Minister Sean Haughey presented the award to the Open Training College on February 22nd, 2010, during the STAR Awards ceremony which initiated the fourth annual Adult Learners’ Festival, coordinated by AONTAS - the Irish National Association for Adult Education.

The Open Training College was recognised by an independent judging panel for its contribution to adult learning through its Bachelor of Arts in Applied Social Studies (Disability) course. It is a HETAC accredited course placed at Level 7 on the National Framework of Qualifications and offered to staff working or volunteering in frontline disability services.

The Adult Learners’ Festival is primarily about celebrating adult learning and the achievements of adult learners, and showcasing the work of adult education providers. The STAR Awards is a ceremony comprised of 13 categories, celebrating both local and national projects and initiatives within adult learning. 110 projects were nominated for a STAR award this year. The independent judging panel shortlisted and then awarded the Open Training College the STAR award within the Nationwide category.

Raymond Watson, the Social Studies Course Director made the comment that ‘it was very satisfying to be recognised and rewarded for being involved in something that is benefiting disability services nationwide. We have heard directly from many students and agency representatives over the years about the positive effects the course has had on services overall. It is a pleasure to see the course being recognised with this award today.’

The Open Training College, part of St. Michael’s House, has provided accredited courses to the disability sector since 1992, and continues today with HETAC accredited management courses to degree level offered to people working or seeking work in the non-profit/voluntary sector. With over 600 students currently enrolled, the College delivers all of its courses through the Supported Open Learning Model - a distance learning approach that encompasses many adult learner supports such as face-to-face skills workshops, fortnightly telephone/email tutorials and substantial feedback on each assignment.

Karen Finnerty, College Director acknowledges that ‘The Open Training College is delighted to be recognised for the contribution of its BA in Applied Social Studies (Disability) course to the disability sector especially during these very tough economic times. We created the degree course around a three-way collaboration between the student, the disability agency and the College. All three stakeholders inform the course content each year and the increasing number of graduates is a testament to the important role it plays in the lives of thousands of service users all around the country.’

‘Thank you to all who play your part in allowing adult learners such as myself to realise life long dreams, further our education and realise our potential. You are the true stars.’

Nadine Lattimore, BA Applied Social Studies (Disability) course participant.

Pictured above: Sean Haughey TD (Minister for Lifelong Learning), Orla Barry (Newstalk Broadcaster), Karen Finnerty (OTC, College Director) and Raymond Watson (OTC, Social Studies Course Director)