Minister Michael Ahern presents awards at the Cork College of Commerce Graduate and Awards Ceremony

Minister for Trade and Commerce Michael Ahern T.D., today (Monday 5^th December 2005) presented awards at the Cork College of Commerce Graduate and Awards Ceremony at the Silver Springs Hotel, Tivoli, Cork.

Speaking at the awards ceremony the Minister Said, “I am very pleased to be here with you this afternoon for the annual graduation and awards ceremony of the Cork College of Commerce. The purpose of this awards ceremony is to recognise the achievements of the students, and to reward them for their effort and commitment, as well as their academic achievements. That there is well in excess of 150 students receiving awards this afternoon is indicative of the tremendous work being undertaken by the management and staff at the College”.

Founded in 1908 Cork College of Commerce is the largest Post Leaving Certificate College in the country. The courses on offer at the College are fully recognised by the Further Education and Training Awards Council (FETAC). FETAC sets high standards for those who pursue further education. Courses recognised by FETAC are delivered in the workplace itself, in training centres, and in educational establishments such as Colleges of Further Education, Institutes of Technology, FÁS Centres and in VEC Colleges throughout the country. The various courses available in the College aim to give both post Leaving Cert and mature students a firm foundation in both business skills and computer techniques. Students are then ready to follow careers in both business and the public sector as highly skilled and valuable employees.

“At a time when the provision of services for children with Special Needs is very topical, the college is to be commended for providing a course in this particular area. This qualification is recognised in all areas of Childcare and leads to employment in primary schools, in play schools, in day nurseries, in hospitals, and other areas where children who have special needs are served. I would like to take this opportunity to wish you every success with this course”, the Minister added.

“With Cork now going from strength to strength as an economic centre, especially in the areas of information technology and commerce, it is significant that the majority of graduates have successfully undertaken courses where there are clearly excellent opportunities for employment locally. I congratulate you on your very successful endeavours to date and wish you every success in the future” Minister Ahern concluded.

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