David worked as a plasterer for nearly 30 years and decided to study social care as he is a foster carer and wanted to advance his knowledge
Why did you decide to return to education?
“I finished school at 14, never done a leaving cert never could access computer skills. From the day one it’s been excellent. I am going back to do a level 8 add on, full time. “
Why did David choose SETU?
“The facilities here are excellent, access for me as a mature student was very easy, and the staff in the humanities section were so helpful, the lecturers were brilliant.”
Has an internship or work placement helped you within your course?
“Yes, in first year and second year we had to do a placement. My first placement was in the Jonah Project which is for children with autism. The second one was with emergency accommodation for young women that are homeless.”
David’s advice for students who are thinking of coming to SETU.
“Listen to the lecturers, stay with Moodle, read in the library and get involved with fellow students, like in group work.”
David spoke on the changes studying in SETU has made to his life
David chose to come back and study as a mature student and says “It has made me a better person, it’s given me more confidence, and it’s helped me with learning, reading and writing, computer skills. It just made me a happier person.
Why did he decide now was the right time to return to education?
I was self-employed for 30 years as a plasterer I was employed then for 2 years as a security guard and that’s when I decided to come back to college. I decided to come back for employment I always thought there was something in me to do a level 7 degree course somewhere, especially social care I took social care because we look after children in care. We foster children at home and I got sent down to Wexford IT to do a level 6 and I progressed from there then.”