A Ukrainian woman who recently studied with the Further Education and Training (FET) Service of Donegal Education and Training Board (ETB), says the support begins from the moment you walk in the door.
Mum of two Yuliia Vaniukova, who left her home city of Kyiv with her family, is now working to rebuild her career in Letterkenny.
Despite being an accountant in Ukraine, Yuliia faced the difficult task of learning the Irish tax system and law before she can work here. She understood she needed to get an accounting certification approved by the Irish authorities.
“First of all, I was met with great help and support by the Irish people. My goal then was to realise my professional life as quickly as possible,” Yuliia said of her first months in Ireland.
Yuliia’s education journey began at a Donegal ETB FET Fair, where she met tutor Marguerite McGee. Encouraged by Marguerite, Yuliia enrolled in a payroll programme. This was the crucial first step towards her professional reintegration.
She then embarked on the ACCA Diploma in Financial and Management Accounting, a Level 3 programme delivered over two evenings per week, from 6pm-10pm, which allowed Yuliia to complete her studies while working part-time.
“I enjoyed this course indeed, I met really high-level professional tutors, Claire Curran and Marguerite McGee,” she said.
“The support started from the reception, when you come to Donegal ETB it is a special atmosphere.”
Yuliia benefitted from IT support and, in all her years of education, some of the best tutoring she has encountered.
“Marguerite not only taught the educational material but worried about each student as her own child,” she said.
Marguerite McGee and Yuliia Vaniukova
After completing two courses, Yuliia’s only wish was that there were more!
“Now I’m preparing for my exams on my own, and it’s much more difficult to go without courses and support of ETB. If I could continue my studies with ETB courses, it would be awesome!” she said.
“My ETB studies gave me an excellent understanding of local taxation principles, which help me in my Irish work experiences,” she said.
Yuliia’s first job in Ireland was a part-time role at Letterkenny Community Development Project (CDP), which she did alongside her ETB evening courses.
“I am grateful to the management and colleagues at CDP for their care and support, and interesting projects I was involved in during my time there. Everyone there is like one big family, where there is an atmosphere of ease, acceptance and support for everyone regardless of nationality, personal history and other differences,” she said.
After completing her evening course, Yuliia moved into full-time employment with Bonner Gill Company – Accounting & Auditing Services Donegal.
“There I met highly qualified professionals who I learn from day by day, and I’m so grateful for their support and patience, and hopefully I will become fully qualified accountant,” she said.
“If anyone needs high standard services in Accounting and Audit, I’m happy to invite you to our company’s website bonnergill.com.”
Yuliia counts herself fortunate to have the support of her husband and mother while working and studying in Ireland. Her childhood home in Mariupol was sadly destroyed.
“Unfortunately, there is nowhere to go back to. For now, my priority is to make a peaceful future for my children,” she said.
Yuliia is a firm believer in education as a step towards job security and recommends Donegal ETB not only for qualifications but for boundless encouragement.
She said: “The knowledge which you can receive from Donegal ETB will be high quality and very useful in your professional life, you will receive great support for your self-confidence.
“It’s not only about knowledge, it’s about attitude and great support. It’s your ticket to your future.”
If you’re thinking about upskilling, reskilling or changing career in 2025, Donegal ETB’s FET Service currently has a wide range of evening courses available. Check out your options on their website (https://www.donegaletb.ie/fetcoursefinder– use the word evening as your keyword) or call their Letterkenny Training Centre on 074 91 20500 to find out more.
If you are in employment (full-time, part-time or self-employed), you may be eligible for a fee waiver or reduced course fees (under the Skills to Advance initiative). Contact the Letterkenny Training Centre for further details.
If you are in receipt of a DSP payment, you may be eligible for a fee waiver. Contact your local Intreo office for a direct referral.
Fees apply otherwise.
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