My name is Elaine. Working as an electrician for 20 years I undertook some job related practical courses. In May 2008 I found myself unemployed. I felt I needed a new direction and not having studied academically for 20 years and not sure what was available to me and I needed educational up skilling.

 I then saw an advertisement for the downtown centre course and made some initial inquiries. After which I was called for an interview. My first impression was that the course suited my needs perfectly. I found all staff and lecturers very encouraging and helpful.

 As I hoped to do an engineering degree I elected to do the science option. The subjects included biology, chemistry, maths, computers and communications. I found maths and computers invaluable in my following studies. On successful completion of the downtown centre course I secured my place in L.I.T, but because of prior work experience and some night classes I had completed, I gained access to year three of the Renewable Energy and Electrical Systems degree (level 7).

Starting in L.I.T at year three I found that the experience of the downtown centre course a great foundation to base my studies. I successfully completed the level seven degree in May 2010 and now hopeful to complete the B. Eng in Facilities Engineering (level 8) in May 2011.