Irish Vocational Education Association

Whether you are looking for a sociable way to learn a language or whether you are looking to gain a particular formal qualification, your local VEC offers a range of part-time courses that should provide you with what you need.

Part-time courses take place during term time throughout the country (mainly in the evenings and weekends but also during the day) . The courses on offer vary from centre to centre so it is worth looking around if you have a particular interest you would like to pursue. In general you need to enrol a few weeks before the course starts. Enrolment takes place around mid September and also around mid-January.

As more people seek qualifications with a view to improving their career prospects, demand for these classes is increasing in most areas and, though significantly reduced fees are charged to medical card holders and the unwaged, it is conservatively estimated that evening class fees alone amount to €5,000,000 annually. The only requirement for most night classes is that you pay the fee in advance.

Normally, part-time courses are advertised locally - for example in your local newspaper, community centre, health centre, school, parish hall, etc. Your local VEC will also be able to give you details on the courses that are on in your area and when they begin.

The majority of part-time courses are unaccredited and, as a result, you will not need any formal qualifications to take part. However, if you are interested in a course that offers a particular qualification, you may be required to have some prior qualification or experience in order to be eligible. Get in touch with your local VEC in advance to check.

Part-time courses are self-funding so the cost of your course will relate directly to the cost of the materials you will need. As a result, costs may differ greatly from course to course.

Your local VEC will organise a registration evening where you go along in person, sign up and pay for the course in advance.

		McCann House, 99 Marlborough Road, Donnybrook, Dublin 4. Phone: + 353 1 4966033 / 4966248 Fax: + 353 1 4966460
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