Kerry College Open Week 2024 welcomed over 2000 students, career changers, and jobseekers across its five campus locations in Listowel, Clash Road, Killorglin and Monavalley this week. An additional 2500 prospective learners attended the many events hosted across the week, including the Further Options Event, Information Evening, Kerry College of Beauty Open Evening, Apprenticeship Open Evening and Guest Speakers Event.
Killorglin
A much-welcomed addition to Open Week 2024 was the Killorglin Campus Open Day on Monday 19th February. Visitors enjoyed a FREE bus service from Tralee and Killarney to Killorglin Campus on Monday, setting the tone for the exciting day ahead.
Highlights included insightful discussions on careers in the Great Outdoors, showcasing the potential of outdoor/adventure therapy in youth work, and more.
Aodhnait Carroll, Killorglin Campus Manager, reflected on the success of Killorglin Campus’s first Open Day. “Kerry College Killorglin Campus hosted its inaugural Open Day, welcoming prospective learners to witness first-hand the diverse range of courses we offer. Against the stunning backdrop of our outdoor education and training Campus, bathed in sunshine, our talented learners demonstrated their evolving skills in disciplines such as yoga, adventure activities, and scuba diving. From the tranquil to the thrilling, our courses cater to outdoor enthusiasts aspiring to turn their passion into a profession. Thank you to all who joined us, and we look forward to the exciting journeys ahead for our future learners.”
The Scuba Skills Showcase impressed with demonstrations of essential diving techniques, leaving attendees inspired to dive into this career. Attendees found serenity and strength at our Yoga Mastery Event, deepening their understanding of this ancient practice and how to turn it into a career.
People had the chance to learn more about Killorglin Campus’ brand-new Nature Based Early Learning and Care course, highlighting the importance of outdoor learning and play in the field of Early Years Education.
Clash Road
Clash Road Campus visitors enjoyed guided tours of campus facilities and met with teachers and current learners during the event. Learning Support Staff were on-site to highlight the many supports available to Kerry College learners. Career Guidance Counsellors were also available to offer progression and career-related advice.
Principal Stephen Goulding highlighted the success of the Information Event featuring guest speaker Rory O’ Connor, who shared insights into his career path and the life experiences that shaped him. Current learners gave an account of their educational journeys and how entry into further education and training has had a positive impact on their lives.
The Kerry College of Beauty Open Evening on Wednesday the 21st February enabled visitors to explore our exceptional Beauty Therapy building. They were able to discover the state-of-the-art facilities and learn more about internationally-recognised certifications offered on the full-time and part-time programmes ran on-site.
“The event was incredible! Having talked to current learners and the instructors, I’m left inspired to pursue a career in the beauty industry!” said one attendee.
Listowel
Visitors were treated to guided tours of the newly-built campus facilities and had the opportunity to interact with teachers and current learners. Career Guidance Counsellors and Learning Support Staff were on-site to meet with prospective learners and offer expert information.
Listowel Campus hosted several guest speakers including Katie Hannon, Tracey Grimes and Lizzy Lyons. These successful women in business inspired attendees with diverse range of insights and expertise.
“Clash & Listowel Campuses had a very successful open week. Almost 900 visitors visited the campuses and got a comprehensive range of information on all our courses for September 2024. There was a fantastic atmosphere in both campuses and potential applicants took part in class demonstrations and activities”. – Stephen Goulding, Principal of Clash & Listowel Campuses
Monavalley
At Monavalley Campus, visitors were offered hands-on experiences, with practical skills-based demonstrations throughout the day. Activities ranged from stone carving to virtual reality experiences overlooking Tralee from the Wind Turbine training tower. Kerry College’s state-of-the-art Digital Skills Centre allowed visitors to record radio sound bites or vox pops.
The highlight of the week was the Amazon Web Services Fibre Splicing Workshop. This fantastic program enabled learners to develop their skills and knowledge further. It also catered to potential career changers who were interested in learning more about this exciting and growing industry.
“I never realised that these courses and facilities existed on my doorstep! Kerry College is a hidden gem.” said one attendee.
Monavalley Campus Manager Con O’ Sullivan reflected on the record-breaking attendance during the Open Week and was happy to see huge demand for direct routes to work and career progression. He expressed gratitude to the companies that exhibited at the annual Apprenticeship Open Evening, providing valuable insights and opportunities for attendees.
“Kerry College Monavalley Campus had a very busy Open Week 2024. It was a wonderful opportunity for Monavalley Campus to showcase the extensive catalogue of courses on offer including, IT, Healthcare, Construction, Digital Media, Broadcast Production, Business, Tourism and of course Apprenticeships. It was great to have so many Kerry, Cork and Limerick based schools visit our centre and learn about the exciting world of opportunities that Monavalley Campus has to offer” – Monavalley Campus Manager, Con O’ Sullivan
Killarney
At our Killarney Admissions Office, visitors connected with the Admissions Team, current learners, teachers, instructors, the Apprenticeship Team, the Business Support Unit, representatives from our Pathways Programmes, and many more! They came along to find out about the suite of full-time and part-time courses available in Killarney. Furthermore, they found out about transport, childcare, and financial supports available to help them access their Kerry College journey to success.
“We were delighted to host our first open day in Killarney and would like to thank anyone who called in on the day. It was a great opportunity for us to showcase all we have on offer in Killarney for 2024. We have some exciting full and part-time courses in the pipeline and hope to continue to grow our offerings over time. The Admissions Office in Killarney is open Monday to Friday and we would urge anyone who is unsure of their next step to pop in and have a chat with us; this could be school leavers, parents, guardians, career changers. No appointment is necessary! We are here to answer queries about any of our courses or apprenticeships, but we will also do our best to help direct you to services or resources that you may need to make the journey back to education easy and accessible for you.” – Ella O’ Donoghue, Admissions Officer.
For those interested in Kerry College’s Part-Time and Full-Time Courses and Apprenticeships, more information is available at www.kerrycollege.ie or by contacting the Admissions Team at 066 714 96 96 or 064 6622593.
About Kerry College
Kerry College is Ireland’s first and only integrated provider of Further Education and Training. We offer clear routes to employment, third level and apprenticeship. With five campuses to choose from and up to 180 courses across the board, there is something for everybody.
Let’s explore the future of you and unlock your potential!
Study, learn, explore and unlock your potential at campus locations that are connected to the local communities with instructors, teachers, tutors and support staff that keep you focused, on-track and happy.
Prospective learners/students may follow their chosen Further Education and Training course at one of our five campus locations:
- Clash Road Campus– offers 50 courses for progression and employment in a variety of fields of learning. Our Clash Road Campus has a long and storied history of achievement in further education and training in County Kerry. Located on the Killarney side of Tralee town at Clash Road, just beyond the railway gates – 40 full-time courses for progression and employment are based here. The new Kerry College of Beauty is also located on this campus.
- Denny Street Campus– a new addition to Tralee Town Centre, all social care and nursing programmes are delivered here. Kerry College’s new town centre campus is located in a striking Georgian building on Denny Street – Tralee’s most elegant thoroughfare. It bears the name of Edward Denny who was granted the town by Queen Elizabeth some years after a local revolt which resulted in Tralee and its Great Castle razed to the ground. Denny Street itself was completed in 1826 on the site of the Castle.
- Listowel Campus– a key further education and training hub for North Kerry. It is home to a range of courses for progression and employment. Listowel – heritage town, market town and literary hub of North Kerry on the banks of the River Feale, has a long history dating back to the 14th century. Home to the Fitzmaurice clan, the town was built around Listowel Castle, St. John’s Church and its Market Square.
- Monavalley Campus– offers 80 courses for progression and employment. All Kerry based Phase 2 apprenticeships are run at this campus. The Monavalley Campus is known to generations of people from Kerry and beyond for its excellence in apprenticeship and skills training which goes back to the founding of AnCo in the 1960s.
- National Outdoor Education and Training Campus – Located at Cappanalea just outside Killorglin, this Kerry College campus is home to the National Centre for Outdoor Education and Training. Programmes offered here focus on personal and professional development through the medium of adventure sports where students develop their hidden talents and skills. We use adventure education and outdoor / wilderness experiences to enhance the learning outcomes.
Why Us?
- Unique
We run a range of innovative full-time and part-time programmes you won’t find anywhere else in Ireland.
- Excellence
Many of our programmes are award-winning at regional, national and international level.
- Experience
We have a strong track record in preparing students and apprentices for employment, further study or university progression.
- Big & Friendly
Although we are 4000 strong (students and apprentices), each campus feels homely and friendly. That’s why Kerry College is the perfect first step away from home. Whether it’s an apprenticeship or a course that will take you further afield – you’ll feel safe, connected and happy here.
- Tech Sector
Kerry is home to a cluster of large scale and small scale finance, science and technology companies. There’s so much innovation and endeavour.
Key Facts
Accommodation
You won’t have to worry too much about getting suitable, affordable accommodation in Kerry. It’s one of the big benefits of moving here or within the County to study.
Fees and Grants
Our courses for employment are free. If you can attend full time, you can apply for a place.
Despite not qualifying for funding or a grant, you may still get a travel payment (if you live more than 3 miles/5km away from the campus location) or an accommodation payment (if you live more than 20 miles/32km away from the campus location). Our courses for progression cost 130 euro.
At present, the travel or accommodation payment is not part of these courses. Kerry College has abolished all online application fees and is working to make Further Education & Training free for everyone in County Kerry.
Student Supports
If you are already on a qualifying DEASP payment, you can continue to receive this while on any of our courses for employment. You must complete and sign an F103 form and bring it with you on the first day of the course.
If you are attending a course for progression, you may qualify for a SUSI Grant (via www.susi.ie) or a Back to Education Allowance (via INTREO/DEASP). Enquire directly to SUSI or INTREO for further details. The NCS (National Childcare Scheme) is now in place and provides childcare supports for those on full-time education and training programmes. Full details can be found on the www.ncs.gov.ie webpage.
Transport Links
No traffic jams. No tailbacks. No rush hour. An excellent community transport network called the Kerry Flyer which operates a range of routes that all stop at our campuses.
Apply now and explore the future of you!
