Company Profile

IRISH ACADEMY OF TRAINING AND EDUCATION - COMPANY PROFILE

MISSION STATEMENT

 The mission of the Irish Academy is to have a positive impact on the lives of adults through the medium of training and education and by giving back to local communities and charitable organizations.

BRIEF HISTORY

 Since its foundation in 1995 the Irish Academy has evolved into a company that provides adult training and education across a wide range of disciplines which include Teacher Training, Beauty Therapies, Make-Up Artistry, Holistic Therapies, Fitness Therapies, Health Studies, Hairdressing, Business Studies, Self Development and Distance Learning. The company has grown from one employee and one freelance trainer, to nine employees and 15 freelance trainers since its inception. The company was started as an operation form a home office and has expanded to a 3000 sq ft facility and a number of satellite training venues. Its original offering of accredited massage courses has now developed into programmes which offer a range of career opportunities, and international qualifications for its learners. The Academy Are also the first company in their industry to establish an external board of Academics and Consultants to monitor and assist with quality control, and best practice, in training and education.

OUR ETHOS AND VALUES

The ethos of the company is centered around Quality, Customer Care and Giving Back. so the four main values that underpin our business are :-  Quality of Programmes, Customer Care, Learner Support and giving back to local communities and charitable organizations.

THE SERVICES WE PROVIDE

 The Irish Academy specializes in adult education. It offers programmes in Holistic therapies, Beauty Therapy, Make-Up artistry, Teacher training, Sports Therapies, Business Studies, Health Studies, Self Development and Distance Learning. Many of the Academies programmes are delivered on a part-time basis. Programmes range from one day workshops through to certificate and diploma programmes which can range from one month to nine months and can lead to National and International qualifications They also provide a number of post graduate programmes, one of the most popular been their Teacher Training qualifications. The Academies courses are designed to equip learners with a diverse range of career opportunities. The skills, and qualifications obtained enable learners to work from home or mobile, start their own business or seek employment. The programmes are also underpinned by business modules which assist the learners in becoming self employed, and job seeking skills which help them in seeking employment.

TRAINING FACILITIES AND LOCATION

 The Irish Academy headquarters are located in Waverley Business Park on the Old Naas Road Dublin 12 (directly opposite the Irish Farm Centre)We have invested heavily in providing state of the art training facilities for learners and trainers. Our 3000 sq ft facility is equipped with 3 training rooms, offices and kitchen facilities.We also have access to a 30 seater conference room, 50 seater auditorium and full canteen facilities in the adjacent Irish Farm Centre building, and are in the process of establishing several more training locations around the country.

MANAGEMENT AND STAFF

Principal Derek O Kelly was previously a training manager for 13 years with FAS and South Dublin County Council and has an academic background in adult education. He is also author of 3 books, the most recent been an online publication titled ‘Teaching Adults – A Guide To Best Practice’.

TEACHERS AND TRAINERS

Our teachers and trainers also commit to continuous professional development through the Academies world class teaching department so as to ensure best practice in delivery of subject matter.

COMMITMENT TO QUALITY

They have also developed academic links with the Institute of Technology Blanchardstown to develop online and distance learning programmes. Management, staff and trainers are also involved in continuous education and development to ensure best practice in all areas of the business.

LEARNER SUPPORT

 The Academy are synonymous with supporting learners through their studies via its learner support department and online facility. The Academy has a dedicated support officer who liaises with learners throughout their studies, and they also provide support via phone or email outside of course hours. The support and customer care procedures operate throughout the full learner cycle, from the first point of contact, through to aftercare guidance and advice. 

EXPERIENCE IN PROGRAMME DESIGN AND QUALIFICATIONS FRAMEWORKS

 The Academy have extensive experience in programme design and curriculum development through our many years of delivering awards that map to International qualifications frameworks. Principle Derek O Kelly has worked with a team of subject matter experts down through the years in designing and delivering a range of qualifications for FAS, FETAC, Local Authorities, National Governing Bodies, the HSE,  VEC’s and ITEC. The Academy is the first ITEC College in the world to design and deliver the ITEC teacher training programme, and are now world leaders in this field of teacher training. The Academy are also leaders in their industry for designing multi-media teaching and study aids, and are also the authors and publishers of Irelands first make-up book.    

ACCREDITATIONS AND PROFEESIONAL MEMBERSHIPS

• FETAC
• ITEC
• FAS (national register of trainers
• AIT (international insurer and validator of postgraduate training

• SFA (Small Firms Association) IITD (Irish Institute of Training and Development) AIT (Industry Membership and Insurer)

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

 The Irish Academy, through its mission statement and ethos, is committed to giving back to local communities and charitable organizations. We have demonstrated this through a variety of initiatives with National organizations and charitable institutes which includes some of the following.

The HSE

Establishment of a Beauty Parlor at the Bru Chaoimhin Nursing Home via the HSE’s National Nursing Home Training and Quality Initiative. The Academy donated all equipment and products and assisted in the training of the therapists.

Marie Keating Foundation

Following 2 years of writing and research, the Irish Academy and its principal Derek O Kelly, published and co-authored Irelands first Make-Up book. All proceeds from the sales were donated to the Marie Keating Foundation.The book was officially launched in June 2009 by Ronan Keating and distributed nationwide.

Respect (an organization that assists those with intellectual disabilities)

The Irish Academy donated the services of its Make-Up artists to a fundraising fashion show for the Respect foundation. The event which was organized via the Trinity Business Alumni was attended by more than 500 people and raised a considerable amount of funds for the charity.

FAS

The Academy has assisted FAS in the training and up skilling of its trainers on programmes in the South Dublin area while also supplying free training for students of the programmes in motivational and job preparation skills.

Local Partnerships and LES offices

The Academy has established strong links with Local Partnerships, LES Officers and Local FAS and Social Welfare Offices. We provide subsidized services, guidance and career advice for some of their clients and also provide training equipment and products at reduced costs.

VEC’s

The Academy have assisted a Youth reach project under the auspice of Cork VEC with the initiation of a beauty therapy programme and advice on curriculum development.

Local Schools and Community groups

The Academy have provided a variety of free educational workshops for community groups and attended Local Schools and exhibitions to provide careers advice and information. We also provide a drop in service for persons seeking career guidance.

IRISH ACADEMY – ETHOS AND CORE VALUES

 The ethos at the Irish Academy centres around our mission statement which aims to have a positive impact on the lives of adults and give back to local communities and charitable organisations. We have 4 values which stem from the ethos and permeate all sections of our business. They are as follows

QUALITY

 The quality we provide in our programmes and services, meets and exceeds, best practice in our fields. From our quality assurance procedures to the awards we provide, to the delivery of training, to the partners we work with. Everything we do, must meet or exceed, best practice.

CUSTOMER CARE

 We pride ourselves on being a human company with real people who can help customers with all their queries. Our attention to customer care is second to none. Information is dispatched quickly and customers have the option to visit in person and contact us as much as they need to ensure that they have all the information and are able to make informed decisions. This customer care policy continues from first point of contact through to after care services when people enrol on our programmes.

LEARNER SUPPORT

 Learners who enrol on our programmes have an unrivalled support system from within the college. We have dedicated support personnel that liaise with learners throughout their studies and learners also have telephone and email support outside of course hours.Learners also have access to one of the most modern online learner systems were they can access course materials and interact on forums with fellow learners.

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

 Our CSR is dedicated to “giving back to local communities and charitable organisations”. We demonstrate this on a regular basis by identifying various community projects, Organisations, and initiatives that we assist. We have also built excellent links with local FAS and Social Welfare offices and have provided subsidised training for their clients. Our charitable projects include The Marie Keating Foundation for which we published and authored Ireland’s first Make-Up book and donated to them all proceeds from the sales of the book. And the Respect foundation for whom we donated the services of 6 make-up artists to assist with a fundraising fashion show

BACKGROUND TO MANAGEMENT AND STAFF

Derek O Kelly- MD
Derek has extensive background in management and delivery of adult education programmes, where he worked for 13 years with FAS/South County Dublin developing, managing and delivering the Spoirt Teic programme which equipped learners with skills and qualifications for the sports, fitness and leisure industry.
In 1995 he set up the Irish Academy of Massage and Beauty Training which equipped learners with the skills and qualifications for the beauty and complimentary industry.

Qualifications
Diploma in adult education and training- NUI Galway
Certificate in business studies- Enterprise Ireland/Plato
Diploma in success Psychology – ABC’s Academy of Success
Diploma in teaching ITEC therapies
Diplomas in holistic massage, Indian head massage, sports massage, sports therapy and gym instruction.

Additional Training
Curriculum Development
HR Issues & Contracts of Employment
Effective Communications
Social Media
Trainer recruitment & selection process
Developing Blended Learning

Currently studying - Educational Psychology and its application in teaching and learning.

Veronica Clinton- MD
Veronica has extensive experience in operational procedures and customer care, where she has worked for 12 years as an Administration and Customer Service Manager. She became Managing Director of The Irish Academy in 2002.

Qualifications
Certificate in business studies – Enterprise Ireland/Plato
Certificate in starting your own business – ACE enterprise centre Clondalkin
ECDL certificate
Diploma in ITEC Beauty Therapies
Diploma in ITEC Holistic Massage
Diploma in ITEC Indian Head massage

Additional Training
Curriculum Development
HR Issues & Contracts of Employment
Effective Communications
Social Media
Trainer recruitment & selection process
Customer Retention
Marketing & PR

Breda Deegan- Head of  Finance & Accounts
Breda has worked in finance and accounts for 20 years. She has been with The Irish Academy since 2002 as Manager of their Finance and Accounts Department.

Qualifications
Accounting Technician – I.A.T.I
Certificate in customer service- Kildare Enterprise Board
ECDL- FAS Ballyfermot
ITEC Certificate -Professional Make-Up Artist
FETAC Certificate Level 6 – Train the Trainer

Additional Training
Curriculum Development
Marketing & PR
Company Policies & Procedure
Effective Communications & Sales Skills
Short term planning

Kathleen Garvey- Academic and Tutor Development Manager
Kathleen has 19 years collective general and human resource management experience within the food, textile, electrical, beauty and complimentary therapy industries. She also has extensive experience in the design and delivery of training & development programmes, and coaching for performance including programme implementation, assessment and evaluation. She has been with the Irish Academy since 2008 as Manager of their Academic and Staff Development Department.

Qualifications
ITEC Diploma -Teacher Training
ITEC Diploma - Beauty Therapies
ITEC Diploma - Holistic Massage
FETAC Certificate Level 6 - Train the Trainer

Additional Training
Curriculum Development
Marketing & PR
Effective Communications & Sales Skills
Trainer recruitment & selection process
Short term planning
Evaluation of effective teaching methods & environment

Currently studying – ITEC Diploma in Indian Head Massage

Raymond  Clinton – Webmaster & Head of IT
Raymond has worked in the IT Industry for 15 years and has extensive knowledge and experience in designing, implementing and managing websites. He has been with The Irish Academy since 2004 as Head of their IT Department.

Qualifications
Microsoft Certified professional
Networking Essentials – Microsoft
Web Design via SFA
Graphic design via Mould Graphic Solutions
Internet marketing via Optimum Digital Media

Additional Training
Social Media
Developing Blended Learning
Research & Development
Online learner Resources & Support
Short term planning

Teresa O Brien – Marketing & Public Relations
Teresa has worked in both the Retail and Manufacturing industry for 17 years. She has been with The Irish Academy since 2005 in their Administration and Sales Department. She has recently become Manager of their Marketing and PR Department.

Qualifications
Supervisory Management- Intel
Health and Safety in the workplace – Intel
ECDL – FAS Ballyfermot
IAB Certificate - Nail Technician

TEACHERS AND TRAINERS

IRISH ACADEMY ACADEMIC BOARD AND CONSULTANTS

 The Irish Academy has formed links with a number of subject matter experts in pursuit of excellence in training and education. The board  all have similar visions in working towards an educational environment which focuses on the learner.. The aim of the board is also to monitor and advise the Academy on best practice in training and education.

The board currently consists of

 ENDA BRENNAN

Enda Brennan is director of Oyster Coaching a company that specialises in Training, Consultancy and Coaching. Her company provides a range of FETAC accredited courses and Enda has assisted the Irish Academy in developing its FETAC related programmes. Her academic, and business background, has been invaluable to the Academy in developing a strategy to deliver education at a national level.Enda has a bachelor degree from UCD, a foundation Diploma in Training and Education from NUI Galway, is an NLP practitioner, and certified Business and Executive Coach.   http://www.oystercoaching.com 

JOHN FRANCIS LEADER 

John is an expert in success psychology and has dedicated his life to empowering others in leading a high quality life. He is an international speaker and director of the ABCs of Success™ Academy in Dublin. He is also the author of a number of publications on the subjects of achievement, balance and communication. He was instrumental in the training of the Principal of the Irish Academy, Derek O'Kelly, who has since developed modules in educational psychology for the Academy's teacher training programmes. John received his degree and diploma in Psychology from Dublin Business School, his advanced diploma in Psychotherapy from the Institute of Clinical Hypnotherapy and Psychotherapy and is a supervisor and member of the ICHP, NGH and ICF. http://www.JFL.com  http://www.abcsofsuccess.org. 

MICHELLE O KELLY

Michelle O Kelly has been one of the main drivers behind the Academies teaching and training programmes. Her academic background in mainstream teaching, and links with European projects in life long learning, have been invaluable in the design of curricula.Michelle is currently assisting in the design of distance learning programmes and online student resources.She is a graduate of University College Dublin, The University of Limerick, and Trinity College Dublin, and holds a higher diploma in education, an honours degree in business management and post graduate diploma in guidance counselling.

FIONA HEALY 

Fiona has played a major role in providing the Academy with up to date information on National and international trends in teaching. Her invaluable research skills have helped us identify the key competencies required for best practice in teaching and training adults.Fiona is a graduate of UCD and has a Masters in education. Her specialist skills in Leadership, Inclusive Education and Behavioural Codes have also contributed to the Academies World leading teacher training programmes Fiona is a graduate of UCD and has a Masters in education with specialist skills in Qualitative and Quantitative research methods.

THE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY BLANCHARDSTOWN The ITB Computer Science Department have linked up with the Academy through Enterprise Ireland, and its Innovation Voucher scheme. The ITB will be assisting the Academy in designing modern day online and distance learning modules. They will also be advising them on content management systems were learners will be able to access online course materials and archived tutorials.