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.

As part of their programme our Health students must complete 100 hours work placement in their chosen sector and we are really excited for our students this year as they have secured some fantastic placements. Our Pre Nursing students will carry our work placements with The Mater, Rotunda and Mount Carmel, while some of our Physiotherapy Assistant students were fortunate to gain work experience with St James and Enable Ireland.  Additionally some of our Occupational Therapy and Speech and Language students will carry out placements with Adelaide & Meath Hospital and Cappagh Hospital.

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.

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.

As part of their programme our Business students undertook a visit to the Four Courts in Dublin City centre this week.  Our tutors are firm believers in field trips of this nature as it enhances the student learning experience and provides the student with real life experiences in thier field.

LauraLynn Children's Hospice are looking for Health Care Assistants to join there caring team so they can help more children.

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?!

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

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. 

The Glen Group, an organisation based in Balinteer Dublin are a group who organise summer camps for Teens/Adults with physical and intellectual disabilities and they kindly took time out to come into the college to deliver a guest lecture to our Special Needs and Health Education students.  They chatted in detail to our students about the opportunities of volunteering for the group and the great work that they have carried out over the years

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.

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. 

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.

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

A - Z Childrens Charity are seeking individuals with a nursing qualification to travel to Uganda on a voluntary basis in October for two weeks.  This could be your chance to help out with a worthwhile cause and help make a difference to the lives of those less fortunate while utiliziing your nursing skills. If you are interested in volunteering please contact Kevin Murphy, A -Z Childrens Charity, The Digital Depot, Roe Lane, Dublin 8 T: 086 888 6532

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.

Our Pre Nursing students engaged in their first field trip yesterday visiting the National Council for the Professional Development of Nursing and Midwifery.  The over riding message of the one day conference was Quality and Innovation: Achieving Excellence in Patient Care.