If you are looking to minimise your carbon footprint whilst studying an accredited and professionally recognised qualification in Social Studies or Management, then please talk to us at the Open Training College where we have devised a model of delivery that embraces a green philosophy that endeavours to reduce waste and minimise our student’s carbon footprint whilst studying with us.

Tutors and staff will be available to discuss Third Level options regarding single accredited modules or complete Certificate, Higher Certificate and BA (Ordinary and Honours) degree courses in Applied Management or Applied Social Studies – all delivered through the ‘green friendly’ Supported Open Learning model.

Who should attend:

Students researching options regarding accredited qualifications in Management (non-profit) and Social Studies (Disability).

Venue:

Open Training College, Prospect Hall, Willowfield Park, Goatstown, Dublin 14

Date:

Tuesday, 21 February 2012

Time:

Anytime between 11.00am – 1.00pm.

Cost:

Free

Contact:

Conor Murray
Tel:  01-2988544
Email:  cmurray@opentrainingcollege.com
Web:  www.opentrainingcollege.com

Please let us know if you are planning on coming so we can make sure to have a hot cuppa and a fresh pastry ready for you when you arrive!

To find out more about the AONTUS Adult Learners Festival click here.

The Adult Learners’ Festival is about celebrating adult learning and the achievements of adult learners and showcasing the work of adult education providers.

Click here for more information about the festival, and the shortlisted entries.

Click here for more information about the Certificate in Applied Management, a one-year, HETAC accredited course that is placed at Level 6 on the National Framework of Qualifications, and is open to all who are working, or seeking work in the non-profit/human services sector.

Or feel free to call Conor on (01) 2988544 or email at cmurray@opentrainingcollege.com.

Did you know that 94% of respondents to a recent survey confirmed that they were in search of information surrounding the HIQA Standards for Residential Services for people with disabilities?

The Open Training College is now offering an effective and affordable solution to help organisations bridge the information gap being experienced by managers and staff in the sector.

We offer three levels of training to suit your needs, budget and time constraints. Each level, offered independently, or as part of a series, informs participants about vital aspects surrounding the National Quality Standards: Residential Services for People with Disabilities. We go where the training is needed, either regionally or within your organisation.

• Introduction to the HIQA Standards (Level 1)

• Exploring the HIQA Standards (Level 2)
• Managing the HIQA Standards (Level 3)

(Please click on the individual links above for more information about each course.)

The College is also now delivering customised HIQA Standards training to individual services, special project teams and Boards of Management within services in the disability sector. Talk to Conor about how the Open Training College can fit your needs. Call 01-2988544 today.

Useful Links and Updates Regarding HIQA Standards  Inspection:

• www.hiqa.ie

• The Standards Document:(http://www.hiqa.ie/system/files/National_Quality_Standards_Residential_Services_People_with_Disabilities.pdf)
• Minister of  State for Older People Kathleen Lynch responds to the Rostrevor Home case           (Irish Times 08/06/11)
• Plans to start inspecting the residential care of people with intellectual disability have been announced:   RTE News 17/06/2011

Click here to visit student’s experience of CPD modules.

Return to Master Your Career Destiny

Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.

Mahatma Ghandi

Special Notice: Students are now offered the choice of commencing this course in either January or in September of each year.

Is it for you? Hear one of our tutors outlining the purpose of the BA (Honours) in Applied Social Studies and who should study it. Click play below to listen.

Alternatively, click here to download a transcript of this audio. (Adobe Acrobat is required to open and view this transcript. You can download it here for free).

Aim

The BA (Honours) in Applied Social Studies (Disability) has been designed and written to facilitate learners to develop the skills, knowledge and competencies to become highly skilled and informed workers/managers contributing to the future development of quality rights-driven services for people with disability.
Workers in agencies who achieve this qualification will prove invaluable to agencies in meeting the challenges arising from the changes in the sector including the move to statutory quality standards (NSDS), professionalisation of the social care role, effective service planning and implementing real person centred services.

Who is it for?

Applicants to this programme must hold a Level 7 qualification (Ordinary Degree/National Diploma) in Applied Social Studies (Disability). The College also offers an advanced entry mechanism for holders of Level 7 qualifications in Applied Social Studies in Social Care from the Institutes of Technology. Applications from people with Level 7 qualifications in a cognate area may be considered. However, strict entry criteria will apply. Contact the College for further details.

Certification

This course is certified by HETAC and is placed at Level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications.

Duration

1 year, or students can avail of 2-year option by prior agreement.

What you’ll learn

This course consists of 5 modules:

• Applied Research Methods
• Comparative Social Policy
• Leadership and Change in Human Services
• Essential Social Care Management Skills
• Social Equality and Inclusion

Each student receives an electronic version of each module. However, a set of hard copy modules is available to each student at a cost of €125 (5 modules).

How it benefits you

On completion of this course students will hold a qualification which is noted for the excellence of its materials, approach and philosophy. This qualification will enable students to apply for posts with management responsibilities including the Social Care Leader salary scale. In addition successful students will have a progression route to studies at Level 9: Post-Graduate Diploma or Masters Degree.

Fees

The course fees for 2012 are €2,995.

Please note that students undertaking this course may be entitled to tax relief of 20%, a saving of approximately €600 for the student for the year. Students are advised to contact their local inspector of taxes to confirm eligibility. More information and the relevant form is available here on the Revenue Commissioners’ website.

The College also supports all students with an annual fees instalment plan.

Learn more

To learn more about this course, contact the Open Training College, or click here to download the course brochure.

Course Calendar

To view the provisional course calendar for the January 2012 commencement, click here.

To view the provisional course calendar for the September 2011 commencement, click here.

Please note attendance at workshops is optional.

How to apply

To apply complete all sections on the application form and return, along with your application fee, before November 23rd for the January commencement  to the address below (If you are a volunteer you will need to fill out this additional Volunteer Form):

Applications
The Open Training College
Prospect Hall
Willowfield Park
Goatstown
Dublin 14
Ireland

Return to the Applied Social Studies Courses page

Outside The Box shines a spotlight on issues of broad concern to disabled people, their families and representative organisations.  The show confronts issues head on and is not afraid to challenge commonly held assumptions about disabled people and the disability sector.  With an estimated 300,000 people in Ireland touched by some sort of physical, sensory or intellectual disability, the relevance of Outside The Box stretches far beyond the disabled community to industry, policymakers and the general public.

Discussion between Olan McGowan, the show’s presenter, and the three OTC teaching staff members – Raymond Watson, Alacoque McAuley Savage and Mick Keating – centred around the collaborative nature and flexibility of all courses on offer from the College to adult learners, particularly the  BA in Applied Social Studies (Disability).

Please click here to be directed to an audio link to hear the 24 minute show that released on May 21st, 2010.

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)

How did you hear about the Open Training College (OTC)?

I heard about the College about two years ago when I did a short evening course with the Carers Association. (Raymond Watson, Course Director with the OTC was delivering the course)

It was searching online that I eventually found the course which interested me and that could fit in with my busy life.

What is your role at work?

a) Secretary of Jig Saw Dublin 7/11 club (this is a social group that myself and three other mums set up two years ago, the aim of the group is include children who have special needs in their community.)    
b) SNA in a mainstream primary school.
c) Mother of 3 children, the youngest of whom has Asperger’s Syndrome.

Did you feel that going back to education would benefit your current role?

Yes, I felt that gaining more knowledge in the area of disability would definitely be of benefit to me and to those I work with. The particular modules on offer are very relevant to the area in which I work.

What appealed to you regarding going back to education?

I wanted to do something for myself and prove to myself that I could succeed.

What appealed to you regarding the OTC courses?

The OTC courses are very relevant to the area I work in. As I have a busy schedule one of the most important things in doing a course for me was flexibility. Being able to study at times that suited me was great. Also the idea that I can pick the particular course that suits me at a time of the year that suits me is super also. It is great the way in which the timetable of the
courses are set out for three years and the workshop dates are printed also, being able to plan ahead is very important for me.

Was the information easy to understand?

Yes, the information was laid out in a very easy to read format and was backed up with excellent online supports.

Did you receive timely and in-depth information about your course?

After looking on the College web site I emailed the College for further information about the courses and the suitability of them for me. I was promptly contacted by phone by the Course Director who went through the course content with me. He answered all my questions and concerns and was very encouraging.

The fact that it was HETAC accredited module, did that help you decide?

Yes the fact that the module was HETAC accredited certainly influenced my decision to choose the course. It was important to me to have a qualification that was of a high standard and well recognised.

What was the experience like?

At first I was very excited taking on this new adventure! Then I got very nervous.  It was a great comfort to read on the online forum that all the other students were feeling the same.

Did you feel there was a major time commitment involved?

I wouldn’t say it was a major commitment but to get the most out of the course I think you would need to commit somewhat. I would say that on average I would have spent 10 hours per week between reading and online work.

Did the use of computers scare you?

No, I would have basic computers skills and I felt that was sufficient to get through the course.

Did the MyOTC Foundation Course help you?

The MyOTC Foundation Course was a great help in preparing me for the main course. It’s a range of I.T. tasks to be completed over a one week period. It explained everything I needed to know in relation to the online component of the main course i.e. How to access the courses Learning Centre, using the College email system; saving documents and retrieving them and how submitting your assignment using the online service. I printed the notes and referred to them when I needed to during the main course.

How did your family feel about you returning to study at college?

My family were great, very supportive. I’d say to the kids I have to do my homework, and a lot of the time we would be sitting at the table in the kitchen doing our homework together!

What was the biggest surprise during the course?

What surprised me the most was how much I enjoyed the course. I found the content so interesting I became immersed in it and it didn’t feel like work.

I hadn’t written an essay since my school days and was anxious about having to write a long piece, but I was surprised at how much I had to say.

What kind of learning supports impressed you?

I found listening to the online tutorials very helpful. I watched and listened to these tutorials a number of times and I found it helped me have a better understanding of what I had read in the units of the study modules.

Did you attend the optional 1-day skills workshop?

Yes. I really enjoyed the workshop; it was great to meet the other students and hear their experiences. It was also great to put a face to the name of the tutors! The workshop helped reinforce the important points of the course through a power point display. We also did some group activities.

Was it actually more or less work then you thought before taking the plunge?

I found the course very manageable so I would say it was a little less work then I thought. I also needed to finish my assignment a week early as I had a planned trip and I achieved this.

How many hours study did you put in throughout the six weeks of the CPD course?

I would think in the region of 54 hours.

Would you recommend the CPD route to other people?

I would highly recommend the CPD route. It gives such flexibility to the student. It is possible to add to your qualification at times in your life that suit you. You may pick the courses that interest you and are relevant to you. Studying with the OTC was such a wonderful experience for me; it has given me confidence in myself.

Will the completion of this module motivate you to continue your studies?

Yes most definitely. I plan to finish the degree at my own pace.

Do you think it was good value for money?

Considering the amount of support you received during the course, I would say it was good value.

Click here to find out more about the CPD modules on offer.

Be the Master of your own Career Destiny!

The Open Training College has launched a wide range of accredited and professional (HIQA Standards Training) Continuing Professional Development courses offering flexible professional and personal learning opportunities to staff.

• Accredited Modules

• Professional CPD (HIQA Standards Training)

“Successful careers are not the products of luck or planning; they are built by people who are able to seize those opportunities that match their own strengths.”

Peter Drucker

Did you know that during a recession more people engage in training and education in order to up-skill and future-proof their careers?  This way they will be ready to meet the new challenges and avail of the new opportunities that come with the change in the economy.

It is largely recognised in the modern world of work that continuing education is necessary to meet the ongoing needs of individual professionals in a changing work environment, and ensure that individuals are up to date in their knowledge and skills in order to continually provide a high quality service.  This principle of continuing education is enshrined in the Health & Social Care Professionals Act (2005) and the HIQA Standards on Residential Care (2009).

The Open Training College recently completed a survey, which indicated to us a strong commitment to and enthusiasm for Continuing Professional Development (CPD), but with a recognition that flexible opportunities will be necessary for individuals to avail of such learning.  With this in mind the College is proud to announce the launch of our CPD courses, which will be built upon and developed over the next three years.

Current Continuing Professional Development programmes on offer:

• Accredited Modules
• Professional CPD (HIQA Standards Training)

(Click on the individual links above for more information about each course.)

“Live as if you were to die tomorrow.  Learn as if you were to live forever.”

Mahatma Gandhi

Click here to view student’s experience of CPD modules.