Sir, Your Education Correspondent, Paul Cullen, wrote about the new job opportunities in the growing teleservices sector in Ireland (October 1st). The article included IBEC references to a lack of vocational education/ training for this industry. It is very difficult to predict the character of future job markets resulting from the continuous upgrading and use of new technology (the teleservice sector did not exist in 1991).
However, the education sector has in fact put a vocational education/training programme in place to provide the language and telemarketing skills required so urgently by the industry. Subsequent to months of consultation with the leading players in the sector and with the IDA, we now offer a two year programme in teleservices. The present students will avail of two sessions of overseas placements as integral elements of the course. Similar programmes are coming on stream in Cork and Dun Laoghaire.
The IDA has been extraordinarily successful in attracting overseas companies to set up in Ireland. The education sector, particularly the PLC sector, will respond quickly and appropriately in the deliver of the required job skills. Senior College, Ballyfermot, is always excited at being able to provide courses which lead to almost certain employment. Yours, etc.,
Principal,
Senior College,
Ballyfermot Road.,
Dublin 10.