From Sallynoggin College of Further Education to Calvin Klein – who knows where your QQI Level 5 could take you?

Unlocking Opportunities: Progression Routes for Students of Sallynoggin College of Further Education

Sallynoggin College of Further Education (SCFE) provides a platform for many of our students to embark on their journey towards higher education and professional success. With a wide range of courses available, SCFE equips students with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in their chosen fields. Many of our students transition directly to the workplace while others choose to continue their studies, using the qualifications they gain with us to access Higher Education both in Ireland and abroad. Studying at QQI Levels 5 and 6 in SCFE can open doors to exciting opportunities as the following stories illustrate.

Fashion Industry and Creative Fields:

The Fashion Buying, Styling and Visual Merchandising course in SCFE has seen many students progress to Higher Education.  The course enables students to develop an appreciation of fashion product, design, fashion history and retail display leading to an understanding of range development and the processes required to market and promote fashion businesses. Learners have the opportunity to develop work suitable for portfolio preparation required for third level colleges application. There are excellent progression routes to a variety of Level 7 and 8 degree courses in IADT, NACD, TU Dublin and other third level colleges.

Torey Cassidy Murdock, a graduate of the Fashion Industry Practice (FIP) course in 2017, exemplifies the potential for growth. Leveraging her Level 6 qualification and portfolio, Torey applied through UCAS to study a BA in Fashion Communications at the prestigious London College of Fashion (UAL). Since then, she has collaborated with renowned companies such as John Lewis, Marie Claire, and Wolf & Badger. Currently, Torey works as an Agent and Producer at LGA Agency in London, establishing herself as a prominent figure in the industry.

Another success story is James Clarges, who completed FIP in 2012. James went on to pursue a degree in TUD Visual Merchandising. His career journey led him from a Creative Visual Merchandiser in Dublin's Forever 21 to an internship with Tommy Hilfiger in Amsterdam. James quickly climbed the ranks and became the Visual Merchandising Co-ordinator for Tommy Hilfiger. Later, he joined Calvin Klein as the Global Window Co-ordinator for Europe and the Middle East, working on notable campaigns like Calvin Klein. James continued his education by pursuing a master's degree at UCD. He subsequently worked as the Senior Global Retail Marketing Manager at Dyson and is currently a freelance marketing consultant.

Fashion Buying, Styling and Visual Merchandising Students - Fashion Event 2017

Performing Arts:

The Performing Arts/Acting and Performance for Theatre, TV and Film course provides a dynamic and challenging programme, introducing learners to the various disciplines involved in working on stage, in film and on television. Although the primary focus is on acting, the course provides an opportunity for learners to participate actively in all elements of creating and producing drama. There is an emphasis on the practical skills and the understanding of acting techniques and stage craft.

Lucy Smirk Richards, a former student of the Performing Arts course, embraced opportunities to study Drama at UCD after completing her course in SCFE. Lucy's passion for the craft led her to produce and direct plays for Dramasoc at UCD, and she also acted as an assistant director for the production "Dublin In A Rainstorm" at the Smock Alley Theatre. Other success stories include Josh McEneaney and Ebby O'Toole-Acheampong, who graduated from the Bachelor in Acting program at The LIR Academy, part of TCD. These students performed lead roles in SCFE productions, like our 2017 production of “The Importance of Being Earnest” and have now gained the skills and recognition necessary to thrive in the acting industry. Holly Sturton, who studied at Bow Street Academy, has acted in various Netflix series, showcasing the potential for SCFE students in the performing arts industry

From SCFE Production to Lir Graduate

SCFE is looking forward to welcoming back one of our former students on the Performing Arts course, Daniel Mallon, as a student teacher next September. Daniel has completed his degree in Drama in UCD.

Musical Theatre, Dance, and Drama:

The opportunities for progression in the creative arts continue with SCFE's courses in Musical Theatre and Dance. Former students such as Ellie McHugh, Holly Campbell Fogarty, and Daniel Keogh have pursued higher education and professional opportunities in their respective fields, studying at renowned institutions like The International Dance Academy in Copenhagen, TU Dublin, and Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts in London.

Childcare and Early Education:

Sallynoggin College's courses in Childcare and Early Education have paved the way for graduates to make a difference in the lives of young children. Sarah O'Donovan, after completing QQI Level 5 and 6, progressed to a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Early Childhood Education at Technological University Dublin. Sarah has worked with organizations such as Barnardos and Dalkey Community Preschool Playgroup, and recently accepted a role as an Early Years Specialist with Better Start (Pobal).

Sarah Clare, another graduate, initially pursued her Level 5 qualification to gain a foothold in the industry. However, her passion for early childhood education inspired her to continue her studies at TU Dublin, where she completed a Bachelor's degree (level 8). Sarah now works as a supervisor in a preschool and is enrolled in the Leadership for Inclusion in the Early Years (LINC) program which supports the inclusion of children with additional needs in the early years.

Childcare Students experiencing Outdoor Activities in Kippure and getting inspiration for play and creative activities for children

The experiences of former students at Sallynoggin College of Further Education exemplify the vast array of opportunities available for progression after completing a course at SCFE. Whether students aspire to enter the fashion industry, pursue degrees in social sciences, engage in performing arts, or make a difference in early education, SCFE provides a solid foundation for success. By nurturing their skills, fostering personal development, and offering industry-relevant qualifications and work experience, SCFE empowers students to take the next steps towards their dreams and aspirations. The success stories of these individuals serve as inspiration and evidence that a year spent at SCFE can unlock a world of possibilities for students seeking higher education and professional growth.

SCFE - Your Choice for a Broad Range of Career Opportunities

SCFE is a College of Further Education under the patronage of DDLETB. We provide courses to school leavers and mature students in a broad variety of areas from Childcare to Social Studies, Fashion, Art and Floristry, Hairdressing & Beauty, Travel and Tourism, Performing Arts and Musical Theatre and Fitness and Wellbeing. 

Through our close collaboration with employers and industry groups, SCFE continues to ensure that our courses are up to date, relevant and future-proofed to give our students the edge in their chosen field.

To find out more about any of our other courses, check out our website here. Our Course Coordinators are available to answer specific questions about individual courses, and their contact details are listed on each course page. Apply online at here or contact [email protected] Tel: 01 285 2997.

We also invite you to come and visit us on our next Open Day on 29th August 2023. See here for more details.