The company I worked for provided no advice on what options might be available and this was extremely difficult. I had been working there since before I even left school and I had no idea what to do next. I decided I needed a change so I visited my local Community Partnership.
“I can honestly say it has been the best decision I have made so far”
I visited the Ballyfermot and Chapelizod Partnership (Obair) to get some information on suitable options. I received useful advice from the wonderful staff there and I was given the encouragement I needed to return to education. I can honestly say it has been the best decision I have made so far. I started with a one year Return to Learning (RTL) course which was challenging but it gave me a taste for learning and I was eager to progress. I completed my RTL course and moved to a QQI Level 5 course in social care, before progressing to a Higher Diploma in applied social studies/social & community care. Despite it being a tough course and suffering a heart attack during my studies, I managed to pass with flying colours in May 2016. I am hopeful that I will find work in this area soon.
“When I returned to education I could not even type or send an email”
To anyone thinking of returning to education, all I can say is go for it. When I began my journey back to learning I couldn’t even type or send an email but after receiving great encouragement, my eyes have been opened. I have gained great qualifications but also acquired important life skills such as sticking to deadlines, broadening my mind and way of thinking and developing friendships. It’s been a great experience with many benefits. Age is no barrier, just believe in yourself, listen to advice and most importantly don’t be afraid of change.
