LIFELONG learning is certainly in vogue at Limerick College of Further Education (LCFE) Fashion Department.
In May of this year Ann Barnes, Karina Graham and Elizabeth Farrell all completed their FETAC Level 6 Fashion Design course at LCFE. Prior to this, all three finished a FETAC Level 5 course in Design at the Mulgrave Street campus.
All three agree that their two years in LCFE was a very enjoyable and memorable time. Through their studies at LCFE the women have now acquired professional and practical skills in fashion and craft, business, alterations, tailoring and knitwear, while at the same time building lifelong friendships and memories.
Ann Barnes, who is presently researching the feasibility of setting up a mini business in alterations, commented: “I was made redundant and had difficulty finding work. As I always enjoyed sewing, I decided to re-train and learn new skills.”
Elizabeth Farrell also told the Limerick Post she found the course “very interesting, challenging and rewarding”. While Karina Graham confessed she was only planning to take part in the morning’s only programme, but instead opted to complete the full time course instead.
Head of the Fashion Department in LCFE, Miia Satama, explained that the aim of the two-year full-time programme is to provide learners with a comprehensive introduction to all aspects of the modern fashion trade.
“There is a strong focus throughout the programme on applying knowledge and skills practically to produce real results. A fashion portfolio which reflects the learner’s ability to deliver creative and original responses is prepared in first year,” said Ms Satama.
“It is exciting to see how learning traditional skills such as tailoring has become popular again, we are happy to share the learning experience with learners from all walks of life,” she concluded.
LCFE is currently taking applications for all its courses for the academic year 2014/2015.
