Abigail Brennan joined us in September 2021. She is from Longford and tells her story here. "In 2021, I was unsure of what career path to follow. After researching many courses, I decided on the Office Administration and Technology course at Cavan Institute. It has a range of both practical and theoretical modules, with good employment and progression opportunities. Travel to the college was convenient for me and the fees were low.

The course has more than met my expectations and has been enjoyable, rewarding and confidence boosting. The teachers are all, without exception, enthusiastic, encouraging, helpful, supportive and positive.

Work experience is a key element of the course, and we were required to find a ten-day placement. I had no experience of office work and was unsure of how to find a placement that would be beneficial, suitable and enjoyable for me. My work experience teacher gave me advice on job finding, CV preparation and interview skills as well as the contact details of local employers who were, at that time, offering placements to suitable candidates. This gave me the confidence to apply for and secure a part time receptionist’s job at the Cavan Crystal Hotel. This I have been able to do at weekends whilst I complete my course.

A collaborative approach to learning is encouraged and, as a result, our class group were really friendly and sociable both online and on site. It was a very effective way to work and learn and it helped us all progress very well. There was a good mix of students with some who had just left school, mature students and both male and female in the class. It meant we mixed with people of different ages and backgrounds and nationalities. We forged great friendships and made time for tea breaks and laughter along the way. Under the guidance of our tutor, we became a connected and inclusive group.

My advice is if you are unsure of what career path to follow the Office Administration and Technology course is a great place to start as the skills learned are useful no matter what area of work you eventually decide to enter."