As a former adult student at VTOS Dungarvan I am writing to tell you of my experience and how my life has changed since then.

My name is Michael Fraher and my return to education started in September 2010. I began a two year Business Studies (QQI Level 5) at VTOS Dungarvan. I can still remember my first class. The tutor, Aileen O’ Connor, told us all about the course contents and requirements. To say I was overwhelmed was an understatement. It had been 17 years since I left school. I thought there was no way I would be able for it. However I took it one day at a time and opened myself up to this new challenge.
At VTOS under the guidance of the lecturers I began to change my life with new skills that would become the corner stone of my new career. I learned different subjects from Communications, Information Technology Skills, to eBusiness. I discovered a whole new world that was both exciting and challenging at times. During this time I developed a real interest in the manual and computerised accounts side of the course. In those 2 years I successfully completed each module which at times was difficult.VTOS gave me confidence and ability to embark on a new road and the challenges that lay ahead.Towards the end the lecturers supported me in applying for college and I was awarded a place at Waterford Institute of Technology on a 3 year Accounting Degree. I am pleased to say that I graduated with honours from WIT in October 2015.Today I am employed with Ernst & Young, one of the “Big 4” accounting firms. I would not have achieved this without VTOS. I know that most people are frightened at the thought of going back to education. However VTOS gave me the skills and drive to embrace change and make a new life for myself. In the future I would love to return to VTOS as a lecturer and support students like I was. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all at VTOS and especially to Clodagh Connors who told me to always do my best.

I would encourage anyone to consider developing their skills and learning new ones with VTOS Dungarvan. And remember the first step is always the hardest.

Michael Fraher

As a former adult learner at the Waterford & Wexford ETB I am writing to tell you my experience and how life has progressed since then.

My name is Joyce O’Carroll I started in the Waterford & Wexford ETB ( Tramore) in September 2009 doing FETAC level 5 Healthcare Support. At the time I was doing voluntary work with the elderly in the community.

I can clearly remember my first class. The tutor Cathy Freiby went through all about the course contents and requirements. Let me say I was abit shocked and overwhelmed. It was 20 years since I left school. I felt there is no way I will be able for this. At the end of the class I stayed back to talk to Cathy voicing my concerns. I was put at ease straight away. Cathy told me that we were all adult learners and all in the same boat reassuring me that the tutors would always be there for us.

In the 2 years I successfully completed 9 modules, yes there were times when I found it difficult. But I had my tutors and fellow students to talk and work things through everybody helped each other out. It was a fantastic achievement for me I was so proud of myself. I have met some amazing people, which I can truly say will be life long friends. I finished in the Tramore in June 2011. I do miss it. But life goes on!

In September 2011 I set up my own business Wigworld, specialising in wigs and hairpieces for medical related hair loss due to Chemotherapy, Aleopica and Thinning hair. I am a one stop shop from consultation, fitting, styling, aftercare, maintenance and pre & post hair loss services.

A lot of what I have learnt from the .Healthcare Support course is followed through into what I am doing today. It goes hand in hand. All my skills and knowledge combined is what makes Wigworld a success story.

2011- I was a finalist in ‘Excellence in Professional Services ‘ at the South East Women in Business Conference and Awards.

2012- I won ‘Businesses Women of the Year ‘ at the Waterford Mirco Business Network Awards.

2013- I was a finalist in Best in New Business’ at the FAB Waterford Women in Business Awards.

2014 -I won ‘ Best in Business Services’ at the FAB Waterford Women in Business Awards

I can highly recommend the centre to anyone considering developing their skills and learning new ones.

If there is anything to be learned from reading this is:

“ If I can do it so can you”

Have a look at my website www.wigworld.ie

Find us on facebook:  www.facebook.com/wigworld

Joyce O’ Carroll

Hi, my name is James Tallon, I am a student in Gorey VTOS, I was part of a class with some wonderful people and was instructed by wonderful instructors who were willing to go that extra mile and go out of their way to help students. From the moment I walked into the building I found it to be a very warm friendly place to learn.

James Tallon