An Accessible Introduction to Entrepreneurship and Independent Careers using a Blended –

Learning Methodology

Dr. Pio Fenton, WIT (Primary Author) Other contributors:

◦ Ms. Angela Collins, WIT Careers Service◦ Mr. Ciarán Cullen, Waterford County Enterprise

Board◦ Dr. Bill O Gorman, Centre for Enterprise

Development and Regional Economy

Built upon need for career opportunities in economically disadvantaged area

Aim to provide independent career options

Entrepreneurial flavour

Engender a sense of cohort

Provide practical skills and instil confidence

Blended learning for flexibility and sense of belonging

To engender a sense of empowerment in relation to the development of one's career specifically in terms of independent careers.

Provide access to established entrepreneurs with a view to establishing grounded knowledge exchange

To establish organic networks of support linking veteran entrepreneurs and novices in a manner that is good for all involved and has beneficial outcomes for the wider community.

To provide a base of knowledge and skills that increase confidence and self-belief but that also act as a guiding rope for career development and goal-achievement.

To induce a mindset of enablement that leads participants to seek further opportunities be they training, educational, vocational or venture oriented.

Introduction Day ◦ Keynote speaker◦ Group Activity◦ Engagement with mentor

Blended Learning Aspect◦ Project Management for businesses◦ Communication◦ Entrepreneurship and Independent careers.

Concluding /bridging event◦ Challenge◦ Future paths◦ Motivation Period

Some General Points◦ Inbuilt iterative approach would be useful◦ The concept of “Disadvantage” is quite narrow◦ Androgogy vs. Pedagogy◦ Some duplication in places◦ Need to outline a role for lead partner more clearly◦ Some points in the checklists are more to do with

administration of the course rather than design of the course – these should be separated more clearly

◦ Overall - a strong helpful structure for the development of a program

Identify Interested parties Create mainstreaming committee Identify training needs Integrating and evaluating feedback Society as a stakeholder Establishing the support network Training needs assessment (engagement) Mentoring role needs clarification