An anesthetist from Ukraine has upskilled with Donegal Education and Training Board (ETB) to find a rewarding job during his time in Ireland.
Valerii Iakovchuk, who fled the war in Ukraine and is now living in Dungloe, longs to practice medicine in Ireland.
But first, he has to pass an English language exam and other medical exams to be recertified to practice.
Valerii decided to improve his English skills through work and education with the support of Donegal ETB’s Further Education and Training (FET) Service.
He was always interested in finance and policies, so in his determination to get back into employment, he set out to gain the skills to enter the new sector.
Valerii found a full-time administration job soon after completing a Level 2 ACCA Diploma in Financial and Management Accounting. This is a blended course taking place online four days, with an in-person workshop one day per week.
Students also undertake QQI Level 5 component awards Manual and Computerised Payroll, Manual and Computerised Bookkeeping and Start Your Own Business.
“The ETB is full of friendly and helpful staff. I was very happy to attend the Letterkenny Training Centre,” Valerii said.
“I learned PRSI, USC, tax credits, and it helped me find my work.”
Valerii succeeded in his exams and with his newfound skills he was employed locally.
Valerii didn’t stop there, in his drive to gain more qualifications he enrolled in a part-time evening programme to get an ACCA Level 3 qualification in Financial and Management Accounting. This evening course is funded through the Skills to Advance initiative.
“This course is more specific and is very interesting for me to learn more about accounting.
“I see there is a lack of accountants in Ireland and I would recommend this great profession.”
Valerii’s first profession as an anesthetist is still calling him, he says, and he has his sights set on perfecting his English. English language training with Donegal ETB has been a huge part of his training for the upcoming International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
Valerii is keen to praise his teachers for their support over the past two years. “Marguerite McGee and Claire Curran have been fabulous and Elena Gill in Adult Guidance is just amazing. They explain everything so clearly.
“ETB is brilliant, it has great staff and great courses. I would recommend everyone who wants to find a job to enquire with the team.”
Valerii’s ACCA Diploma was funded by the European Union. #EUinMyRegion
Valerii’s courses are only some of the many full and part-time business and IT courses offered by Donegal ETB’s FET Service – you’ll find their full range of courses across the county on their website, where you can also apply online at any time www.donegaletb.ie/fetcoursefinder.
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