Exhibition offers parents options to further their education

With children back at school and colleges reopening in the coming weeks, the options for parents or other adults to consider furthering their education are being showcased in Cork over the next two days.

There is also a chance to hear what employers are looking for from job applicants, as well as information about more informal personal development classes, at the Adult Education & Training Exhibition which opens this afternoon.

The stands feature exhibitors from third-level colleges, Cork Education & Training Board and its colleges, Cork Training Centre (formerly Fás), but also from non-statutory educators like private colleges and training organisations, and voluntary bodies.

“During more prosperous times, many of the courses offered by exhibitors were for leisure. And while many will continue to offer those choices, we believe that today it is important to also encourage the public to explore their options for retraining, upskilling, perhaps changing career,” said an organiser with Cork Adult Education Council.

It has run the event since 1977 and although the internet has since become a useful way to provide information, it believes the exhibition remains popular as people often prefer to ask questions and discuss their specific needs face-to-face with those offering classes and other activities.

As well as the stands open from 1pm to 8pm today and tomorrow at Cork City Hall, a series of free workshops offer advice on everything from improving CVs and creating an EU passport to help find work across Europe, to talks about specific careers and courses.

At 7pm today and tomorrow, Cork ETB’s adult guidance service will hold interactive seminars for anyone who wants to learn what skills, qualifications and qualities are being sought by employers. This evening’s seminar focuses on the hospitality, catering and retail sectors, while IT, administration and healthcare will be under the spotlight tomorrow.

Meanwhile, National Adult Literacy Awareness Week runs later this month with a theme about how the little things in life can sometimes become the biggest problem. Issues like texting, adding up a bill, or using new technology will be covered by some of the events and classes organised by local adult literacy services from September 22-26.

A campaign asking the Government to ensure all information from the public sector is written in plain English will also be launched by the National Adult Literacy Agency, which will also have a stand at the National Ploughing Championships in Stradbally, Co Laois.