Sir, – I read Avril McDowell’s letter (July 2nd) with interest. Like her, I found a legal qualification was not enough to earn a living, in my case after qualifying as a solicitor.
Unlike her, I decided that if my skills were not marketable, the logical solution was to gain new skills. Thus, I recently completed a one-year higher diploma in science in computing with Griffith College Dublin, completely free of cost through the Springboard programme. I can personally vouch that my prospects have increased greatly in the two semesters it took to complete this admittedly intensive and challenging course, and I fully expect to be earning a living in my new discipline in the near future.
I would encourage Ms McDowell and anyone else searching for work to consider availing of one of the hundreds of completely free third-level courses available to jobseekers on www.springboardcourses.ie. If she doesn't actually want to stay and work in Ireland, then I would wish her happy travels. – Yours, etc,