The first thing most students complain about is money! Money for fees, money for books, money for beer. Their worries are shared by many people taking night courses. After all, not everyone comes to evening classes with a jet-setter's wallet. The fees for the course are a crucial decider of what they can and can't take. It may not be solely a matter of having enough money to pay either; working hours and overtime needs may block some people's ambitions to take a night course.
If you take a VEC (Vocational Education Committee) course, you can get a pretty good deal. Good languages classes cost an average €80 for ten two hour lessons - incredibly good value.
People on low salaries or welfare will obviously have to watch their pockets as much as their hearts while choosing a course. That's the unfortunate reality, but those in this situation can take some solace with knowing that more and more courses are becoming available in the VEC sector and that these courses are available in local secondary schools, making them convenient to get to. Remember also, with the current staff shortages in the country, employers are very eager to keep good staff. The employee is thus in a very strong position and will be able to demand an attractive deal that may include educational opportunities.
Take, for instance, the example of Leonel Canut, the accounts assistant. As well as a good salary, Leonel got his employers to pay his college fees. He's taking a degree course in Accounting and Finance in the evening and would not have been able to afford the fees. So if you have ambitions to take a degree or qualifications that will relate to your job, it may be worthwhile mentioning this to your manager or the human resources manager at your company. Remember, the more educated you are, the more valuable and capable an employee you become for your employers.
Bank managers should be a last resort. They look more kindly upon full time students and treat them much better as regards interest charges. The best way to look at further education or an evening course is in the value it adds to your career or your career chances. You shouldn't necessarily be the one to empty your wallet to avail of education. Present the idea to your employer or, if you're unemployed or unable to work, make an appointment with your local welfare office and ask them about opportunities to avail of social welfare support while you pursue your classes. If you don't want to face either of these options, well…shouldn't you suggest to your friends that you would like a night course as your preferred birthday present…?
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