Shannon Chamber has initiated a new dimension to educational advice in Shannon.

Having worked with Limerick Institute of Technology in the 2009 Tús Nua campaign, the chamber saw an opportunity to develop this linkage further and invited the College to set up a temporary presence in SkyCourt Shannon. Commencing Friday, 5 March and then fortnightly until Friday, 16 April, LIT will offer an outreach service in the SkyCourt concourse and provide hands-on advice to students or adult learners on all aspects of the College’s educational and support offerings.

Making the announcement, Shannon Chamber’s chief executive Helen Downes: “This is a new development for the Chamber, for LIT and for SkyCourt, which has come about through collaboration and the kind offer from SkyCourt’s Pat Kelly to accommodate this trial of  bringing education to a consumer level, making it tangible to people from all walks of life.

“Education is for everyone; finding the niche that suits individuals’ talents and career direction in the key. Seeking that information may be hindered by the time constraints in getting to Limerick, by an unwillingness to go online to search the college’s syllabus, or by a fear of further education. For four days over the next two months, third-level educational advice will be available from a commercial booth in a shopping centre. We urge the public to drop in to meet LIT personnel,” she said.

On Friday, 5 March, Joanne Holland from the Careers Office will discuss the linkage her office provides to students including the transition from full-time education to work experience, further study and employment. She will also provide guidance to those considering further and higher education.

On Friday, 19 March, Gillian Barry, from Schools Liaison will offer advice to anyone considering third-level education. She will also discuss the many innovative programmes and initiatives that LIT is developing to encourage young people to enter further education.

On Thursday, 1 April, Dawn Coleman from Lifelong Learning will outline the opportunities available to people from a variety of backgrounds who wish to pursue personal and career development goals through the potential of education. LIT offers Lifelong Learning programmes in the areas of Business, Humanities, Information Technology, Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Built Environment and Art & Design. Its Lifelong Learning programmes are usually delivered on weekday evenings and commence in the autumn and spring terms of each academic year.

On Friday, 16 April, Ruth Bourke from Ennis Regional Learning Centre will be available to discuss the various educational options available to people, taking their age, skills and career to date into consideration.

The LIT Outreach Centre, which will be well signposted in SkyCourt, will be available from 1–5pm on each of these dates. The advisors will be accompanied by an LIT student ambassador on the day. The service will be a mix of drop-in and pre-appointments.  Full information from Shannon Chamber at 061 708341 or visit SkyCourt Shannon on Friday, 5 March for full details.

“We are extremely grateful to Colin McLean, External Services Manager, Limerick Institute of Technology, for linking up with Shannon Chamber on this initiative and to SkyCourt Shannon for making it possible,” added Helen Downes.

Release issue by:

Dympna O’Callaghan

Shannon Chamber PR

T: 061 369898; Mbl: 086 2371508