National Tour Guiding
Develop the professional, technical, social and administrative skills needed to deliver a professional tour guiding experience. National Tour Guides can work anywhere in Ireland.
| Award Name | Special Purpose Certificate (Level 6 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Special Purpose |
| Awarding Body | QQI |
| NFQ Level | Level 6 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Special Purpose Certificate (Level 6 NFQ) | Special Purpose | QQI | Level 6 NFQ |
Duration
27 weeks
Entry Requirements
Minimum
• Applicants must be 16+ years of age on entry to the course.
• QQI Level 5 Major Award or equivalent.
• Mature applicant route available for applicants aged 23+.
• Competent written and spoken English (CEFR B2 or Higher).
• Non-EU/EEA applicants must have permission to work in Ireland.
Additional
• Must have a motivation to learn, an interest in the subject and the ability to acquire the knowledge, skills and competencies set out in the course.
• Able to relate to a variety of individuals and groups is desirable.
• Fluency in a second language is desirable.
• A full class B driving licence is desirable.
• Knowledge of Ireland’s geography, tourist product, social and political history is desirable.
• Previous relevant industry experience is desirable.
• Excellent communication & interpersonal skills.
• Good numeracy skills.
• Basic computer skills.
• Garda vetting is a requirement for this programme and participation is subject to a satisfactory outcome of the Garda vetting process
Careers / Further progression
What are the employment opportunities?
Participants who successfully complete this course will seek positions as tour guides employed directly or on a freelance basis with tour operators and tour guide companies.
Further information
Start Date 16/10/2023
End Date 19/04/2024
Monavalley, Tralee or Killarney, CO Kerry
No fees
All materials and books are provided.
Learner payments may be available to some applicants.
Learners on full-time programmes at Kerry College have a number of funding options.
1. DEASP (Department of Employment and Social Protection). Contact your local INTREO office.
2. SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland). Apply at: www.susi.ie
If eligible, learners may only receive one of these payments while participating on a Kerry College full-time programme.
Learner Allowance
Also known as a Training Allowance.
To avail of a Learner Allowance, an applicant must be in receipt of a qualifying DEASP payment at course start. Allowances/payments are based on attendance and are paid by Kerry College directly to learners for the duration of the course. You may also receive accommodation or travel allowance if you meet the criteria.
Back to Education Allowance
To avail of a Back to Education Allowance (BTEA) the applicant must apply directly to the DEASP. BTEA is paid by DEASP directly to learners for the academic year. There is no option to receive any other payment or receive an accommodation or travel allowance.
SUSI Grant
SUSI is a maintenance grant available only for courses that are SUSI approved. Payments are made directly to the learner in the form of grants to cover the academic year.
There is no option to receive any other payment or receive an accommodation or travel allowance. A full-list of eligible course along with details on how to apply is available on SUSI.ie.
No Payment
A learner who is not eligible for Learner Payment, BTEA or SUSI may still apply and participate on any Kerry College course.
Courses for employment offer travel or accommodation support payments, if criteria are met.
Funding towards Travel, Accommodation and Meals
At present, learners on courses for progression do not qualify for travel/accommodation/meal payments. These payments relate only to learners on courses for employment. Learners may receive Travel or Accommodation Allowance - but not both. Your payment will be calculated and processed at course registration.
Travel Allowance
A travel allowance is a contribution towards the learner’s cost of travel based on the distance from the learner’s primary place of residence to the campus location.
To qualify, learners must live more than 3 miles/5km away from the campus location they are attending. Travel Allowances are not payable to participants on Night Training courses.
Accommodation Allowance
An accommodation allowance may be paid to learners who need to relocate in order to attend a course for employment.
To qualify, learners must live more than 20 miles/32km away from the campus location they are attending. For up to date information on this, please see: kerrycollege.ie/learner-information
National Childcare Scheme
The NCS (National Childcare Scheme) provides childcare supports for those on full-time education and training programmes. Full details can be found on the www.ncs.gov.ie webpage.
You may apply via your MyGovID account or contact Kerry County Childcare Committee at 066 718 1582 to discuss which childcare supports are available to you.
Applicant Screening - Admissions Interview
Apply via Fetchcourses.ie - view link below.
WHY SHOULD I APPLY?
• You enjoy people and sharing stories.
• Opportunities for travel.
• Strong demand for qualified guides.
• Seasonal work.
WHAT WILL I STUDY?
• Irish National Heritage & Culture (6N20231)
• Irish Tour Guiding (6N20229)
• National Tour Management (6N20230)
Special Purpose Award Certificate in National Tour Guiding (6S20232)
CERTIFICATION
Irish National Heritage & Culture (6N20231)
Irish Tour Guiding (6N20229)
National Tour Management (6N20230)
QQI Level 6 Special Purpose Award Certificate in National Tour Guiding (6S20232)
** Employment-Focused Course
If getting a job is your priority, browse our employment focused courses. These courses help build job ready skills to increase your chances of finding work. Qualifications are offered at QQI Level 5 and Level 6 but also a range of professional and industry-led certifications.
Contact the Kerry College Admissions Office on 066 714 9696 or info@kerrycollege.ie