My first Magazine KWETB Autumn Brochure 2017 A5 [hi-res] Final | Page 127

Student Profile
Wicklow VTOS.
Wicklow Further Education and
Training Centre.
The Murrough, Wicklow Town, Co Wicklow
Kevin Farrell
At first I was more than a little nervous about
committing to re-entering the education
system, as it had been almost forty years
since I’d sat in a classroom. In my first
eighteen months I learned computer skills
and successfully completed QQI Level 4
Communications and Functional Maths. With
my confidence built up, this year I have taken
on five subjects in the Leaving Cert and will
sit the examinations in June, at the age of 55.
Although I have sometimes felt overwhelmed
in my studies; there has always been help and
solutions put in place from the Coordinators
and Tutors in the centre. The tutors have even
helped me with extra classes, all in their own
time. The centre has also organised several
talks on good methods for studying and
advice on confidence boosting. I have been
able to avail of an Adult Guidance Counsellor
and a Guidance Information Officer. All the
services are strictly confidential which is very
reassuring. So for anyone who can take the step
of returning to the classroom, The Wicklow
Further Education & Training Centre provides
an excellent service to the community.
When I returned to education the centre was
more than just a place to learn it also provided
me with a social outlet with like-minded
people. It can help you focus on something in
your life and keep the mind active. I am very
grateful to have the centre in my community
and hope other people like me will avail of its
services in the future. I’m sure there are many
people, like me, for whatever reason, had to
leave their educational hopes and dreams
floating in the hallowed halls of the schools of
their youth.
Kevin Farrell
After finding myself with a lot of time on my
hands through redundancy, I decided to try
going back to education as an adult student.
I had previously heard of The Wicklow Further
Education & Training Centre that offered an
opportunity for adults to enter the education
system. The centre is part of Kildare and
Wicklow Education and Training Board.
W
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