The Student View

Student Experience & Support

Creating a supportive, student-centred learning environment is our goal — and one we believe we are achieving. Below you’ll find feedback from learners who have studied with the Open Training College, alongside the support services available to you throughout your studies.

Student Testimonials

In their own words — feedback shared by graduates and learners across our programmes.

BA in Social Care — CORU approved course

“My OTC Social Care qualification was the turning point in my career. It gave me the confidence, professional skills, and recognised qualification I needed to move forward with purpose. I was able to learn online in a flexible way and at a pace that suited my life and work commitments, which made the journey achievable. The doors it opened allowed me to grow into new roles, taking on greater responsibility and progressing through several areas and layers of management within Brothers of Charity Southern Services — now Corlann. Today, as a Sector Manager, I’m directly involved in shaping and developing social care services. That journey began with OTC — and it can begin there for others too.”

Frank McNerney

Sector Manager, Corlann — Graduate of Social Care and Management courses

BA in Social Care

“On Saturday, I was thrilled to graduate from the Open Training College with a First Class in Social Care. I am beyond proud of myself and all the students that I had the pleasure of graduating alongside, and celebrate the dedication, hard work and lifelong friendships we have all formed since we began our journey. I am also delighted and absolutely honoured to share that I received The Gerry Clarke Memorial Award for recognition of outstanding application of learning to practice. My 3 years of study were honestly the best three years of my life to date — not only have I gained a vast range of skills and knowledge along with forming meaningful relationships with inspirational people, I have also learned so much about myself and my abilities in my role as a social care professional.”

Emily Fallon

Graduate of the BA in Social Care, 2022

Applied Management (Human Services)

“Can I just say how unbelievably relevant all the course content is now that I am putting it to use. It’s a top quality course and I’ve been recommending it to everyone that I talk to that has an interest in management.”

Shane Carolan

Prosper Meath, Management Graduate

Assisted Decision Making (ADM) Online Course

Recent comments from students at Rainbowsend (TerraGlen):

“I found this training very interesting and I found the way it was presented to be very easy to follow.”
“I found that the training course was very informative and easy to understand. It was also beneficial that the training allowed people to go at their own pace.”
“I learned everything I expected to learn in the course, and it will make working within my current role easier, as I now have extra knowledge with all the changes around the assisted decision making and capacity legislation.”
“I found it had a great level of detail but also delivered all of the key points.”

Staff from TerraGlen Residential Care Services (Rainbowsend)

Student Support Services

You are not alone — support is available

While college life is an exciting experience full of new opportunities, it can also be challenging and sometimes overwhelming. Managing the balance between life, study and work can be difficult for any of us. We want you to know that support is available throughout your learning journey with the College.

“In any given moment we have two options: to step forward into growth or step back into safety.”

— Abraham Maslow

Health & Wellbeing

The health and wellbeing of our students and staff is a key priority for the College. We aim to give you the space, support and information you need to care for, and improve, your health and wellbeing throughout your studies.

Confidential Support

OTC Student Support Services and our professional clinical partner, Spectrum Life, provide confidential dedicated support to students completing a course of one year or longer in duration, across a range of topics that promote a healthy lifestyle.

Student-Centred Learning

We work to create a supportive, student-centred learning environment, helping you manage the balance between life, study and work so that your learning journey with us is achievable and rewarding.

Spectrum Life Student Assistance Programme (SAP) — Brochure

An overview of the confidential support available to eligible OTC students through Spectrum Life.

How we support our students

Support at OTC is delivered in partnership with our professional clinical partner, Spectrum Life, and through our internal Student Support Services team.

Academic Support

Policies, procedures and supporting documentation that underpin OTC’s quality assurance framework.

Pastoral Support

Role, membership and governance responsibilities of the Academic Council overseeing programmes and standards.

Student Assistance Programme

Annual reports submitted to QQI documenting institutional quality, enhancement activities and outcomes.