where the bloody hell do you start????? ive been working for my father for the past 8 years, doing industrial flooring. but we all had a sit down today to discuss, quite frankly, how shit it is at the moment. its only a small family business, Me, my brother and my dad, my dad started it 15 years ago, worked bloody hard, then drafted us two in, it seems a right kick in the teeth, but it looks like this could be the end of the road for our family business, and id by lying if i said its not breaking my heart. this year was terrible, our wages are down to a bear minimum, at the moment we havent done anything of note in over 2 months, and quite frankly, its not going to get better, or should i say, there wont be enough work to keep 3 of us on, particularly with mortgages/bills etc..... so myself and brother where discussing the thoughts of going back to college as mature students. the idea doesnt worry me, im not gonna blow my own trumpet, but i was by no means a dummy in school, always in the top 5 smartest pupils, but it seems now my decision to leave school at 16 really isnt paying off, im worried my whole life is destined for crap because of that childhood decision so back to the college situation, where in gods name do you start? what course would you do to give you the base to get a half decent job? as ive been involved in construction for the past few years, if i was to go to college, id rather completely change focus, but what else do you do? any help lads?
I'm not a mature student so I'm not 100% on this but afaik you just apply through the CAO website, there should be a section for mature applicants. As for what course to do its totally up to you what your interested in, look at a few options and then have a think about what might actually give you a job at the end of it whether it be here or abroad. Hope this helps some bit
Hi mate While your position (sadly) sounds more difficult than my own, I've recently signed up for a course by night ... still working by day. Rough but gotta do it ... Might I suggest you consider having a chat with a guidance counselor first, to get some suggestions on what areas you might like to study in, perhaps work in for the future ? .... most decent secondary schools have one, who will give you a half hour or an hour pretty much for a donation to the school or very little fee.# Things like the guide to night courses is well worth a flick through, to give you some ideas on whats available on a part time basis, if your not considering full time mate. Check this out: http://www.nightcourses.com/
Sorry to hear about the business man, hope things pick up for you... First things first its a matter of finding a course that fits..I went to various colleges speaking to career guidance officers and checking out facilities. Check out courses online and dont be afraid to have a nose around various colleges asking questions. If you are planning to go back full time firstly i would get on to these guys...See if you are eligible for assistance.. If you are you will recieve full social welfare and have all fees paid. http://www.welfare.ie/EN/Publications/SW70/Pages/ABacktoEducationAllowanceBTEA.aspx If its a PLC(post leaving cert) you are thinking of doing get on to the local VEC office to see if you qualify for assistance. http://www.cdvec.ie/ If you are thinking of going back part time during the evening you apply to the college directly as far as i know. They will most likely give you an interview. You will have to pay fees but may be entitled to a reduction. The fact you dont have a leaving cert doesn't matter, its not needed when becoming a mature student. You may need to apply through the CAO but for some courses you can apply directly to the college. Dont think the deadline is till next Apriol or may so ya have plenty of time to find something you like. Probably loads i am forgetting, will post more as it comes to me. http://www.cao.ie/
Your biggest decision, after deciding to go to college of course, should be what you are interested in. Going back to college is a big commitment and you need to be certain you are doing something that interests you and that you can see yourself doing for the next 40 years. Its also very hard to study after so long out but doing something you are interested in makes it easy. When you make that decision have a look at the college websites to see who offers the courses you are interested in and contact the course coordinator directly. They can tell you what you need to do. If possible go to open days and get a feel for the college. This is a big decision so don't be afriad to ask questions. Also some info here http://www.citizensinformation.ie/e...level_courses_for_mature_students.html#lef21f I teach in a university and I love dealing with mature students. They usually know exactly what they want, what they need to do to get it and they have a calming influence on the 18 year olds
Hey Randy, firstly, sorry to hear about the family business, I'm sure it must be pretty devastating for all involved!!! I found myself in a pretty similar position to you when I lost my job this time last year!! I was working "on the tools" in the construction industry also and at first I considered going back to collagee to do something construction related, but looking round at the current situation I cant see there being any great pick up in construction here for four or five years minimum, and what ever little bit things might improve it certainly wont be enough to absorb the amount of unemployed construction workers who are out there at the minute! I personally think there will be a massive surplus of construction personell in this country for the next ten years!! So you're probably right to stear clear of construction related courses!! In the end I decided to go back and do a degree in mechanical engineering which I'm really enjoying actually, although it was pretty difficult getting back into the swing of collage, you'd be amazed how lazy your brain becomes over time!! I applied directly to the collage as a mature student, as apposed to applying to the CAO as you have to if you're entering out of school!! I'd say your best bet would be to get in touch with your local collage, and see what the procedure is for mature students with them!!! Hope this helped!!
I done the same about 4 yrs ago and just graduated with an honours degree in Elec Eng. Working for Siemens Wind Energy now so its def worth it. While it is good to look at future job prospects for picking your course it is also important to pick one you like also and not just do it because you think you will be getting big money. I seen you left scholl at 16? Have you your Leaving Cert done mate? If not most colleges even as a mature student wont accept you.
I thought the leaving cert wasn't that big of a deal once you're in the mature student bracket though?
I know that for my course you had to have your Leaving plus at least pass maths and that was as a mature student.
It depends on the course, your best bet is just to contact the course directly. With us if someone shows a desire for the course and a will to learn the leaving cert isn't necessary. Check out http://www.qualifax.ie/index.php?op...ch_courses&action=reset&CSH_ID=7&view=wrapper
mature student hey go to your local citizen info centre or apply to local college about courses or check internet as some courses you can do from home good luck David