Welcome
Welcome from the President It is forty years since Athlone Institute of Technology registered its first students. The intervening period has been one of enormous change, with the world of work markedly different from four decades ago. One of the most noticeable changes is in the qualifications profile of the workforce. Where once a third level education was the preserve of the few, now the majority of school leavers are progressing to college and increasing numbers of mature students are entering higher education. Within education itself, there has been an explosion in the provision of courses on a part-time basis. This has radicalised how people can access third level and means that up-skilling and re-training is an attainable goal for many people. The current economic downturn has caused many to question firmly held beliefs. One assumption was that third level was an automatic passport to a good job and the financial security that this brings. Unfortunately, as can be seen from endless reports and surveys, this can no longer be taken for granted. Nonetheless, it has repeatedly been shown that those in possession of third level qualifications fare better in terms of job prospects and earnings than those who are not similarly qualified. This prospectus of part-time programmes is a window to a world of opportunity. There is an enormous range of course offerings here, with a growing number of academic qualifications now available. The staff in our Department of Adult and Continuing Education will be able to answer questions you may have in relation to any matter. The rest is up to you. Be assured however that an investment in education is not just something that yields a return in terms of enhanced skills and knowledge, improved self-confidence and a sense of satisfaction. Undoubtedly it is all of those things; but above all, it is an investment in your future. Best of luck with your search – and welcome to the AIT community.
Professor Ciarán Ó Catháin President
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Your World, Your Future
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