Ideas for new courses

nicola31

Hi folks, just looking for some advice. I am trying to get ideas for new courses for people who are currently unemployed. I know there are a lot of people out there who are well experienced and educated as well as those who need a starting base but I have been asked to compile a few ideas for the boss.
I am looking for suggestions or ideas where you feel courses are generally lacking. Maybe you have taken a course and thought that some other content could be included or you are currently looking to do a course in a particular area but cannot find what you are looking for.

Not talking about degree courses necessarily but ideas for any types of short to medium term courses which can be of a real benefit to people in this economy.

Any feedback appreciated.
Thanks Nicola

AARRRGH

Accounts is an underlooked area. You only need a short bit of training to do it (accountancy basics, credit control) and there tend to be quite a few vacancies in this area (650 here). It's an interesting job too - always something to do. And you tend to be your own boss somewhat.

nicola31

Hi AARRRGH,

I appreciate your feedback. I assume you are now working in this area? Did you study for a cert, diploma, degree or did you take a short course?

Fran79

Hi
how about a course in HPLC. Its something which I could do with to get a job in the pharma sector.

Its a chemical test system, but I don't know whether it would get off the ground as a course as the equipment required is quite pricey.


Fran

nicola31

Hi Fran,

Well as the medical/health fields are one of the growth industries, these technologies will have to be looked at. I am no expert on HPLC but isn't there a course running in Ireland on this by a company called Apex Scientific? They seem to offer it both as in house or distance learning but maybe price is prohibitive?

Also do you think this would be a course which would be in demand by a large number of people? Could this topic be introduced as part of a more generalized course or should it be introduced on its own?

Fran79

Hi
Didn't know about the Apex course - will have to look into, but cost is a big factor as I'm on JSA.

I think you may have to canvass a few pharma companies re size of need. I'm just going on my experience, but on feedback from companies I have applied to, the only reason I'm losing out on jobs is that I have no HPLC experience (This is from companies in the southeast if thats any help).

I dont know about whether to have it on its own or combine it with general lab techniques such as GC, pipette use, etc - again may be worth asking the pharma companies.

Fran

nicola31

Hi Fran,

Thanks for your feedback. Can you tell me what course you have completed so far in this area? Did you to Diploma, Degree level?

I will do the research to see about demand.

j4vier

problem with those jobs fran is that they look for at least an year or a few years of hplc experience, a short course wouldnt be the same i think

kat151283

I think more courses in tourism are needed as failte ireland courses are lacking, at the moment there is only one bar management course being done and from my experience this course is way too focoused on the food side of the business so i think a niteclub management course would be of benefit to some people, also more business startup courses are needed,we dont have enough variety of courses in this country compared to others.

Fran79

Hi
I have a life sciences degree (human biology) with several years lab experience in microbiology and wet chemistry.

j4vier - I appreciate what your saying re experience in HPLC. But some experience is better than none, some jobs just state that HPLC is desirable, not a requisite. As such I have missed out on a job to someone who had a couple of months experience.

Fran