Academic achievement and personal success was celebrated at the Kerry ETB’s Kerry College Clash Road Campus and Denny Street Graduation Ceremony at the Brandon Conference Centre, Tralee on Friday 30th August.2019. An annual highlight in the college calendar, with over 800 in attendance, the event marked a milestone for graduates and their families.
Students were conferred with QQI awards – both nationally and internationally recognised – in Beauty; Business and Technology; Creative Arts; Childcare; Construction and Engineering; Humanities and Health Care; Science; Sports and Nutrition; and Tourism and Hospitality. This year saw the first cohort of graduates in a number of new programmes offered during the 18/19 academic year: in Dance Studies, Theatre Studies, Animation, Computer Games, Emergency Services, Journalism, Pre-Garda and Youthwork.
From this September, Kerry College Clash Road Campus and Denny Street Campus is again increasing its range of courses on offer. With the new entity “Kerry College of Further Education and Training” across the county, it is easy to see why the Kerry College is rapidly becoming the “First Choice” for school leavers and mature students.
The positive impact further education has had on graduates was shared all evening with stories of successful outcomes being achieved through employment or progression to desired third level course. In particular, representing the leaving certificate students Kasey O Connor told a captivated audience how lost she felt when she received her leaving certificate results even though she was offered her first choice to do a course in an amazing college. She knew she wasn’t mature enough to move away and enrolled for the year studying Applied Social Studies with Psychology “ I can openly and honestly say it is probably the best decision I’ve ever made for myself, this year has not only taught me so much about myself, but it has taught me so many practical skills that I will carry with me to university” Kasey is now progressing to University…
Guest of Honour was Nikki Bradley – who made an inspirational contribution about how everybody encounters obstacles but that they can be overcome with resilience and willpower. Director of Further Education and Training KerryETB, Owen O Donnell acknowledged the strong work ethos of the graduates without which they could not have achieved what they did. He also acknowledged the support each graduate received from their families and the college staff which helped them as they made their journey towards success. He spoke about the continued growth of Kerry College and future plans for the provision of education and training programmes for students locally, regionally and nationally. Cllr Terry O’Brien wished all the graduates well in their future endeavours.
Exciting times ahead for Kerry College.
