Whether you have received the offer you want or are having second thoughts about the course you chose, it is worth checking out the further education options available to you at Galway Technical Institute, the largest provider of full-time QQI Level 5 and 6 programmes in the west of Ireland. GTI will host a final open day on Tuesday September 11 from 10am to 4pm.
The further education sector is well worth investigating. The sector, with the backing of SOLAS and the Department of Education and Skills, now caters annually for more than 30,000 students. Statistics have highlighted the large number of students coming directly from this sector into the third level arena and indeed directly into the workplace. If you are seeking a programme which will set you on a career path, then look no further than GTI.
"For many students the leap from second level into the vastness of third level can be quite a daunting one, even when a young person is sure of what it is they wish to study," said GTI principal Geraldine Gibbons. "More and more students are now taking an opportunity to step back and explore all of the options that are now available to them in the whole further education and training sector. Courses which provide a blend of work placements, practical and applied learning are capturing the attention of both students and employers. Furthermore further education courses qualify for SUSI grants and fees are a fraction of that in the third level sector."
According to Alison Ward, deputy principal and guidance counsellor at Galway Technical Institute: "The FE sector can offer a vast range of options. The qualifications gained from a one or two year QQI course will enable you to apply for places in Irish and UK universities and institutes of technology. In some cases this application is by direct route to the colleges themselves rather than through the CAO. NUIG recently announced an increase in places for PLC students from 60 to 170 places across a wide range of courses including links to arts [general and denominated courses] commerce, science, nursing, business information systems, psychology, and social sciences. Links also exist to all courses in GMIT with advanced entry to year 2 for Level 6 GTI students of relevant courses being a possibility. St Angela’s College in Sligo have also recently approved a link for GTI students to their home economics teaching course."
The FE sector caters for a very wide market, from recent Leaving Certificate graduates to the mature learner returning to education. Options include art, media, business, beauty, hairdressing, healthcare, sports, IT, furniture making, programming and software. GTI welcomes applications from both school leavers and mature learners who wish to retrain or upskill. Check the GTI website for full details of all courses being offered across all 10 departments. Make things happen for you at GTI in 2018 — go along to the open day on Tuesday 11.
Apply now at www.gti.ie
