St. Michael's House Open Training College was one of thirteen adult education organisations that received an AONTAS Star Award at the launch  ceremony of the week-long Adult Learners’ Festival on Monday 22nd February. The award was presented to the college by Minister Sean Haughey T.D in acknowledgement of the contribution the Open Training College has made in the area of adult education, particularly in relation to encouraging adults to return to education to improve their skills and undertake third level programmes.

In presenting the award, the Minister said the “real stars here today are you, the students - I want to heartily congratulate each and every one of you on your significant achievement. You should feel very proud of your success."

The college which was founded in 1992, offers a range of courses up to honours degree level for staff working in disability, social service and not-for-profit settings. To date over 2,600 students have participated in courses at the college with over 600 students currently enrolled.

In accepting the award, Karen Finerty, College Director, said “The Open Training College is delighted to be recognised for the contribution its BA in Applied Social Studies (Disability) has made to adult education. With high unemployment, it is now even more important that mature students are encouraged to improve their education and skills. The course offers students a unique opportunity to apply their learning in a practical way to their work setting.”

For further information on the courses offered by the Open Training College, click here.