This course is aimed at learners who wish to gain an initial qualification in one of the many areas of social studies. On completion of the courses learners will have gained the following skills:

• Social skills - teamwork, negotiation skills, initiative, ability to deal with people, conflict management
• Information gathering – literature searches, report writing, interviewing, designing surveys
• Analysis and synthesis skills – editing and synthesising information from a variety of sources, reading critically
• Project planning – identifying steps, resources, solving problems, dependability, initiative and being able to work on several tasks at once, time management
• Knowledge of the capabilities and limitations of people – cognitive, perceptual, physical, emotional, social, development, personality
• Numerical, IT, statistical and inferential skills, analysis and presentation
• Oral and written communication skills, listening, speaking etc.

The National Hairdressing Apprenticeship programme is designed to ensure that the apprentice receives training both on and off the job over a minimum of three years.

With a blend of on-the-job training (80%) in full time employment, and one day a week off-the-job training (20%) at Portlaoise Institute, we provide apprentice with all the necessary skills, techniques, theory, and confidence in assisting them to become a fully qualified Hairdresser.

As part of the course students will complete 3 weeks work experience placement in a nursing home or hospital.

Students will be given the opportunity to complete the following short courses during the academic year:

ADDITIONAL CERTIFICATES

• Patient Manual Handling
• First Aid Responder (QQI Level 5 Module)
• Suicide Prevention and Awareness (HSE approved)

This course provides essential elements of knowledge, competence and skill for academic progression or employment within the healthcare setting. The course provides the foundation skills and entry requirements to Degree Progammes in Ireland and the UK. The course encourages an appreciation of the work involved in caring for all age groups, and emphasises the importance of interpersonal communication.

This one year course is to enable the learner to acquire the knowledge, skill and competence to work under supervision in providing support in a variety of Healthcare settings or to progress to further and or higher education and training.