A Letterkenny woman who is embarking on a new career path in her 50s is looking forward to a role in the classroom as a Special Needs Assistant (SNA).
After 20 years with a multinational firm in Letterkenny, Lisa Doherty took the leap into a Pathways course in Special Needs Assisting and Early Learning Studies with Donegal Education and Training Board’s (ETB’s) Further Education and Training (FET) Service.
Lisa admits it was a bold move to leave her established career for a new sector. However, the joy she’s getting from her work experience in a local primary school over the past year has shown her that she’s on the right path.
“I love it. It’s the best thing I ever did,” Lisa tells Donegal Daily.
“It was a scary move at the same time. I was out of education for well over 30 years, and I was at Optum for 21 years. I loved my job, and they are a great employer, but when I hit my 50s, something changed.”
Lisa’s Pathways course is one of several programmes designed to allow students to further their studies and explore employment opportunities in their chosen fields. Donegal ETB also provides pathway courses in Business, Healthcare and Nursing, Science, and Health and Fitness.
Returning to the classroom takes some adjustment, but Lisa found friendly support from the moment she arrived at the FET centre on Letterkenny’s Port Road.
“All the teaching staff were unbelievably good; even the ladies at the front desk were brilliant to us all,” Lisa said.
“This course is so doable. It has brought me on so much to believe that any of us are capable of something in the right environment and with people supporting you.”
Lisa Doherty is undertaking a Pathway course to Special Needs Assisting and Early Learning Studies
The subjects are taught during parent-friendly hours, with four days of training and one day of work experience per week.
Modules cover IT skills, SNA studies, English and communications, maths, personal effectiveness, childcare and safety, child development and play.
“It’s very varied,” said Lisa. “And you get an hour after classes every day if you want to stay behind and get extra help.”
“I never enjoyed maths in school, but I found the teachers here very good, and I’m not afraid anymore. At one time, I would have dreaded maths,” Lisa said.
Lisa’s work experience placement has further solidified her belief that she’s on track for a job she loves.
“I actually went to the same school where I’m doing my placement now. I couldn’t believe how it has all fallen into place for me since I started this course,” she said.
“The kids are just so adorable. You learn so much; it opens your eyes to all that goes on in a classroom and the need for special needs assistants.”
In just one year of training (September to May), students gain a QQI Level 4 from the Pathways course. It can open doors for people to go directly into employment or provide a stepping stone to further education or training.
Lisa hopes to find a job after completing the programme.
“I could enrol on another course if I want to go up to Level 5, but I think for me, if I complete this, I want to go straight back into working,” she said.
When asked if she would recommend Pathway courses, she said: “100%. Particularly for older individuals, I think we have a lot to give. I have my three children reared, and even though it’s scary making the jump, you know in yourself it feels right.
“I don’t regret anything I’ve done up to this point in my career, but this is me now. I feel this is the route I want to go.”
Charles Gorney, Adult Education Organiser, says the ‘Pathways’ courses are specifically designed to equip students with a diverse range of skills and support to explore their chosen field.
He said: “Our ‘Pathways’ courses empower students to develop essential personal and professional skills, including communication, computer proficiency, and personal effectiveness while giving specific skills in their chosen area of study including, Business, Health, Early Years and Special Needs, Science and Exercise and Fitness. Extracurricular activities and other supports including field trips, and workshops complement the studies. Support services like digital device loans and career guidance all help support and enhance the learning experience.”
Donegal ETB’s FET Service is now accepting applications for a number of Pathway courses in its FET Centre on the Port Road in Letterkenny this Autumn – apply through the links below.
- Pathway to Business Studies: https://www.donegaletb.ie/course-detail/?CourseId=483267
- Pathway to HealthCare and Nursing Studies: https://www.donegaletb.ie/course-detail/?CourseId=483268
- /Pathway to Special Needs Assisting and Early Learning Studies: https://www.donegaletb.ie/course-detail/?CourseId=483324
- Pathway to Science Studies: https://www.donegaletb.ie/course-detail/?CourseId=484037
- Pathway to Health and Fitness Studies: https://www.donegaletb.ie/course-detail/?CourseId=484044
