PICTURES: Tipperary Community Training College students celebrate graduation

Students from the Thurles Community Training Centre were honoured last Thursday evening during a special graduation ceremony held in the Anner Hotel, Thurles.

The students graduated with a wide variety of certificates, ranging from hairdressing, to catering, to carpentry, to business studies.

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The college prides itself on taking in learners who may have found education to previously not have been for them, but have since found the desire to further their skillset.

Speaking at the event, Fiona Coffey, Manager of the Thurles Community Training Centre, spoke of the pride she felt in seeing the students graduating, after the years of work they have put in.

“Tonight is a collection of work that learners have completed over a two year period. Some of the learners would have what's called component certificates, other learners will have completed their programme and they've received a major reward, which is super, because that way then they can go on to further education if they want, they can go into apprenticeships, they can go into traineeships, or they can go straight into employment from their awards that they're getting here tonight. So it's important to mark that, it's a very special occasion, and it’s important to mark it, you know, so that they feel valued and they understand the value of the work that they’re after putting in for the last two years so that's what tonight is about.

“Tonight we have minor certificates and major rewards in hairdressing, in woodwork, in catering, and the major Level 3s and minor Level 4s in QQI.

“We have watched our young people come into us shy, not sure, very withdrawn within themselves for a variety of different reasons. School didn't work for them, they’re coming in with the mindset that this is going to be the same as school, but it’s anything but. And we’ve watched them develop and grow, not only in their coursework, but also as individuals. We’ve watched their personality develop, turn into the most beautiful young adults, ready to face the world, it’s fantastic to see.”

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Fiona spoke of the effect the centre has had on the parents of the students, stating that many parents have commented on the personal growth they have seen in their children.

“The parents are so happy with the progress of their kids, you know, they see the development of the learners, they see the growth, not just from an academic perspective, but also from a personal perspective, it's magic.”

The Thurles Community Training Centre operates on a rolling enrollment system, with students eager to join not having to wait until September, like with many colleges, to join.

“That’s the beauty of the CTC, they don’t have to wait until September. We are continuous intake, which means that we can take in learners all year round. The programmes are tailored to the requirements of the learner, rather than the learner fitting into the programme. And that’s the big difference between the CTC and other courses,” said Fiona.

The Thurles Community Training Centre is located on the Cabra Road, Thurles.

For anyone who wishes to enroll, they can do so by contacting 0504 21592.

They can also be found on Facebook, at ThurlesC.T.C, and on Instagram, @thurlesctc.ie.