‘No harm in taking the road less travelled’

What course did you study and where?

I work four days a week with Grant Thornton's Dublin office at City Quay, with classes on the other day through Chartered Accountants House on Pearse Street. I am coming to the end of my first-year of the two-year Accounting Technicians Ireland apprenticeship.

Why did you choose a Further Education course?

I have a science degree, but in the run-up to my Leaving Cert, I was advised to try for medicine because I could get the points. It wasn’t for me. Neither was teaching, though a teaching course I undertook gave me a good understanding of our education system. The Accounting Technicians apprenticeship has been hugely beneficial. It is an excellent alternative to more traditional academic routes and I get exposure to lots of different areas of accounting.

Hundreds of RCSI medical students to use Croke Park as new satellite campus

---

Next year’s Leaving Cert students ‘need latitude’ after school closures

---

Trinity gets ‘Normal People bounce’ with record application numbers

---

More than 90% of parents want schools fully open in autumn, survey finds

---

What has been the highlight for you?

Learning while gaining industry experience is my perfect combination. University had shown me how too much theory can ultimately be counter-productive. Working, earning and learning has been great, there is no end of support, and at a company like Grant Thornton there are lots of employees with similar backgrounds. There is always someone to share experiences with.

What was the biggest challenge?

I went to full-time third-level education at 17. As someone who benefitted from the Leaving Cert, I am not sure we have done enough to cater for every type of student. Many can get a real culture shock moving from second-level to third-level.

What would you advise someone thinking of a Further Education course?

There is no harm in taking the road less travelled – take the time to find what you want to do. It is hard to know in your mid-twenties, let alone at 17. Perhaps a more balanced education system with enhanced practical and vocational elements would help. Career guidance needs to improve, also, I feel.

What is the next step for you?

My aim is to study further and become a fully-qualified accountant when I complete the second year of my apprenticeship.