Kerry Education and Training board outline many opportunities available to learners

THE Kerry Education and Training Board are encouraging school leavers and other potential learners to find out about other routes to access higher education.

PLC Colleges of Further Education have come a long way since the days of general secretarial studies for the girls and trades for the boys. Options now include: Physiotherapy Assistant; Computer Game Design and Development; Software Development; Engineering Technology; Fashion Design; Youthwork; Music Technology; Animal Care and Grooming to name just a few.

Kerry College of Further Education (KCFE) in Tralee, and North Kerry College of Further Education (NKC) in Listowel, run by Kerry ETB, offer alternative routes through CAO to Higher Education and pathways to dynamic new careers. Some courses with a Level 6 option even have advanced entry routes to year two of certain higher education courses.

PLC courses are open to school leavers and mature students. Financial supports such as the SUSI grant or the Back to Education Allowance are available to eligible learners.

The focus is on giving the learner the opportunity to get a great academic foundation in their chosen field, along with hands on learning through practical application, projects, group work and work experience. Assessment is mainly by continuous assessment.

Karen Whelan, who did Pre Nursing Studies in Listowel explained the benefits of studying with the KETB.

“I am now totally sure that nursing is the career for me because of this course. The high standard of teaching and support I received allowed me to obtain very high exam results. Thanks to this pre- nursing course I have secured a place in the University of Southampton in the UK where I will obtain my Bachelor of Nursing degree. I can’t wait to begin my career in Nursing,” said Karen.

This time last year 19-yearold Paul Sheerin was disappointed he didn’t get a place on the Level 8 (honours degree) Bachelor of Music at Cork IT. So the Trumpet player from Rathmore did the KCFE Music Thecnology course instead. Now he says “doing the PLC was the best decision I ever made”. And he is starting the CIT course he wanted next month.

Some PLC applicants who may not meet the entry criteria, or have not been involved in learning for a long time, may opt to do a VTOS course first. This is a well structured and supported two year course with academic, personal, financial and childcare supports built in. You have to be over 21 years and in receipt of a social welfare payment for six months. VTOS is available in four Kerry towns, including the option to do a Leaving Certificate in Tralee.

One past Killarney VTOS learner also spoke of their experiences.

“All I learned in VTOS I’m using on a daily basis at work and I know there is no way I’d be still working at this job without VTOS and the fantastic start I got there. I am working in an office doing wages and accounts and not a day goes by that I don’t think of VTOS especially the computer and payroll classes – everything I learned in these I use on a daily basis.”

To find out about Kerry ETB course options go to www.kerryetb.ie or www.fetchcourses.ie. Kerry ETB also offer a free adult guidance information service to the pubic.

They can be contacted on (066) 7121300.