While in many cases students, schools and parents see the CAO as the ‘be all and end all’ for those seeking third-level education, nothing could be further from the truth according to Gabriel Allen, deputy principal at Bray Institute of Further Education (BIFE). “Over recent years many new avenues have opened up to students to enable them to pursue their dream career via a different route. BIFE will be showcasing the large variety of courses at our Grand Annual Career Day on Friday 20th January from 10am – 3pm.”
He added, “Further Education offers a learner, who may not have achieved the required CAO points, the opportunity to gain advanced entry onto honours degree programmes, both in Ireland and abroad.”
The huge range of courses available at BIFE offers learners fabulous opportunities, not only for those looking for additional skills or hoping to go directly into employment, but also as an alternative route on to a college course in a university or institute of technology in Ireland or abroad.
Over the past few years, graduates of BIFE have achieved honours degrees across a wide range of programmes, opening up a myriad of career opportunities from graphic design to performing arts to psychology.
This year BIFE will offer Higher National Diplomas in the following:
- Fine Art – Art Practice
- Acting
- Dance
- TV & Film (Moving Image)
- Music Production
- Music Performance
- Graphic Design
- Fashion Design
As Gabriel Allen explained, “These eight courses will allow graduating students to proceed to the final year of an honours Degree Programme in Ireland or Britain if that is their ultimate ambition.”
This year, the College has launched a number of new courses:
- Soccer Coaching in collaboration with Liverpool FC Level 5
- Occupational Therapy Assistant Level 5
- Podcasting & Streaming Level 5
- Dog Obedience & Training – Start Your Own Business Level 6
- Payroll & Office Administration Level 5
- Hospitality & Business Management Level 6
- Dental Nursing Level 5
- Optician Assistant Level 5
- English Language and IT Skills for International Students Level 5
- English Language and Business for International Students Level 5
Work Experience is a vital part of the BIFE courses and now all students in the College have the opportunity to complete a 3-week or a 3-month work placement abroad in countries such as Spain, Portugal, Italy, Finland, Malta or Czechia under the Erasmus+ Programme which is sponsored by the European Union. This is a terrific opportunity for our students, not only to gain valuable work experience in a European country, but also to experience a different culture and broaden their horizons.
Bray Institute will be holding its Grand Annual Career Day again this year on Friday 20th January from 10am to 3pm. Potential students, parents, and career guidance teachers will have the opportunity to speak to the staff and students who, with their educational knowledge and specialist industry experience, can guide you in the right direction. Workshops, demonstrations, presentations and career lectures will run throughout the day and visitors can speak to students and get their views on the courses.
Applications for September 2023 Courses are now open. Apply online at www.bife.ie or call the Institute any day during office hours on 01-2829668 for further information.
Pictured: Louise Fortune (Deputy Principal), Gabriel Allen (Deputy Principal), Ray Tedders (Principal), Erika Doyle (Chair of BMD), Tom Fortune (Chair of BIFE BOM), Ross Lee (Deputy Principal) with Minister Simon Harris who recently announced major developments at BIFE as the College has been chosen for a flagship “FET College of the Future”.
