The Kingdom County's VECs and Tralee's Institute of Technology (ITT) between them offer adults a choice of further education courses aimed, as the ITT puts it, "at the development of skills so as they can improve their work opportunities and shape their future." The Adult Education Organisers for the VECs are John Kennedy and Jim Enright.
The ITT says another aim of its Adult and Continuing Education programme is to make learning enjoyable "and to see our students achieve their own personal goals."
Courses in the Tralee institute run, in general, from October to May and registration takes place on two Tuesdays, September 7th and 14th between 6.30 p.m. and 9.00 p.m.
Study areas in the ITT are divided into business studies, hotel catering and tourism, science, information technology, engineering and personal and professional development.
The Institute operates the CCS Scheme (accumulation of credits and certification of subjects) which allows students to study selected subjects or modules from their courses, instead of studying the entire course.
Students may take single subject-modules and obtain certification for each one successfully passed or completed.
In the area of business studies, the ITT has a part-time, IPA bachelor of business studies degree and an IMI cert in supervisory management. In its hotel, catering and tourism area it offers a certificate in tourism and customer care as well as one in Irish home hospitality, which is a cookery course giving knowledge and practical experience about compiling menus and providing quality meals for guests in an Irish home setting. When it comes to science the ITT has a course leading to a national diploma in analytical Science through ACCS and its computing area offers an introduction to personal computers and another to the internet.
Other areas of study include media skills for management and sports psychology.
From the Kerry Education Service, and the county's VEC in Tralee, comes information of a truly wide area of adult education studies.
Business courses offered by the VEC include a one leading to an administrative management certificate and "typewriting for everyone" which takes on beginners as well as advanced pupils.
Hobby courses cover bridge, woodwork and gardening; arts and crafts take in guitar lessons, photography and set dancing for beginners.
If computing is your thing, then the VEC will help you certify your computer skills with the European Computer Driving Licence.
You can further infiltrate mainland Europe by polishing up your French, Spanish, German or Italian through Kerry VEC or get on with personal development via courses in foot reflexology, homeopathy or stress management.
Legal studies takes in law for the caring professions - useful for medical personnel, gardai, teachers and carers.
VTOS - Vocational Training Opportunities Schemes - are a range of courses designed to meet the educational and training needs of unemployed people and offer a chance to find good employment.
Information is available in Tralee from co-ordinator Mary Sheehy at 066 7121041.
