Given today's tough market place the competition for graduates to secure jobs is extremely high.  A good CV and excellent results are not enough.  Securing an interview is only the first part, how you conduct yourself while in the interview is what closes the deal.

I was kindly given the opportunity to sit in on Tony O'Brien's Anatomy and Physiology class in Croke Park as part of my work experience with Portobello Institute.  The classroom used to be an empty private box but now it's a warm classroom used to educated people of all ages in Sports and Health courses.  The classroom is facing out over the Cusack Stand giving a panoramic view of the pitch.  A big part of the Sports therapy classes is Sports therapy.  I got to see the classroom with the massage tables where most of the sports therapy takes place.  Unfortunately no Sports therapy classes were going on but I was very interested in the Anatomy and Physiology class.  Today's class focused mainly on revision of the nervous system.  This was complied of the central nervous system and how signals are sent and received.  The thing that made my work experience with Portobello so enjoyable was the warmth and friendliness of the staff and everyone that I worked with.

The Munster GAA Club day takes place on Saturday 2nd February in the INEC Killarney and Portobello Institute are delighted to be exhibiting on the day.

Have you ever thought about Training in a new sector or upskilling but money has been your one hurdle?  Then we have the perfect solution for you that could get you one step closer to your dream job.

A big date in the diary for all those involved in GAA training - The yearly GAA Games Development Conference takes places on Saturday (12th January 2013) at Croke Park.  This 1 day conference which is attended by coaches and trainers across the GAA board including Gaelic Football, Hurling, Camogie, Ladies  Football and rounders is a  must.  In addition to the various key note speakers presenting on they day it is also the ideal opportutnity for coaches and trainers to network amongst their peers.  Key speakers on the day include Billy Walsh, Eugene Magee, Pat Gilroy, JJ Doyle and many more.  On the day their will also be practicial coaching demonstrations taking place.

Reports in todays Irish Times state that the points system for entry into 3rd Level programmes is to raise yet again this year, meaning the competition for places is extremely fierce.  Each year the points requirement for the more popular courses soars and last year the points for Sciene in UCD rocketed to over 500, leaving many students devasted as their dreams slipped away from them with a matter of points.

Sports Clinic now open at Croke Park

Carton House, Maynooth currently require a part-time qualified Fitness Instructor for their wonderful leisure faculty. 

As part of continued learning it is always advisable to keep adding to your skill set and this is especially true within the Sports sector.  Portobello Institute have a number of short courses in our Sports Department available to compliment an existing sports qualification.

To take part in a 10k run takes strength and dedication but to run a Marathon, well that's a different ball game all together.  Recent Graduate and an avid Marathon runner himself Martin Baten trained eleven runners for the recent Dublin Marathon ensuring all runners were at their peak performance and would make it to the finishing line. Martin has always had an interest in long sports such as marathons, triathlons and adventure races and loves to motivate people.  It was through his passion for both that he set about a path of personal coaching.

Induction day for our Sports department was more significant this Autumn as our new students had the pleasure of being the first group to start their course at Croke Park.  This Autumn sees our Sports department moving over to the home of Gaelic games and Sports landmark Croke Park.  The new department is housed in the Cusack stand and over looks the impressive stadium - an amazing backdrop for any Sports student.  The full suite of Portobello sports programmes will be delivered at the new training rooms at Croke Par and Head of Operations for Croke Park Alan Gallagher was present at induction to welcome our new students and officially open the new training rooms.  The college is really excited about this new transition and look forward to working with Croke Park in the coming months.

Starting off the student year you want to look your best, but with new over heads such as accommodation, fees, books etc, funds can be tight.  Well hot foot it down to Jervis Shopping Centre tonight.  The centre has a Student Lock In for 1 night only from 6.30 to 9.30pm.  Lots of special discounts available from key stores in the Centre from New Look, Forever 21 and Topshop to name a few.  Get a hot new look at a fraction of the price -what's not to love?!

Croke Park, the pioneers of Sporting events since 1914 are a leading name in Irish Sports and Portobello Institute are delighted to announce that this Autumn they will deliver their popular sports programmes at Croke Park.

Occupational First Aid 3 day course is ideal for anyone wanting to up skill or refresh there first aid skills.The first Aid course will be delivered over a 3 day period on the 11th, 12th & 25th of August 2012.The course is recognised by the HSA and the PHECC (Pre Hospital Emergency Care Council). For further information >> Occupational First Aid - 3 day Course

Full time Sports Therapy student Martin Baten recently carrried out his work placement with Parnell GAA.  Here is what Martin has to say about his love of Sports and his next steps in his Sports career.

An essential part of any full time course at Portobello Institute is to undertake a work placement. This is when our students get the opportunity to put theory into practice in a real life work sitation.  It also gives the student the ideal platform in which to network amongst potential future employers. 

Choices the Education, Skills and Careers fair is back again.  This year the exhibition takes place at the RDS and will showcase the best in Educational providers and potential employers.  Over the course of the 3 days Portobello Institute will be exhibitiing (stand no 82) at Choices.  Our course advisors will be on hand to guide you through the range of programes the College has to offer for 2012 from Sports Therpay and Personal Trainer through to Fashion and Beauty Therapy.  The Choices exhibition is the ideal opportunity for those looking to seek out a new career or upskill in their chosen area.  The exhibition is perfect for school leavers, Third level students and graduates looking to further their knowlege in specific target sectors.  In addition to the many exhibitors taking part, there will also be  numerous seminars taking place delivered by industry experts. The career clinic is a definite visit where you can get all manner of adivise on your next career move and how to be successful in gaining your next big role. 

Do you suffer from a sports injury or stress related muscular pain?  Then our new Sports clinic could be the solution for you.  Portobello Institute are delighted to announce the launch of their new Sports Therapy clincic.  The clinic based at our main college in Lower Dominick street will offer the public a low cost sports injury treatment serivce.

Running your own business, whatever the industry takes great precision and organisational skills, whether its a start up business in the Beauty or Childcare industry or a growing business in Marketing or Finance.  Many students who pass through our doors ready to kick start their careers chose to go it alone.   While you may opt to employ someone to do your accounts or marketing for you while you concentrate on your own skill set it is strongly advisible to have general knowledge in definitive areas, allowing you to manage your business successfully and profitably.

Our full time Sports students headed to the Aviva Stadium, Landsdowne Road last week to attend a talk on Nutrional Advice for the 24 Hour Athelte.  Delivered by John Heisis, Director for Herbalife 24 students were informed of the many benefits for Athletes using Herbalife 24.  Many of the students will hopefully go on to work with top Athletes in their future careers so attending talks of this nature are a great way for them to build up as much information to help them both personally and within the job market.

After all the hard work and hours of study and dedication our full and part-time students from 2010 graduated at the Concert Hall, RDS.  Over 200 students attended on the day to receive their well deserved Diplomas which will lead them onto the first step of their career ladders in their chosen sectors.

Next week sees Dublins first ever Sports and Fitness Expo, 4th - 6th November.  Over the course of 3 days sporting professionals, amateurs, families and those just looking for some fun have the opportunity to sample the massive diversity of sports products and providers on the market today.

If you are thinking of upskilling or changing your career then Which Course at the RDS next weekend, 27th + 28th August is the ideal starting point in your search for a new you.  Portobello Institute will be exhibiting over the course of the weekend and our expert course advisors will be on hand to answer all your questions about our part-time and full time programmes.  We offer courses in Fashion, Makeup and Beauty to name a few.  A one year Fetac or Itec certificate or Diploma will provide you with a solid foundation on which to start a career in a new sector.  In association with Which Course Portobello Institute will be offering the chance to win a place on our popular Facial Makeup course which starts in October. The course is a great introduction to makeup and skin care, teaching you the techniques required to be a successful makeup artist. To be in with a chance to win and start an exciting career in makeup simply register with Which Course at www.whichcourse.ie

Have you ever sat down to watch the Apprentice and feel yourself screaming at the TV in frustration thinking you could do a better job than the latest contestants.  Do you think you have what it takes to make your stance in the board room in front of Bill Cullen and his side kicks Jackie and Brian and be the next big thing?  Well this is your chance to make a change in your ilfe as series Four is looking for contestants to take part in the Apprentice 2011.  This year there is a twist with Bill offering the winner a fantastic opportunity to launch thier own business under the mentorship of Bill and his team.  The winner receives the extremely enticing and rewarding six figure sum of €100,000 in additin to another €100,000 cash prize to kick start your business plan.  Bill is looking for enthusiastic, passionate individuals who have excellent Business acumen and skill to ensure thier business performs and is a success, be it a catering company, a marketing company or a digital online firm.  So if you think you have a staminer, attidue and business mindset to outshine the rest then get ready to set into Bills boardroom.

Are you looking to upskill, learn something completely new or simply trial a new area?  With our new Summer schedule there is something for everyone.  In addition to our part-time courses in areas such as Fashion, Beauty, Sports, Business and Childcare Portobello have devised a comprehensive portfolio of short courses and workshops across all sectors.  These workshops are the ideal addition to working professionals, or those who are thinking of moving into a new area and want to trial  it with shorter/taster programmes.

Personal Fitness Instructor and TV personality Karl Henry delivered a guest lecture to our Sports students on 15th March 2011.  Karl has a wealth of knowledge within Sports and Fitness which he spoke about in great depth to the students.  As well as running his own personal training service, Karl is a familiarface on TV as the fitness expert on popular TV show 'Operation Transformation'.  Karl spoke to the students about his experience to date and how to get started in Personal Training, the personal drive it requires and how to succeed in a challanging yet competitive career.

Portobello Institutes will form a unique link with Parnell's GAA Club over the coming months as the current Sports students will work alongside the club and all adult teams.  The relationship between the two bodies will include the following:

The Samoan Rugby team touched down in Ireland in November.  The South Pacific team took on Ireland’s rugby squad as part of the Guinness Series on 13th November at the impressive new Aviva stadium. Always eager to put their skills to good use, the Sports students from Portobello Institute worked alongside the Samoan team giving sports massages. Matt Taylor, head physiotherapist for the Samoan team said "The students at Portobello Institute were crucial in the Manu Samoa's tour recovery programme. Their manual massage therapy skills aided our players through a very tough training regime and test preparations in Dublin and we would welcome them back on the team anytime in the future".

Stephen Smith, the Senior Strength & Conditioning/Rehabilitation Coach for the Leinster Rugby squad knows a thing or too about ensuring players are at their peak condition and he will pass on some of this knowledge during his guest lecture at Portobello Institute.

This year we are delighted to welcome Enda McNulty as a guest lecturer at Portobello Institute. Enda is head of Motiv8 and recognised as Ireland's leading expert in leadership, motivation and performance coaching. He has played Gaelic games at the highest level for twelve years, culminating in winning seven Ulster Medals, an All Ireland Medal and a National League medal.

Stephen Smith, the Senior Strength & Conditioning / Rehabilitation Coach for the Leinster Rugby squad knows a thing or too about ensuring players are at their peak condition and he will pass on some of this knowledge when he visits the college on 1st December to deliver a guest leture to the Sports students.

All last week Sport Graduates and current Sports students got to put their skills to the test as they worked along the head phsyiotherapist for the Samoan Rugby Team.  This International team touched down in Dublin as part of their Northern Hemisphere Tour.