A new Adult Guidance Counsellor has been appointed by Donegal ETB to its Further Education and Training (FET) Service in South Donegal.
Deirdre McLoone (pictured above) takes up her position this month. Originally from Letterkenny, Deirdre completed a Humanities degree and Postgraduate Certificate in Education in Ulster University.
After working as a teacher of English in De La Salle High School in Downpatrick for ten years, with the last three as Head of the English Department, she returned to Letterkenny in 2012 to work with the Donegal Travellers Project, supporting women returning to education and work.
Deirdre subsequently worked with Swilly Group for eight years as an Employment Liaison Officer on contracted training courses with various ETBs nationwide, supporting students with career planning, further training options and employment progression, whilst building an extensive employer network in a range of sectors. During this time, Deirdre completed her Masters in Adult Guidance Counselling with Dublin City University.
Speaking about her new appointment Deirdre said, “I am privileged to be part of Donegal ETB’s Adult Guidance and Information Service team. The Service provided throughout the county is absolutely essential, especially in these uncertain times. People of any age can be unsure about what to do next with regard to their education, training or personal goals, be that school leavers or adults returning to education.
“The Adult Guidance and Information Service team provides confidential, impartial and person-centred support to clients/students, who need guidance on where to go or what to do in the next phase of their lifelong learning journey. I am looking forward to fostering this ethos in the work I do on behalf of the team, whilst supporting and empowering clients in their decision-making processes.”
Around 1,500 adults and young people from across the county avail of it each year.
Donegal ETB’s Assistant Training Centre Manager Deirdre McColgan, who also manages the Adult Guidance and Information Service, congratulated Deirdre on her appointment saying, “I’m delighted to welcome Deirdre to Donegal ETB, and I know she will be an incredible asset to the Adult Guidance and Information Service. With her extensive experience in education, training and working with a wide range of clients, we are excited to welcome Deirdre to South Donegal.”
Those who would like to make appointment to meet an adult guidance counsellor should call 074 9178088 or email adultguidance@donegaletb.ie.
