education and Training Boards (ETB’s). The minister envisaged a bright year ahead for tourism and business with visitor numbers increasing from Canada, the introduction of new flights from Kerry to Berlin and transatlantic flights from Cork Airport.

Patricia told The Corkman that she is honoured to be part of the training and development courses which support tourism and business in both Cork and Kerry. “Some very successful businesses have developed from the Regional Tour Guiding and tourism courses in both counties,” Patricia explained. “It’s great to be involved in the development and training courses in this industry and to see students transfer their skills to industry”.

Patricia who continues to provide courses for Cork and Kerry ETB was delighted to be contracted to run QQI courses with IRD Duhallow.

“I am delighted to be involved locally at IRD with the Cpl Institute, and for the first time we are introducing blended learning to IRD on one of our courses, Frontline Office Skills, which is the direction training and education are going,” she said.

According to Patricia, demand is high for these QQI courses, Supervisory Skills, and Training and Operations, with businesses from Ballybunion and Dingle travelling to attend this course at IRD Duhallow.

Patricia attributed this success to CEO Maura Walsh and her staff at IRD, who are committed to the future of lifelong learning in Duhallow.

For further information on courses and dates, contact Jacinta or Louise at IRD Duhallow on 029-60633.