Rossa College in Skibbereen to focus exclusively on adult education

WITH the opening of the new community school in Skibbereen this September, Rossa College of Further Education will become an exclusively adult education centre.

 This means the campus will offer a real third level alternative for those wishing to secure qualifications in West Cork.  

The potential for Rossa College has been recognised by Cork ETB which has invested in the college infrastructure over the past number of months in preparation for the new centre.   

Services on offer at the college include parking, a student canteen, student identity cards, interview training, accommodation advice and a students’ union.  

In preparation for the development of an adult centre, the college has undergone renovations and a dedicated healthcare suite has been developed, complete with associated medical equipment, says principal Stephen Gilbert.

  ‘In addition, our computer rooms have been refitted and modernised. In September, our Level 6 Art course will relocate to a more spacious environment, allowing more students to be accommodated.  We also have plans for development of a childcare room to further enhance provision in this course. We already have excellent horticultural facilities with room for expansion.’ 

Courses in Rossa College are QQI certified which means they are quality assured and are recognised both at home and abroad.  ‘Our qualifications are identical to what is on offer elsewhere in the country,’ says Stephen. ‘Some students can be apprehensive about taking on a course as they associate courses with exams like the Leaving Certificate.  QQI courses are organised in a very different way and while some exams do exist, they form only a small part of the overall grade a student achieves.’

While employment is a reasonable expectation, many students use QQI courses as a stepping stone to diploma and degree courses.  

There are a number of grants available to students and courses include art, craft & design, e-business, childcare, healthcare and horticulture. The college will hold an Open Morning on May 20th for anyone interested in finding out more.