Since its inception, the IPA has been at the forefront of research, debate, evaluation, consultancy, training and education to support the ongoing development of the Irish public sector. In each of these areas the IPA has an extensive track record of delivering services to a wide variety of organisations in the Irish Public Service, but we have a strong reputation and demand for our services internationally also.

IPA programmes are not only of interest to those working in the wider public service, however; its comprehensive range of programmes attracts students from both the public and the private sector. IPA programmes are also open to individuals looking to update their knowledge and develop their skills. The IPA has Ireland’s only dedicated public management research and publishing resource. The Institute publishes books and periodicals, including the journal Administration, in the areas of public management and governance. In addition, the IPA provides a variety of consultancy and advisory services, for which there is a strong demand both nationally and internationally.

Training and Education Programmes at the IPA The provision of high-quality, part-time training and education programmes is at the heart of the IPA’s mission. Attracting students from across the wider public sector, from the private sector, and from the voluntary sector, the IPA’s certificates, diplomas and degrees are designed to fit into the busy lifestyles of adult learners and to meet their professional needs. As they can be taken in a way that suits a student’s particular circumstances, they are an ideal choice for those who want to return to education while keeping their various personal and professional commitments.

The IPA is a recognised college of University College Dublin (UCD) and offers a number of programmes accredited by professional bodies such as CIPD, CIPFA and the Mediators’ Institute of Ireland. The IPA offers training and education programmes in the following areas:

• Business Studies
• Civil Service and State Agency Studies
• Criminal Justice
• Financial Management
• Governance and Risk Management
• Human Resource Management
• Information Technology
• Internal Audit
• Law
• Leadership
• Local Government Studies
• Management Development
• Mediation
• Health Economics and Health Policy
• Healthcare Management
• Personal Development
• Project and Change Management
• Public Procurement
• Public Management

View courses run by the IPA >>

Courses are run throughout Ireland including Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Waterford, Galway, Athlone, Mayo, Sligo, Wexford, Ennis, Clare, Tralee, Kerry, Carlow, Cavan, Kilkenny, Wicklow, Donegal, Louth and Wexford. Professional Development have a team of 25 trainers supported by a customer service team.

View Professional Development – Courses and Details on Findacourse.ie »

Courses range from standard Diploma’s to post graduate level 8 courses. Classes are held once a week off Dame street, Dublin 2 in the evenings and Saturdays. Awards are internationally and nationally recognised and offer a great boost to your CV and career. For further information view CMI – Communications and Management Institute on Findacourse.ie

CMI courses currently available include; Management Graduate Diploma, International Business Higher Diploma HR Management Advanced Diploma, Event Management Advanced Diploma & Diploma Project Management Advanced Diploma, Project Management Certification – CAPM/PMP Marketing, PR, Advertising & Sales Diploma, Law & Legal Studies Advanced Diploma Sales Management Advanced Diploma. Management Advanced Certificate – Level 5 FETAC Business Studies – Level 5 FETAC Information Technology Certificate – Level 5 FETAC Criminology & Forensic Psychology Diploma Corporate training in Management, Sales & Communications also provided. Night classes, night courses, FAS, FETAC, HETAC, Evening classses, Evening courses from Dublin city centre.

Payroll training is covered with a wide range of courses covering all Payroll related topics, from the Basic Principles of Payroll (understanding PAYE, PRSI and the Income Levy) to the more advanced details of Management of Payroll (Policies and Legislation) and also the application of ‘Benefit In Kind’ (non cash benefits). Some also provide details on various potential refunds and savings for employees. Average refunds can be in the region of €500 (plus) per tax year.

Some of the more popular payroll training courses are outlined below;

Certified payroll Technician
This qualification provides Payroll personnel with a nationally recognised qualification by which they can be evaluated. The syllabus for this qualification reflects the diverse range of skills and knowledge which all payroll professionals require in order to function efficiently.
The course material includes numerous examples and self assessment questions which students can use to develop their knowledge while they study.

Diploma in Payroll Management
The Diploma course builds on previous learning acquired while studying the Certified Payroll Technician course and has been specifically designed for the needs of Irish payroll managers. The Diploma course is aimed at providing payroll managers with the skills necessary to manage a payroll department. Candidates will be provided with a stimulating and intellectually challenging management development programme along with a thorough education in the concepts and techniques of management specially adapted for the payroll environment. Successful candidates at this level will be able to display to their employers a proven knowledge of their professionalism and competence at an advanced level and they will have acquired a professional qualification which will enhance their career prospects and improve confidence and self esteem in their chosen career.
This course is available through a mixture of home based and classroom based learning. The classroom course is currenly available in a number of locations throughout the country including Dublin, Athlone, Cork, Limerick & Waterford.

Certified VAT Technician
Value Added Tax (VAT) is the single largest tax liability which most companies incur and the single largest source of tax recoveries on Revenue audits. Yet the people responsible for the management and administration of their company’s VAT liabilities often have to do so with the benefit of minimal VAT training.
The course assumes no prior knowledge of VAT on the part of students and it introduces them in a logical and progressive manner to the VAT implications and treatment of a huge range of business transactions.
Starting with first principles, the course explains the basic principles of the Irish VAT system, for all kinds of businesses from sole traders to multinational organisations and includes State and semi State bodies and VAT exempt institutions. The course outlines the most common problems which businesses have to contend with on a day to day basis and it teaches students how to recognise these problems and more importantly how to deal with them, without having to refer to third parties for information.

To see payroll training courses and view a selection of accounting and business training courses around Ireland view the following link; Business and accounting courses in Ireland on Findacourse.ie

Payroll Training – PAYE Training – PRSI Training – VAT Training

The Irish Payroll Association (IPASS) is Ireland ‘s premier provider of Payroll Training, PAYE Training, PRSI Training, VAT Training, qualifications and consultancy services and is the only representative body for payroll professionals in Ireland.

The aims of the Irish Payroll Association are to train, develop and support the payroll profession and to help it to achieve the recognition which it deserves. We represent a cross-section of payroll professionals and businesses from every sector of the economy and we are recognised by both the business community and government departments as the leading providers of information and education on payroll related matters.

At a time when payroll operations were never more complex, IPASS also provides educational seminars, an annual Payroll conference, a membership body, representation to Government Departments and to employers and both products and services to help members and students to enhance payroll operations, to meet new legislative requirements and to address changes in the workplace.

For more details of the IPASS Payroll and VAT qualification, use the following link – IPASS courses on Findacourse.ie

Maria Lalor, M.D of Pitman Training Swords, said: “Last year was tough for a lot of people. Businesses had to make cutbacks, which meant many of us were given extra responsibilities and pressures at work – leading to stress and overload.”

“Our new SpeedWriting course offers a way to increase efficiency – in some cases overnight – which makes your workload easier. And it does it without being a burden in itself, because it is quick and easy to learn. Anyone with a good understanding of English can learn it in a matter of hours and become proficient in weeks. We’ve found that SpeedWriting brings dramatic results for people – and gives them confidence. It is also popular with students, who find it a great way to take notes and be able to read them!”

Speedwriting courses are now being offered at Pitman Training’s centre in North Street, Swords, as self-paced courses.

For further information contact Pitman Training Swords on 8404075.

Pitman Training Swords – courses and information on Findacourse.ie

Using experienced industry based faculty and the latest resources ICI delivers over 100 exciting career and lifestyle focused courses to a broad range of individuals and business clients.

ICI is accredited and recognised by the International Association of Private Career Colleges. IAPCC accreditation ensures that the Institute has met IAPCC benchmarks in the areas of course content, course delivery, student assessments, administration and the tutorial faculty.

ICI is a member of the College of Teachers. The College was founded by Royal Charter (UK) in 1849. Its institutional members are organisations with an educational interest and includes schools, colleges, universities, professional associations and training organisations throughout the world. Everything the college does is driven by a commitment to raise standards in education and improve learning for all.

Click here to see courses and information for the International Career Institute on Findacourse.ie

Courses available in;
Advertising
Admin
Marketing
Media
Management
Accounting
Travel
Social Studies
and more…

Siobhan emphasized that employment agencies, like candidates are operating in a very different job market.  There is a need to differentiate yourself and your approach in order to be successful. Your covering letter should make the recruiter or employer want to read your CV and get you that all important face to face meeting. Your CV is your advert, it should be short (around 1,000 words), to the point and should make them want to interview you.  Also remember opportunities present themselves in different guises and through different channels.  Look at every interaction professional and personal as an opportunity!

Alma says your appearance is the biggest factor in the first impression people have of you. Dressing correctly for interview makes a massive difference to your chances of getting the job. She spent time with each person, giving individual advice on the best look for them. Many people pop into employment agencies while out shopping. Dressing as if you are going for an interview is the best way to make a good impression on an employment agency –  that good impression is the best way for them to remember you, to put forward when suitable jobs come in.

Pitman students benefit from on-going career workshops throughout the year, to enable them to turn their new skills and qualifications into stepping stones to a new career, more job security or promotion.

For more info contact

Maria Lalor
MD and Communications Director

Pitman Training SwordsChamber BuildingsNorth St
Swords

086 0491097tel:       01 8404075
email: swords@pitman-training.ie
web: www.pitmantrainingdublin.ie

View Pitman Training Courses on Findacourse.ie »

“Changes in financial circumstances thanks to Budget 2011 and increases in the cost of living are encouraging many women back into the workforce”, said Maria Lalor of Pitman Training Swords.  “Over the past few weeks we have seen an increase in enquiries and uptake on our secretarial and PA courses from women in this position”  she added, “with that in mind we’re offering 5 tips to get these women over the line and into employment.”

1. Upskill and empower:

Everyone knows that these days jobs are harder to come by, but you will dramatically improve your chances by upskilling.  Pitman Training Swords offer over sixty courses from secretarial and PA courses to IT, web skills and Book-keeping and we’ve a 90% success rate when it comes to our graduates gaining employment as a result.  Perhaps you’re an experienced PA but want to add Payroll management to your skill set? Or maybe you’d like to have certified Microsoft skills?  At Pitman Training you can obtain your qualification in less then 3 months or you can study at your own pace – flexibility is key to our success.

2. Boost your confidence:

Lack of confidence is often one of the main barriers preventing women from returning to the workforce.  A skills shortfall can be one of the factors affecting confidence, but once you have addressed that you need to sit down and identify the pros and cons of hiring you from an employers point of view.  Write them out – work out ways to overcome the cons and read the pros out aloud to get them into your head.  If you have trouble coming up with pros get another opinion!

3. Refresh your CV:

Its probably been a while since you prepared a CV so dust it off and give it a make-over. Get it proof read by a second person who has good spelling as spell check does not pick up every error i.e. Collage instead of College is a definite no no.

4. Seek a temporary position to begin with:

Many mothers returning to the workplace are concerned with how the change will affect the family.  A temporary or part-time position or a maternity leave position can be a good way of seeing if it works for you and your family. Pitman Training Swords can help you arrange work placement while you do your diploma.

5. Improve your interview technique:

For many women returning to work after a career break, a successful interview is a distant memory.  At Pitman Training Swords we hold mock interviews with all our students and graduates.  A mock interview with someone in the know is a great way to experience the pitfalls and brush up on technique.

About Pitman Training Swords:

Pitman Training are the computer training experts in Ireland and offer a wide range of computer courses and vocational training modules to ensure your career gets off to a flying start. Pitman Training provide expert training for typing training and shorthand, as well as Computerised Accounts, Book-keeping courses and Secretarial Training. This includes Legal Secretarial training courses, Medical Secretarial training courses and Exec PA for those wishing to achieve a top level qualification. At many centres you can even choose online study and distance learning options to complete your Pitman Training Diploma.

Pitman Training Swords is run by Dublin husband and wife team Maria and Roy Lalor.
View Pitman Training Swords Profile and courses on Findacourse.ie »
For further information please contact Maria Lalor at Pitman Training Swords on 8404075.

Roy gave a 5-point checklist to see if you are suitable for an IT Technical career:

• Have you been using computers for a few years?
• Do you find that you pick things up quickly (i.e. learning software applications)?
• Do you like problem-solving?
• Are you a kinaesthetic learner – that is do you prefer to pick things up by doing them, rather than listening to, say, a lecture?
• Are you willing to keep learning in order to further your career? (learning new skills keeps you in demand in the IT industry)

“Contrary to popular opinion, you don’t need to be terrific at Maths or have a degree to have a career in IT,” says Roy. “You can learn the skills needed for an entry level job in under two months.”

The starting point for an IT Technical job is Pitman’s A+ course. This can be started at any time and takes around 180 hours to complete. It is popular with both men and women and enables them to work on IT helpdesks or as a technician. They can then move on to other courses such as MCSE, which enables people to do most IT technical jobs.

Roy continues, “Google it, you’ll see that companies are crying out for people with these skills. If you enjoy using computers and like problem-solving, this could be the career for you. Big companies are recruiting for these high-end jobs from abroad. I believe we can fill these vacancies ourselves, people just need to understand that they can do the work.”

That was true for one Pitman student recently, who studied MCSA and, on qualifying, got a job with Google Apps on Tech Support. “These are dream jobs for a lot of people,” says Roy, “doing something you love all day isn’t work!”

For more information see Pitman Training profile on Findacourse.ie