Learners Profiles
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James Haberlin - Tankardstown, Tullow, Co Carlow.
"I have always wanted to work in local radio and getting the opportunity to do so has been brilliant." |
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Gráinne McGowan - Letterkenny, Co Donegal.
"My advice to anyone who is thinking of returning to education is think no further, get out there, fill in the application form and get back into education." |
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Cathal McGinley - Letterkenny, Co Donegal.
"My old toolbox has become my paint box." |
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Amy Wilkinson - Churchtown, Dublin 14
"I was thrilled to get a place in a third level university after receiving my FETAC award and I'm enjoying every minute of the course." |
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Valerie Beck - Bagenalstown, Co Carlow
"I graduated in 2001 with a FETAC award in Horticulture, being the first ever FETAC award recipient." |
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Pat Fitzgerald - Abbeyfeale, Co Limerick
"I have increased my knowledge of gardening and landscaping skills. I feel that my qualification will have more recognition and value as a result of the FETAC award." |
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Catherine Conway - Tuam, Co Galway
"After retirement I had nothing to do except take the dog for a walk. I felt I had to do something more and returned to education." |
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Donal Delaney - Whites Cross, Co Cork "It has definitely given me greater scope within the industry and has created further opportunities in my career." |
James Haberlin - Tankardstown, Tullow, Co Carlow. Back to top
James Haberlin, hails from Tankardstown, Tullow, Co. Carlow and is 20 years of age. Although James was born with Cerebral Palsy he has never let this stand in his way.
James attended St. Lazerians School in Carlow for 12 years. He left St. Lazerians equipped with Foundation level FETAC Certificates with a dream in mind. For the next two years James attended the Lalor Centre in Baltinglass, Co. Wicklow who also cater for people with disabilities.
James runs his own D.J. business and can be heard around West Wicklow and Carlow playing to the masses.
James’s dream was always to become a D.J. on local radio and he got one step closer to realising this last year when he was accepted by the Institute for Further Education in Carlow to study Media Production and Photography taking four of the eight modules.
The Irish Wheelchair Association in Carlow were instrumental in obtaining funding for his return to education, and specifically funded the appointment of his "scribe". James has great praise both for the FETAC system, the staff at Carlow College and the relentless help and encouragement from his scribe. He particularly enjoyed the practical nature of the course. A trip to Carlow District Court to sit in on a trial brought the Legal Studies course alive for him. As part of his Media Studies one of his chosen projects was to create a live radio show on video. James acted out the role of a D.J. and the results were excellent. Also as part of this module James interviewed Ann Hickey who was Ambassador to the Special Olympics when Ireland hosted the World Games in 2003 – these two productions were remarkable for James and gave him encouragement to keep going.
In his Communications Module James had to speak in front of the class for twelve minutes on a chosen subject. James chose "the music decades" for his topic and this was recorded. This helped James gain more confidence. For Work Experience James went to Deputy Billy Timmins T.D. for West Wicklow/East Carlow and the political arena was opened up to him. "I was delighted to be part of the team there and work in this area" James said.
James also works on an ongoing basis with a team in KCLR 96fm who broadcast a programme every Tuesday night for people with disabilities, their families and carers. The programme is called Oscailt.
James added another ingredient to his plans when he presented a programme on Oscailt for KCLR 96fm on alternative medicine for people with disabilities. This was a huge success.
James realised another dream recently when he sat in with presenter Alan Swan from KCLR 96fm to see how everything worked in studio. He sat with Alan for two hours during the "Take a Break" programme "It was brilliant to be able to watch Alan at work as I am a huge fan of his and this experience is invaluable" said James.
"When you have a dream and you can see that dream becoming a reality it is just an amazing feeling." He continued "I have always wanted to work in local radio and getting the opportunity to do so has been brilliant. Getting my FETAC award has given me such a sense of pride. Next year I hope to return to The Carlow Institute for Further Education and complete my other four modules. I feel that the education and experience I have gained over the last year has helped me towards my dream but also has given me an opportunity to broaden my horizons in the media industry" James concluded.
Gráinne McGowan - Letterkenny, Co Donegal. Back to top
I left school at 15 and worked in a hotel for a number of years before getting married. While my four children were growing up I was a full time home maker. When my youngest child began school, I took a job in a snack bar and ended up managing the business.
I always had the idea of ‘going back to school’ in my head. I decided that 2004 was going to be my year for going back. I began on the business studies/ secretarial course in September. It has been one of the most enjoyable years of my life.
I have learned so much about business and my confidence has grown.
I was never able to type or use a computer and now I find this easy. I can photocopy, send e-mails, fax and run the office while my supervisor is out. I was never confident about talking in front of a crowd but now this does not bother me at all as we do this during communications and work experience.
My advice to anyone who is thinking of returning to education is think no further, get out there, fill in the application form and get back into education.
Cathal McGinley - Letterkenny, Co Donegal. Back to top
I worked as a carpenter for a local contractor for years before going to London in 1986. However I was always interested in Art and had done a one year course in the regional college Letterkenny (now the IT).
When I was working on the building sites in London I used to visit the art galleries at lunchtime. My favourite was the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square. I loved the Impressionists and used to ‘float around’ that part of the gallery.
Time passed and I returned to Ireland, back to Donegal in the 1990’s and for personal reasons I had to give up carpentry. I went to the adult learner careers exhibition in Letterkenny in 2004 and decided to go back to Art. I began with the Art, Craft and design course in September 2004.
My old tool box has become my paint box. The course has been very valuable for me in a lot of ways. My art, my communication and computer skills, my organisational skills have all improved immensely. My overall self-confidence has grown and I have done a wonderful portfolio of work this year.
My plans are to continue with my Art studies in College next year with a view to a full time career in Art.
Amy Wilkinson - Churchtown, Dublin 14. Back to top
When Amy Wilkinson did her Leaving Certificate in 2003, she had an interest in nursing as a career. However, when she started her Further Education/PLC course in Pre-Nursing, FETAC (NCVA Level 2), it soon became clear that this was what she wanted to do and nothing else. This course was a stepping stone to a degree course in nursing, but it was also much more, as it gave Amy an insight into her chosen career and a solid foundation in the subjects she would go on to study at third level.
“My course in Ballyfermot College of Further Education covered a range of subjects including human growth and development, anatomy, physiology, psychology and introduction to nursing. I also did two blocks of work experience for two weeks at a time in St Mary’s Hospital in the Phoenix Park and Stewart’s Hospital, Palmerston. This was great because we were able to experience first hand, day-to-day life as a nurse and put into practice some of what we learned in the classroom,” said Amy.
Amy’s achievements enabled her to get a place on the BSc in General Nursing in a university placing through the Higher Education Links Scheme. She got her FETAC (NCVA Level 2) Award in Nursing Studies with the required five distinctions and after that it was down to the CAO process.
"I was thrilled to get a place in a third level university and I’m enjoying every minute of the course. In first year we are covering subjects like physics, chemistry and psychology as well as the more practical side of things such as bed baths and taking blood pressure. My pre-nursing course is a great advantage to me now - for example I recognise a lot of the names in psychology class and the head start in practical things like blood pressure is a big help as this can be quite difficult when you first try it", said Amy.
Looking ahead, Amy thinks she might like to specialise in Paediatric Nursing, however she still has "a lot of learning to do and experience to gain" during her four years at university before she has to make that decision. One thing she’s sure of is that she would like to gain some nursing experience abroad – she hears New Zealand might be a good place to start!
Following the placement of FETAC Awards on the National Framework of Qualifications, Nursing Studies FETAC (NCVA Level 2) is now a FETAC Certificate Level 5.
Valerie Beck – Bagenalstown, Co. Carlow Back to top
Valerie was the first recipient of a FETAC award. She talks about how she got the award and where it has taken her since.
"I first became interested in horticulture after attending evening classes in gardening at a local school. I then completed a twelve month FÁS course in horticulture at the Teagasc Research Centre in Kinsealy where I achieved a Certificate in Amenity Horticulture."
"I continued my studies for another three years at the National Botanical Gardens, Glasnevin where I graduated in 2001 with a FETAC diploma in Horticulture, being the first ever recipient of a FETAC award."
"After I received my award I worked for Fingal County Council as a gardener in Malahide Castle and then progressed to being a Horticultural Instructor for FÁS, teaching horticultural skills to eight students. My work included sourcing materials, organising day trips and fund raising, all of which I found very rewarding. In May 2002, I set up my own business, ‘The Plant Hunter’, providing a complete gardening service through design, planting, garden maintenance and horticultural advice. Having a FETAC award gave me confidence because I knew I had reached the standard. I was able to use this confidence to develop business plans, to think logically and to approach the bank manager."
Pat Fitzgerald - Abbeyfeale, Co. Limerick Back to top
Pat returned to study after six years in Holland working in the horticultural industry. On his return to Dublin he decided the time was right to build on his work experience. "I did a Diploma in Amenity Horticulture at the National Botanic Gardens, which I completed earlier this year".
Pat saw that there were plenty of opportunities open to graduates upon receiving his FETAC award. "I have increased my knowledge of gardening and landscaping skills. I feel that my qualification will have more recognition and value as a result of the FETAC award".
The course gave Pat an insight into gardening trends and markets. "A lot of people are spending money on gardens these days. Perhaps it has something to do with the amount of media exposure to gardening. People are really interested in it so there is plenty of work out there".
Pat was enthusiastic about the course which was geared mainly towards gardening and parks maintenance. The course finished in May and he had no difficulty in getting work. He is currently employed by Duchas and works as a gardener in Stephens Green Dublin.
Catherine Conway – Tuam, Co. Galway Back to top
"After retirement I had nothing to do except take the dog for a walk. I felt I had to do something more and returned to education - to open up the cells in my brain that were dead. So I went on to a FETAC award course to do computer studies. Now, it may be easy for the younger ones, but it takes more for somebody my age, but I did it. The tutors were a great help and it was great being part of a class again after so many years."
"The FETAC award was marvellous. It’s about achievement and recognition for the hard work put in. It is a reward for the two years work. I want to go on now and do more learning. It has given me a new lease of life."
Donal Delaney – Whites Cross, Co.Cork Back to top
Donal completed a FÁS refrigeration engineering course after many years working in the industry.
"It has definitely given me greater scope within the industry and has created further opportunities in my career". His FETAC award has enabled Donal to develop his own business with a formal qualification that his customers can recognise.
"I had been a technician all my working life but this is the first time I have received a qualification and to receive a FETAC award and be an engineer is great progression. Now I can go to my customers with the piece of paper and say I am qualified to do this. My 19 year old son is now working with me and I am training him too!"