A WATERFORD man, whose post-Leaving Certificate working life began on local construction sites, has gone on to gain one of the top marks in the country for an accounting programme.
Alan Fitzsimons (24), from Kilmacthomas, is building a career in accountancy thanks to the Accounting Technicians Ireland (ATI) Diploma. The two-year programme is available in over 50 colleges across Ireland. Alan first took a summer job in the building trade on leaving school in 2015.
“When I finished secondary school aged 18 I felt further education was not for me at that time,” said Alan.
He stayed on the sites for three years before beginning the Diploma at Dungarvan College. It is also available through Waterford College of Further Education. He then moved straight to year two of the BA Honours Degree in Accountancy at Waterford Institute of Technology and never looked back.
“Accounting Technicians Ireland provides opportunities for people of any age to return to education.
“I am thrilled to know now that I made the right decision. After completing the Diploma, I was accepted straight into year two of the BA Honours Degree,” said a delighted Alan.
