Orla Keogh is originally from Galway and has been a resident of Carlow since 2007. She had completed a degree in Economics, Politics and Social Studies and worked within the hospitality and retail sector. But when the pub she worked in closed in 2018, Orla, who is married with three children, decided to explore her options to return to education.

Seeking a new direction, she started her journey with Kilkenny and Carlow Education and Training Board (KCETB), a leading provider of education and training in the south-east, enrolling in a QQI Level 5 Business Administration course in September 2019. The programme, initially conducted in person, transitioned to remote learning due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Orla then progressed to the QQI Level 6 Administration course in September 2020. Orla says her decision to join the KCETB courses was motivated by her desire to enter the administration and financial sector.

“I had heard good feedback from others who had attended courses with KCETB,” says Orla, “The range of modules offered through the Level 5 and 6 courses were relevant and provided a good foundation for entering the workplace.”

Orla says the Further Education and Training (FET) courses offered through KCETB offer adults opportunities for reskilling and upskilling and “the learning environment is very supportive and inclusive,” says Orla.

“Learners on KCETB FET courses have support to build their knowledge, experience, skills and confidence to take on remote work in the future.”

Orla’s investment in her education, and the skills she gained through KCETB, played a pivotal role in her journey to employment. In July 2021, she secured a position in the finance department at Teagasc’s head office in Carlow.

“I work under the hybrid system where we attend the office for three days and work remotely for two days. I enjoy this as it provides a good work/life balance. It is nice to have a slower pace without the commute two mornings a week, but you also get the social aspect on the other three days. Carlow is an excellent destination for remote work as it has great Wi-Fi and is an easy commute to Dublin if necessary.”

Orla says the skills she acquired through her KCETB courses have been instrumental in her transitioning to remote work.

Orla adds, “Without the QQI qualification and the necessary training, I would not have secured the position with Teagasc.

“Attending the course with KCETB had a really positive impact on my confidence and has allowed me to thrive in an area that matched my interests and ambitions for the future.”

A seamless transition to remote work

Shaun Dowling is at the forefront of adapting to the world of remote work. A proud resident of Graiguecullen, Carlow, Shaun, now 31, pursued his education at South East Technological University’s (SETU) Carlow Campus, graduating with a Bachelor’s Honours Degree in Marketing in 2015. After a period in Dublin, Shaun returned to Carlow and became an Online and Social Media Officer at SETU.

Through his role, Shaun decided to further his skills by completing a Level 9 Certificate in Digital Strategy through SETU’s Faculty of Lifelong Learning. The benefits of upskilling, combined with the programme’s remote format, made it a perfect fit.

Shaun says, “The course was very informative and practical and even though it was remote, I got to know my classmates really well through various breakout sessions held during our lectures. Completing the course remotely was a huge help given my busy schedule.”

The programme proved to be a wonderful experience, combining informative content with practical application. And now Shaun’s role as an Online and Social Media Officer at SETU allows him to explore a remote work environment too.

“Working remotely has been excellent,” says Shaun. “We have remote working systems provided to us that enable me to collaborate with my colleagues in Carlow and our other campuses in Waterford and Wexford. Working remotely is just another normal work day for me!”

Shaun attributes this comfort with remote work to his experience at SETU. “It was strange at the beginning when I was asked to speak or present online. The skills I learned during my postgraduate course were very helpful as it taught me to think and plan more strategically. This is something that I incorporate in my role every day now.”

Shaun’s journey with SETU has allowed him to embrace a hybrid work model and he enjoys an enviable work-life balance.

“Nowadays, I feel like I have so much more time for the things in my personal life that make me happy that I felt I was missing out on.

“Carlow is the perfect destination for remote working. The pace of life is slower and more easy-going than city life, but there’s still everything you need close by, whether it be sports, nature walks, shopping, restaurants and so much more.”

For those aspiring to enhance their remote work skills, Shaun encourages prospective learners to explore the diverse learning options SETU offers.

“Choose the path that suits you. And take your time when learning the new systems required to work remotely. Once you get used to them, you will find it hard to picture your professional life without them.”

Fostering inclusivity through online learning

Beth Boyd is a dedicated tutor in Carlow County Development Partnership’s (CCDP) Fáilte Isteach programme, a conversational English language initiative designed to help people from diverse backgrounds learn conversational English.

Beth’s story began in South Africa, where she developed a passion for language and community. After immigrating to Ireland, she seized the opportunity to volunteer with the programme.

“Although English is my first language,” says Beth, “I could empathise with the students trying to immerse themselves into a new country.”

The Fáilte Isteach programme is supported by the Social Inclusion Community Activation Programme.  The classes, previously held in person for two hours, transitioned to a remote format during the Covid-19 pandemic and were a great success.

“We reduced the class length to one-hour classes and increased the number of classes a week to two per group. The classes being online worked well. Not only were they learning English, but the classes also provided them with a social outlet during lockdown.

“Language is not just about speaking, but also about how to form the words and that is more difficult remotely. But we tried to keep it interesting and fun by bringing challenges and games into the classes.”

Beth believes one of the greatest outcomes of the shift to remote learning was the enhanced inclusivity of the Fáilte Isteach programme.

“Most people became very isolated during Covid,” says Beth. “But by reaching out to each group, we were connecting and learning. Our classes are more than just learning a language, it’s about making friends. It’s about being inclusive.

“Traditionally, the classes would have been delivered in Carlow Town, however, because we were teaching remotely, we had students engaging from different towns and villages across the county as barriers such as transport and childcare issues were removed. Once a person had an internet connection and Zoom, they were able to engage.”

For those looking to develop remote work skills or engage with the Fáilte Isteach programme, Beth emphasises the importance of reliable technology.

“It’s important to be able to work or stay in touch remotely. Not only for business but also for everyday life.

“I would also highly recommend volunteering at Fáilte Isteach. My students have gained enough confidence to enable them to go out and find jobs. They are able to talk to teachers and doctors alike. They have made friends and contributed to their communities. And I have learned so much about other countries and cultures.  It's a win-win situation.